The combined Master of Science in Environmental Science–Doctor of Jurisprudence program is a four-year, 115-credit-hour sequence of courses and research that provides depth and breadth in both environmental science and law. Both degrees are awarded when the student meets the degree requirements of the Mauer School of Law and SPEA.

Application and Admission

The student must have a bachelor’s degree in a physical or life science, engineering, or related field. Students interested in the joint M.S.E.S.–J.D. must apply to both the Mauer School of Law and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Students normally apply to both schools concurrently for the combined program. It is possible, however, for a person already enrolled in the Mauer School of Law to apply for admission to the School of Public and Environmental Affairs up to the end of the second year of law study. A student enrolled in SPEA may seek admission to the Mauer School of Law up to the end of the first year of the M.S.E.S. program.

Academic Standing

Grade point averages in the School of Law—Bloomington and SPEA are computed separately. To continue in the program, the student must meet the academic standards in each school. A student failing in one school but meeting academic standards in the other may complete work for the degree in the school in which academic standards are being met. Such completion must be according to the same conditions required of regular (noncombination) degree candidates; that is, 82 credit hours for law and 48 credit hours for SPEA. Students are eligible for honors in each school based on the criteria of each school.

Program Advisors

Students enrolled in the combined program are required to have a SPEA faculty advisor and are encouraged to seek an advisor from the faculty of the Mauer School of Law. The co-advisors can then review and counsel with respect to each student’s course selection for each semester to assure attainment of educational objectives.

School Residency Students in the joint M.S.E.S.–J.D. program should enroll in courses through SPEA the first year of their programs and through the Mauer School of Law in the second year of their programs. Alternatively, joint M.S.E.S.–J.D. students have the option of enrolling in courses through the Mauer School of Law in the first year and SPEA in the second year. In the third and fourth years, or until the joint program is completed, students should enroll through the school in which the majority of their credit hours resides in each enrollment period.

Program Requirements

(115 credit hours)

Master of Science in Environmental Science Requirements

(36 credit hours) Students are required to complete 36 credit hours of courses distributed among the environmental science competencies, environmental sciences focus, and a multidisciplinary capstone project.

Environmental Science Competencies

(15 credit hours) Five of the following courses with the approval of an advisor.

Environmental Science Focus

(18 credit hours) Students are required to develop an area of specialization approved by a SPEA faculty advisor.
It is recommended that this be done in consultation with both joint law and environmental science faculty advisors.

Capstone Course

(3 credit hours) Each student in the M.S.E.S.-J.D. degree program must take SPEA-V 600 Capstone in Public and Environmental Affairs that addresses a multidisciplinary problem.

Doctor of Jurisprudence Requirements

(79 credit hours) Students are required to complete 79 credit hours of law courses and to satisfy all requirements for the degree Doctor of Jurisprudence. For specific requirements, see the Mauer School of Law Bulletin.