Harvard University

Overview

The Law and Urban Planning joint degree at Harvard University offers a unique opportunity for students interested in merging legal education with urban planning skills. This integrated four-year program allows students to earn two professional degrees—typically a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master in Urban Planning (MPP)—through a carefully coordinated curriculum shared between Harvard Law School and the Graduate School of Design.

What you'll study

Programme Structure

The curriculum begins with foundational coursework in both law and urban planning, progressing to more advanced and integrated studies in later years. Students will engage with required legal subjects, planning-focused courses, and complete a written work requirement as they advance through the program.

Indicative course areas include:

• Civil Procedure
• Contracts
• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Law
• Legislation and Regulation
• Property
• Torts
• Urban Planning Theory and Praxis
• Public and Private Development

Advanced study and capstone/written work

In the latter stages of the program, students will undertake advanced coursework and fulfill a written work requirement, which is intended to showcase their ability to apply legal analysis and urban planning research methods to address real-world challenges in the built environment.

Experiential and professional development

• Integration of professional responsibility and ethics training throughout the curriculum
• Research and spatial/urban analysis components to support informed planning decisions
• Opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement with industry practitioners

Entry requirements

Applicants to the Law and Urban Planning joint degree program must submit a comprehensive application, which typically includes an online application form, a resume, a personal statement, standardized test scores (either LSAT or GRE), a report from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service, official academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. It is essential for prospective students to verify specific requirements and deadlines on the official Harvard program page.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Law and Urban Planning program are well-equipped for a diverse range of career paths, blending legal expertise with urban planning acumen. They may pursue roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, urban development firms, or legal practices specializing in land use and environmental law. The skills gained from this unique joint degree prepare students to address complex issues at the intersection of law and urban planning, making them valuable contributors to society's development and sustainability efforts.