<p>Is going to law school a good way of breaking into public policy? I would imagine so because a thorough understanding of the law is necessary for formulating policy and because government agencies heavily recruit lawyers. I think this career path would be a good fit for me and my interests despite if it leads to any significant amount of money.</p>
<p>Or should I be investigating other options?</p>
<p>Not necessarily. Get an MPP if you want to work strictly in PP. </p>
<p>That said Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School (which is free if you get in) has a good joint-degree arrangement with YLS and NYULaw. If you decide to do both, this would be worth checking into (if you have the numbers/experience).</p>
<p>But, I though MPP programs like to see experience for admits, at least to a greater extent then law programs. Also, there is a chance I might do both, so schools with joint-degree programs are up high on my list of schools to research.</p>
<p>Also, I can't imagine the Wilson School being free.</p>
<p>Is Wilson school really free? As in beer? </p>
<p>MPP is very difficult to get into, impractical almost at most worthwhile schools, unless you already have some public sector experience. This does not make any sense, as public work is no rocket science and many people in other professions can bring something of value, but it's just what it is.</p>
<p>Not sure (being an adult 10 years from retirement rather than a young adult looking at starting careers) what you mean by "public policy." But if that term includes working in the government or with the government (e.g., on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures, and/or for private sector groups (think tanks, trade associations, government affairs offices of corporations), then yes, a law degree is extremely helpful/useful/attractive to prospective employers.</p>
<p>My own experience is Congressional...I am a lawyer who works with Capitol Hill committee staff (and lawmakers' personal staffs, too)...it is difficult to "break in" on the Hill--networking and knowing people (as is often the case in many career fields) will mean more than on-paper credentials...but a JD is a credential that will help...and the more prestigious the law school that grants the JD, the better...not a "requirement" (and it won't trump knowing/being known by the office doing the hiring), but definitely helpful...</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>First, Ph.D. programs are usually free--and that DEFINITELY includes "Woody Woo." (One of my kid's acquaintances is doing the joint YLS law degree/ Woody Woo Ph.D. program. At least she was admitted to it. Last I heard she was doing the Woody Woo part first, so we'll see if she decides she really needs both degrees.) </p>
<p>Second, there are Ph.D. programs in public policy and some of those near the top of the stack are easier to get into than top law schools for those who excel at school and get good LORs, but aren't the best test-takers. (Please don't think I mean Ph.D. programs are easy to get into; they aren't. It's just that admission is based on different criteria and the LSAT is not one of them.) Among schools you might not think of immediately with outstanding public policy programs are Syracuse and the University of Georgia. Here's a link to UGeorgia's program; I don't know any specifics, including cost, but do know it's highly regarded. University</a> of Georgia Department of Public Administration & Policy</p>
<p>There's also a Ph.D. program at Harvard in something called, I think, "politics." </p>
<p>So, you have other options which you should explore. Please note that I am NOT saying that law school is a bad way to go if public policy is your area of interest, just that it might not be the best way for everyone.</p>
<p>If you are really interested in public policy, I'd suggest the MPP over the law degree.</p>
<p>Thank you for the responses. At this moment it looks like my career interests are in the public sector, although I'm unsure of exactly what in that field at this moment, but I'll keep my options open. If there is any more advice out there, please keep it coming.</p>
<p>"I can't imagine the Wilson School being free"</p>
<p>Imagine it or not, believe it or not, desire it or not, the Woodrow Wilson MPP (it goes by MPA, Master of Public Affairs; while their Master in Public Administration goes by MPP...) is free. But, yes, they do prefer candidates with work experience. Although, they take some directly from undergrad (usually Pickering/White House Fellows). The acceptance rate, however, is ~12 to 14%.</p>
<p>Thanks Wildflower, I will definitely keep that in mind. Looking forward now, I'd say getting a JD would provide me with greater flexibility so that would probably be my primary focus (although a joint-degree program wouldn't be out of the question). I've got plenty of time to think things over and have to perform well in the classroom to have any chance anyway.</p>