Master of Science

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Why this graduate degree program may be for you

The Master of Science in Law & Public Policy is an interdisciplinary public policy program that prepares students for careers in government, non-profit and legal organizations, and research. If you are looking for a public policy program that is more than applied economics, you will appreciate our focus on strategizing public policy.

The Law & Public Policy program examines law, legal institutions, and public policy from an interdisciplinary social science perspective. Students examine a full range of strategies for creating policy change, including legislation, litigation, the ballot box, and civil action. Students engage in policy analysis and applied research that develops real-world solutions to public policy challenges.

What can you expect from the program

The program begins begin with core courses in theories of public policy, research methodology, law, and economics. Then each student develops a unique plan of study in his or her chosen policy field. Students leave the program with solid theoretical grounding in public policy, a toolkit of research methodologies, and expertise in one or more policy areas. Students receive individualized advising from a faculty member in their policy focus area who can guide them in developing a curriculum and planning a career. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and typically have several years of work experience making the classroom environment especially rich.

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Curriculum

Master’s candidates are required to successfully complete 37 semester hours of graduate coursework. One elective must be taken in the Law School. Credits cannot be double counted toward a law degree. Students may enroll in the program on a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time students can expect to complete the degree program in two academic years; part-time students in three years. Courses are offered in the evenings.

Information accurate as of October 2012. Requirements and policies subject to change. For up-to-date information, contact Louis DaRos or visit the official graduate catalogue at http://www.northeastern.edu/registrar/catgrad1213.pdf.

Core Courses and Syllabi

Policy Focus Areas

  • Crime, Law, and Justice
  • Health Policy
  • Sustainability, Climate Change and the Environment
  • Urban Policy

Core Faculty

  • Len Albright
  • Barry Bluestone
  • Chris Bosso
  • James Connolly
  • Alan Clayton-Matthews
  • Richard Daynard
  • Joan Fitzgerald
  • James Alan Fox
  • Steve Nathanson
  • Stephanie Pollack
  • Matthias Ruth
  • Gavin Shatkin
  • Michael Tolley
  • Daniel Urman

Financial Aid and Scholarships

In addition to needs-based financial aid, a limited number of tuition discounts and scholarships are available. We urge you to complete your application for admission as early as possible. Applications for financial aid are processed after students have been admitted into the program. For complete details, go to Tuition and Financial Aid.

Admissions

To apply to the MS in Law & Public Policy program, please submit:

  • Completed application
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended
  • Personal statement
  • Current resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Application fee
  • GRE General Scores  (The code for Northeastern University for the GRE is R3682.)

All applications must be submitted online through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Application Deadlines:

U.S. Students

  • December 1 for Spring Semester
  • February 1 for Fall Semester (with priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships)
  • August 1 for Fall Semester

Non-U.S. Students

  • May 1 for Fall Semester
  • October 1 for Spring Semester

LPP Graduate Programs Handbook 2012-13

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  • Alumni Spotlight

    Amanda Schwartz

    Amanda Schwartz, MS '11

    Partnerships Manager
    Partners in Health

    Amanda works with partner organizations who can help Partners in Health further their mission to break the cycle of poverty and disease. Partners In Health is a Boston-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality medical care and social justice to the destitute sick living in some of the world's poorest places.