Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health
Emory University’s Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health dual-degree program is a 3.5-year, full-time academic pathway designed for students who aim to address public health challenges through the combined lenses of law and population health. This interdisciplinary program, offered jointly by Emory’s School of Law and the Rollins School of Public Health, equips students with the ability to critically assess how legal systems influence health outcomes and how public health data can inform legislation, regulation, and advocacy. Through rigorous training in legal analysis and public health methods, students learn to navigate complex systems, evaluate policy effectiveness, and design equitable legal frameworks that promote health justice.
The curriculum integrates coursework in constitutional law, administrative law, epidemiology, and health policy while also offering hands-on experiences through internships, legal clinics, and public health field practicums. Students benefit from access to leading scholars, proximity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and opportunities for collaborative research on issues such as infectious disease control, health equity, and human rights. By combining legal education with public health training, the program empowers graduates to become innovative leaders capable of shaping policies that protect and improve population health at local, national, and global levels.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health
- Degree Type: Master of Public Health
- Duration: 3,5 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 March 2026
- Location: Emory University, United States
- Field of Study: Public Health
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Law and Legal Systems
- Civil Procedure and Contracts
- Constitutional Law and Torts
- Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy
- Public Health Law Overview Seminar
Year 2 – Public Health Core and Legal Integration
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Biostatistics for Public Health
- Health Systems, Policy, and Management
- Administrative Law and Regulation in Health
Year 3 – Advanced Legal Practice and Public Health Methods
- Global Health Law and Ethics
- Infectious Disease Control and the Law
- Public Health Surveillance and Data Analysis
- Legal Clinic or Government Internship
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Preparation (Final Semester)
- Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) in Law and Public Health
- Advanced Public Health Policy Seminar
- Capstone Legal Project
- Leadership and Communication in Interdisciplinary Practice
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health program are uniquely prepared for high-impact careers where legal expertise and public health strategy intersect. They often work in government health departments, international organizations, policy think tanks, and nonprofit advocacy groups, where they lead initiatives on health regulation, civil liberties, and human rights. Common job roles include public health attorney, legal counsel for health agencies, compliance officer, policy analyst, or director of government relations. Others work in global health institutions addressing access to care, pandemic response, or health equity on a broad scale. The dual degree also enables graduates to shape legislation, conduct impact evaluations of public health laws, and litigate on behalf of marginalized populations affected by systemic health disparities. With increasing demand for professionals who can influence public health through legal reform and policy innovation, graduates of this program are positioned to lead change that is both evidence-based and justice-oriented, creating healthier, more equitable societies.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who are passionate about using the power of law to advance public health and protect vulnerable populations. Emory’s dual-degree structure offers a rare opportunity to gain deep fluency in both legal reasoning and population health science, supported by world-class faculty and a vibrant academic community. Students are immersed in a curriculum that blends rigorous legal education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on policy engagement, all within Atlanta—home to major public health and legal institutions like the CDC and state courts. The program cultivates leadership, critical thinking, and advocacy skills, empowering graduates to design and implement policies that reflect both public health priorities and legal integrity. For those committed to social justice, public service, and health reform, Emory’s Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health program provides the comprehensive training and strategic perspective needed to drive meaningful, lasting change across legal and healthcare systems.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 404 727 6123
Email: contentedit@emory.edu
Address: University of Emory, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
