JD/MPA
Frequently Asked Questions
Western Michigan University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School
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What is the nature of these joint programs? |
Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Western Michigan University recognize that there is a close association between the law and public administration. Students in the JD and MPA programs can benefit from both curricula. From a practical standpoint, the joint programs allow participating students to transfer six semester hours of credit from one degree program to the other, resulting in a total course reduction of twelve semester hours if both degrees are completed.
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Where are JD and MPA courses offered? |
Thomas M. Cooley Law School courses are offered at the law school facilities in downtown Lansing, and some are also offered in Grand Rapids. MPA courses are offered at Western Michigan University's Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and Lansing campuses.
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May I apply simultaneously for admission to the JD and MPA programs? |
Prospective students may apply simultaneously or sequentially. It is recommended that that individuals submit their first application to the program that is of primary interest to them. Regardless of when individuals apply, they must take the minimum number of credit hours in the first program before they begin taking courses in the second program to which they are admitted.
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If I am admitted to one program, am I guaranteed admission to the other program? |
Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Western Michigan University’s MPA program maintain independent admissions policies, standards, and committees. As a result, it is possible that a student will be admitted to one program and will be denied admission to the other program. For more information concerning the admissions standards and processes for both programs consult the web pages of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Western Michigan University’s School of Public Affairs and Administration
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How will Western Michigan University and Cooley Law School know that I intend to pursue these joint programs? |
A student's file at both institutions must include a signed, approved “Statement of Intent,” which the student should submit immediately after admission to the second program.
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Are there time limits on completing the JD and MPA degree requirements? |
All JD requirements should be fulfilled within six years of completing the first law course. Similarly, Western Michigan University policies require that all MPA requirements must be completed within six years of enrolling in the first MPA course. Exceptions to these six-year completion limits may sometimes be granted by both institutions under justifiable circumstances.
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Am I required to complete the JD and MPA requirements by the same date or may I finish the requirements for one program before I complete the requirements for the second degree program? |
The order in which students complete their law and MPA degree requirements is their decision in consultation with their program advisors. Students may complete one degree before starting the second, complete both sets of program requirements by the same date, or any other combination of coursework that suits their circumstances. Students are urged to avoid course loads at both institutions that might jeopardize their status in good academic standing. At Cooley Law School, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to remain in good academic standing. At Western Michigan University, a student must maintain a 3.0 or higher.
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I have completed all MPA program requirements. Is it still possible for me to pursue the JD/MPA Joint Degree Program? |
MPA Alumni may certainly apply for admission to the Thomas M. Cooley Law School’s JD Program. However, if all MPA program requirements have been completed before matriculation in the JD program, none of the MPA credits can be transferred to the JD degree.
Students who are currently enrolled in the MPA program and have not completed their core courses, the legal dimensions concentration requirement, or six credit hours of concentration electives have two options. They may transfer up to six semester hours of credit with advisor approval, or they may secure a waiver of all or part of those six hours in their WMU permanent programs. For these transfers or waivers to take place, students must be admitted to the Cooley Law School and have a signed, approved “Statement of Intent” on file at both institutions before completing the courses.
All initial questions concerning the program requirements or the transfer of credits should be referred to Thomas M. Cooley Law School or your MPA advisor.
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What happens if I become a participant in these joint programs and then decide to pursue only one of the degrees? |
The graduation requirements and all other policies of the institution where the student continues his or her course work will apply.
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May I apply for financial aid at both institutions? |
During a given semester, individuals may receive aid at only one institution. However, students may apply at the Western Michigan University Financial Aid Office during semesters/session in which they are taking most of their MPA courses and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School Financial Aid Office during the semesters in which they are completing most of their law courses.
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Which tuition rates apply? |
Cooley Law School tuition rates and fees apply to all JD courses, and Western Michigan University tuition rates and fees apply to all MPA courses.
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How can I get more information about the J.D./M.P.A. Degree Programs? |
Visit the web pages for the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and the School of Public Affairs and Administration. Students are encouraged to consult with their designated academic advisors and to assure that a signed “Statement of Intent” is included in their student folders at both institutions upon admission to both programs.