A Helpful Look Into Various Types Of Law Degrees
Obtaining any of the various types of law degrees can be quite a prestigious achievement. If you already have it set in your mind that you want to obtain a degree and are prepared to tackle this hefty task, then the next step is to decide which degree to pursue. From general law to specialized fields or even the possibility of combination degrees, they are all rewarding careers requiring a huge commitment.
Juris Doctor Degree
The Juris Doctor degree is the most common of all of the types of law degrees obtained in the United States as well as Japan. This degree is received after a three or four year traditional bachelor's degree and must be achieved before you can receive admittance into law school.
Bachelor Of Law Degree
The Bachelor of Law degree is quite similar to the Juris Doctor degree except that it is more commonly found throughout Europe and other countries. It is the primary degree that you must hold before enrolling into a prestigious law school.
Master Of Law Degree
The Master of Law degree is rewarded to you after you have completed at least five years of study in the law field and you must already hold one of the lesser types of law degrees. This particular degree allows you to concentrate your interests in special fields such as human rights law, taxation law, criminal law, commercial law, environmental law or labor law.
Doctor Of Juridical Science
These types of law degrees are the most elite ones that you can receive. To obtain a Doctor of Juridical Science degree, you have to already have received the Master of Law degree. This degree is very similar to the Philosophy in Law degree as well, depending on which country you live in. These degrees are intended primarily, for those that wish to teach law. Both degrees feature an extended discipline of humanities and science courses and you must provide an excellent dissertation to receive the degree. The dissertation is a thesis that you must properly defend and it needs to be a genuine contribution that will essentially act as a contribution in the law field.
Joint Law Degrees
Joint Law degrees allow you to specialize in certain fields. Some schools are happy to combine, for example, a Juris Doctor degree along with the Masters in Business Administration. Focusing on these two types of degrees together would allow you to direct your attention to a field such as Corporate Law. There are many other combinations available and they all provide the knowledge that is needed to pursue specialized practices.
Online Degrees
There are many online colleges available that can offer you an associates as well as a bachelor's degree in law. As a student, you will have the opportunity to participate in standard programs that teach you how to develop legal strategies, analyze legal problems, execute legal responsibilities, research cases and represent a client. Some states do not recognize these types of degrees so you will want to check the law where you live prior to enrollment.
Cost Of Degrees
To achieve any of these types of law degrees, you will need to dedicate yourself to very long hours of study, have a great deal of discipline and more than a few dollars. Tuition fees can range from as low as $5,000 per year up to as high as $35,000 per year. Four years of undergraduate type of studies is a prerequisite. Then you will need to take a Law School Admission Test and another three years of courses just to obtain your Juris Doctor degree. Upon completion, you will be required to pass the Bar Exam and you can then, begin to practice law.