The JD/MPA dual degree program benefits Master of Public Administration students by underscoring government's foundation in the law, and serves law students by deepening their understanding of the implementation of law by the agencies of government. Rutgers University-Newark's School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) and Rutgers School of Law-Newark have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a dual Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration (JD/MPA) degree program. The program allows a full-time student to complete the requirements for both the JD and MPA degree in four years (eight full-time semesters). Students who wish to pursue the dual degree must apply for and gain admission to the JD program and the MPA program separately. The student would normally spend the first full-time year completing the required curriculum for the JD degree and the second full-time year completing the core curriculum for the MPA. During the third and fourth years of full-time study, the student would take elective courses from either the JD or MPA curriculum in order to meet the requirements for both degrees. Each program will accept up to 12 credits earned at the other toward satisfaction of the JD or MPA degree requirements, allowing the student to complete the program in eight semesters, rather than the 10 semesters that would be required if the two degrees were earned separately.