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Dual Degree Program
By combining the studies of a legal terminal degree with a doctoral degree in educational psychology, higher education, or special education, the dual-degree program prepares scholars for a variety of career opportunities, including legal advocates, legislators, education administrators, policy analysts, and professors of higher education. Learn more about admissions and degree requirements for:
- Doctor of Philosophy – Educational Psychology and Juris Doctor
- Doctor of Philosophy – Higher Education and Juris Doctor
- Doctor of Philosophy – Special Education and Juris Doctor
Program Participation
Kids’ Court
The Kids’ Court School welcomes graduate students from the College of Education interested in supporting the program as a part of their studies. Contact Dr. Rebecca Nathanson to learn more.
Education Advocacy Clinic
Graduate students from the College of Education work collaboratively with law students advocating for children and their adult educational decision-makers in administrative meetings, including in informal and formal hearings, within the public school system.
The program accepts six education graduate students and six law students each semester. Education students should enroll in EPY 785 with Dr. Nathanson. Law students must apply, interview, and then enroll in LAW 769. The clinic course may be repeated for a second semester as an advanced clinic credit course.
Feedback from past students
“The Education Advocacy Clinic affords a wonderful opportunity to do meaningful work and build genuine connections with families in the Nevada community. This clinic has allowed me to work not only on advocacy, but also on client communication and case management, which are skills I believe you cannot develop elsewhere in law school. I would recommend this experience to any and all!”
-Skylar Arakawa-Pamphilon, law student
“The Education Advocacy Clinic has been an incredible opportunity to learn about how the law affects the lives of ordinary people and how much of a difference effective advocacy can make in the life of someone who needs it. I have learned how important it is to be an effective counselor to a client outside of purely legal matters. Clinic has been a great opportunity and I would recommend it to anyone interested in making a difference in the lives of young people.”
-Josh Nelson, law student
“Working in the Education Advocacy clinic was an opportunity to put all of the research and knowledge of special education law and put it into practice, directly impacting the lives of students and their families. Our collaboration of both law and special education students allowed us to each bring specific skills and expertise together in a way that complemented one another and benefitted each client we represented. Taking this course has helped me become a better researcher, educator, and advocate for those who need someone to support and speak up for them.”
-Travis Hammond, education doctoral student
