Dual JD/MPH Program

Program Highlights

Public health law is a rapidly growing field, and the Juris Doctorate/Master of Public Health (J.D./MPH) combined degree program provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of how public health and law intersect. The program aims to equip graduates to use the science of public health for research and identification of public health issues, and to use law to develop policies and regulations for sustainable public health solutions.

This dual degree is a partnership between the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law and the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. It prepares students with a multidisciplinary perspective for careers in government and policy, executive administration of healthcare organizations, and legal practice in private firms and public agencies.

The program offers an accelerated, coordinated course of study, allowing students to earn both degrees within four years, as opposed to the standard five years if pursued independently, thus saving time and money.

Delivery Modes

The J.D./MPH dual degree program is structured for full-time enrollment. Coursework is completed through a coordinated schedule at both the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law and the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, indicating an on-campus learning experience.

Curriculum Overview

The J.D./MPH program integrates coursework from both law and public health. The MPH component requires a minimum of 42 credit hours, not including prerequisite biology competency courses. Successful completion ensures graduates attain both MPH core competencies and specific J.D./MPH competencies .

Key MPH coursework areas include:

• The Health Care System (HPMT 5103)

• Biostatistics I (BIOS 5013)

• Introduction to Public Health (COPH 5003)

• Health Behavior & Health Education (HBHE 5104)

• Environmental & Occupational Health (ENVH 5102)

• Epidemiology I (EPID 5112)

• Public Health Law and Ethics (HPMT 5203)

The program culminates in an Applied Practice Experience (APE - COPH 5989) and an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE - COPH 5991 Seminar, COPH 5992 Project). These capstone experiences may fulfill requirements for both the J.D. and MPH degrees if they adhere to the requirements of both programs and are approved by advisors at each college.

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students must apply separately to the J.D. program at the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law and the MPH program at the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. A Declaration of Intent to Pursue a Combined Degree must be filed with both colleges.

For the MPH program, students must meet a Biology Competency Requirement. This involves passing three exams or successfully completing the corresponding courses prior to or within the first semester of MPH coursework. These biology courses do not count toward the minimum 42 credit hours for the MPH degree. More information can be found on the Public Health Biology Competency exam page .

Detailed information and application requirements for the MPH Program are available.

Career Outlook & Practical Experience

Graduates of the J.D./MPH program are prepared for diverse career paths that leverage expertise in both law and public health. These include roles in government and policy development, executive administration within healthcare organizations, and legal practice in private firms or public agencies that address public health matters.

The curriculum emphasizes practical application through the Applied Practice Experience (APE) and the Integrative Learning Experience (ILE). These components provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and to synthesize learning from both degree programs.