Law Degree
A law degree is the beginning of a very rewarding career in which successful graduates can make a true difference by protecting client rights, advocating the law and even changing it through victories in the courtroom.
Law degree programs involve advanced training in seven core areas of U.S. law: constitutional law, property, contracts, legal research and writing, civil procedure, criminal law and torts. These courses will branch out into other areas of study once students decide how they want to shape their careers in the legal field.
The legal market is large and always changing, which makes law degree training and subsequent employment a very exciting. A student with a law degree can have a significant impact on his or her client’s lives as well as their own in this growing and dynamic career field.
Source: New York Times
Law Schools and Training
Law degree programs that result in a juris doctor and a career as a lawyer are very rigorous. This level of study begins after a four-year bachelor’s degree is acquired, and takes three additional years to complete. Prospective students at the undergraduate level may want to consider pre-law programs or other law degree certification, which can lead to different jobs in the legal field. Individuals who complete their juris doctor training may choose to pursue an LL.M., or master’s in law.
There are several ways to approach law degree schools, and it depends on a student’s level of interest. Legal studies courses at the undergraduate level may help a prospective student decide whether law degree training is a good choice. Many students studying to earn law degrees first consider possible career options. Popular areas of law are criminal law, family law, property law and corporate law.
Individuals who complete their juris doctor will need to pass a bar exam in the state where they choose to practice law, which is administered by the American Bar Association (ABA). Some students with law degrees pursue other careers that involve certification through the ABA, their local or regional court or the federal government.
Job Opportunities for Law Degree Program Graduates
Most law degree program graduates go on to pursue careers as attorneys in various areas of the law, although some do choose other career paths. Graduates with law degrees often choose peripheral work in the legal field as mediators or arbitrators, and also pursue work teaching law or political science. Often these careers also lead to work in politics.
Featured Law Related Degree Schools, Programs, and Certificates
Everest University Online
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- Paralegal (Associate's)
- Paralegal (Bachelor's)
- Criminal Justice (Associate's)
Keiser University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- Paralegal Studies, AA (Online)
- Criminal Justice, AA (Online)
Kaplan University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- BS in Paralegal Studies
- AAS in Paralegal Studies
- MS in Legal Studies - Education and the Legal System
Western International University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Business / Minor in Legal Studies
Walden University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- B.S. in Political Science & Public Administration - Law & Legal Studies
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Mixed-Model - Criminal Justice
- M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership & Executive Management - General
