PORTLAND — The University of Maine School of Law and the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service have announced a new, accelerated dual degree program.

The new program will allow students to gain a juris doctor degree and a master’s in public health in four years by participating in a summer study program, instead of five years. Students begin by taking a required law curriculum the first year. In the remaining years, students take combined courses in upper level law courses, public health courses, a health-related externship, and a health-focused writing project.

Candidates are admitted separately to each program. For additional information on the University of Maine School of Law, see mainelaw.maine.edu.  For additional information on the University of Southern Maine Muskie School of Public Service’s MPH program, visit usm.maine.edu/public-health.