Dual JD/MPH Program

Program Highlights

The Joint Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Public Health (MPH) program is collaboratively offered by Harvard Law School (HLS) and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. It is designed to prepare individuals with an interest in both law and public health for careers in health law, public health policy, or related fields. The program aims to develop interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, allowing students to earn both a JD and an MPH.

Delivery Modes

The program is delivered on-campus and is a full-time commitment. The MPH component typically starts in the fall as part of the integrated three-year joint degree structure.

Curriculum Overview

Students fulfill requirements for both the JD and the MPH degrees. The MPH component is a 45-credit program. Students choose one of two fields of study for the MPH:

• Global Health

• Health Policy

JD requirements include the standard first-year HLS curriculum, a minimum of 52 upper-level credits, a professional responsibility course, the international and comparative law upper-level course requirement, the J.D. Written Work Requirement, and the Pro Bono Requirement.

The MPH curriculum includes core courses, such as an intensive, integrated course in biostatistics and epidemiology. A 5-credit Practicum (course ID261 and an independent field experience) is required in the final year, which can be integrated with the HLS J.D. Written Work Requirement. At least 32.5 ordinarily-graded credits must appear on the Harvard Chan School transcript.

The program is structured over three academic years. The first year is spent solely at HLS. During the second and third years, students are enrolled in and take courses at both schools.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must apply separately to the JD program at Harvard Law School and the MPH program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Admission to the Harvard Chan School MPH program for the joint degree typically occurs during the student's first year (1L) at Harvard Law School.

Eligibility Criteria for MPH Component:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

• Completion of the 1L year at Harvard Law School prior to matriculation at the Harvard Chan School.

• Strong academic record in undergraduate work and any graduate study undertaken.

• Evidence of strong performance in prior coursework in mathematics and quantitative methods.

• Evidence of prior academic exposure to concepts in life sciences, health care, global health, and/or health policy.

MPH Application Requirements (via SOPHAS):

All applications must be submitted through SOPHAS – the centralized application service for public health programs . In addition to the application, applicants must submit:

• English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test), if applicable.

• Statement of purpose and objectives

• Standardized test scores (optional with guidance).

• Three letters of reference.

• Resumé/curriculum vitae.

• Post-secondary transcripts or mark sheets (World Education Services credential evaluation for applicants with degrees from outside of the United States).

MPH Application Deadline: December 1.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the JD/MPH program are prepared for positions in a variety of settings. These include law firms; local, state, provincial, or national government; intergovernmental organizations; donor aid agencies; nongovernmental or nonprofit organizations; entrepreneurial initiatives; and academia.

Practical experience is a key component of the program. MPH students complete a 5-credit Practicum, which involves an independent field experience. This can often be integrated with the JD Written Work Requirement. Additionally, HLS students must satisfy the Pro Bono Requirement of a minimum of 40 hours of public service.