Overview
Public health law, as a discipline, is a rapidly growing field of education, research, and practice. The J.D./MPH combined degree program provides students with theoretical and practical understanding of how public health and law intersect to protect and advance the public’s health. Graduates of this program are able to use the science of public health to research and identify public health issues and use law to develop policies and regulations that secure long term, sustainable public health solutions. This program prepares students with a multidisciplinary perspective for work in government and policy, executive administrations of healthcare organizations, and practice law in private firms and public agencies.
The J.D./MPH degree program exists because of a partnership between the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law and the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health and offers an accelerated, coordinated course of study. Several courses at each school satisfy requirements for both degree programs; as a result, the combined degree program saves a student time and money. Students are able to earn both degrees within four years rather than the standard five years when the degrees are pursued independently.
Completion of all J.D./MPH course requirements, including the two final projects (Applied Practice Experience and Integrative Learning Experience), ensures that graduates have attained the MPH core competencies and the J.D./MPH competencies:
MPH Core Program Competencies
J.D. MPH in Public Health and Law Program Competencies
Admissions Requirement
Application for admission to the J.D./MPH program must be made separately to the J.D. program and the MPH program. Applicants must file a Declaration of Intent to Pursue a Combined Degree with both colleges.
Information and Application Requirements for MPH Program
Biology Competency Requirement: Students are required to pass all 3 exams or successfully complete the courses prior to or within the first semester of coursework. Courses do NOT count toward the minimum 42 credit hours for the MPH degree. View more information on Public Health Biology Competency exam.
Recommended Course Schedule for JD/MPH Dual Degree
Full-Time Enrollment Guide
Fall Year 1
Law School Required Courses (15)
Spring Year 1
Law School Required Courses (15)
Summer Year 1
HPMT 5103: The Health Care System (3)
Fall Year 2
Law School Required Courses (12)
BIOS 5013: Biostatistics I (3)
Spring Year 2
Law School Required Courses (6)
COPH 5003: Introduction to Public Health (3)
HBHE 5104: Health Behavior & Health Education (3)
ENVH 5102: Environmental & Occupational Health (3)
Summer Year 2
EPID 5112: Epidemiology I (3)
Fall Year 3
Law School Required Courses (6)
LAW 6350: Administrative Law (Taken at Bowen School of Law)
HBHE 6436: Communication for Public Health Leaders (3)
HPMT 5203: Public Health Law and Ethics
Spring Year 3
Law School Required Courses (12)
COPH 5421: Rural and Global Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment (3)
Summer Year 3
COPH 5346: Social Determinants of Health (3)
Fall Year 4
Law School Required Courses (3)
HPMT 5113: Management of Health Care Organizations (3)
COPH 5989: Applied Practice Experience1 (3)
Spring Year 4
Law School Required Courses &/OR Electives (6)
COPH 5991: Integrative learning Experience Seminar (1)
COPH 5992: Integrative Learning Experience Project2 (2)
1Students in the JD/MPH program may be able to count the same project for COPH 5989 Applied Practice Experience and Experiential Learning requirement if the project adheres to the requirements of both programs and is approved by their program advisor at each college.
2Students in the JD/MPH program may be able to count the same project for COPH 5992 and the Upper Level Writing and/or Policy and Perspectives requirement if the project adheres to the requirements of both programs and is approved by their program advisor at each college.
For More Information
Office of Student and Alumni Affairs
4301 West Markham, Mail Slot #820
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501.526.6605