A joint degree program is offered by the Southern University Law Center, in cooperation with the Southern University Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. A J.D./M.P.A. prepares graduates for the challenges of the 21st century, particularly with respect to those of an increasingly competitive global environment. The program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and background necessary to function in law and the public policy arena. Graduates of the program can expect to be sought out as advisers to public policy makers and government agencies that develop and administer local, state, and federal policies.

The J.D./M.P.A. joint degree program requires 123 hours of academic credit and can be completed in four years. A minimum of 87 hours of law coursework and 36 hours of public administration coursework are required for graduation. To accommodate scheduling conflicts, some students may have to take summer school courses to complete the joint program in four years. The successful candidate of this joint program will be awarded a Juris Doctor degree from the Law Center and an M.P.A. degree from Southern University-Baton Rouge.

Separate applications to both the Law Center and the Graduate School of Southern University-Baton Rouge must be made.