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The JD/MCEP program combines the study of environmental law with the essential skills necessary to shape environmental policy and address issues of racial and economic justice. The comprehensive curriculum includes environmental research and writing, policy design, climate justice, structural inequality, public participation and fostering consensus-building.

Environmentally-conscious students with a passion for public policy and advocacy are a perfect fit for the Dual-Degree JD/MCEP (Master of Climate and Environmental Policy) program. Graduates will depart from our program full-equipped with the tools they need to enact real change at the crucial intersection of climate change and environmental justice.

This dual-degree program enables students to earn a JD from Quinnipiac and a Master's in Climate and Environmental Policy from Vermont Law School in just three years — or about the same amount of time to earn just the JD. The program is flexible and allows students to complete MCEP coursework online or at Vermont Law School during the summer.

MCEP students can shape their experience from an extensive catalog of electives and may choose from three concentrations: Climate Change, Environmental Justice or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

All students at Quinnipiac Law enjoy the same access to career development resources, our signature Bridge to Practice program and a vast alumni network.

Student Learning Outcomes

Foundational and Substantive Policy and Knowledge: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of substantive environmental and climate policy and its role in society.

Foundational Policy and Advocacy Skills: Graduates will be able to independently and collaboratively engage in policy research (qualitative and quantitative), analysis and problem-solving. Graduates will also learn to communicate effectively and persuasively orally and in writing.

Commitment to Equity and Service: Graduates will analyze the impact of current and proposed policies on individuals and communities historically marginalized and underserved by political systems. Graduates will consider diverse perspectives and navigate the complexity that comes with multiple perspectives; listen while withholding judgment about the new or unfamiliar; reassess their personal perspective when appropriate; and seek points of connection and interact substantively with those who are different from themselves. Graduates will appreciate the importance of serving all communities and stakeholders in policymaking.

Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of professionalism that involves working effectively and inclusively and co-creating an environment where each perspective is considered for the cooperative purpose of making progress toward common goals. Graduates will interact respectfully and appropriately in a variety of cultural contexts.