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Law Degree Overview

A law degree program provides students with the knowledge and information necessary to work within a legal system. Students enrolled in such a program will be exposed to the various facets of the law, including how they are made, interpreted, refined and overturned. The study of law ask individuals to carefully consider the availability of information in regards to making informed decisions, then apply those methods to a legal setting. Law students will study a broad range of topics, and learn about the various functions of courts and how to operate within the legal system. Some institutions will mock cases, asking law students to defend or prosecute based on available information. During such instances students will research previous cases, citing examples along with current evidence to prove or disprove one's innocence.

Law degrees are graduate level degrees earned through the completion of law school, typically taking 3 years and requiring a bachelor degree prior to acceptance into law school. There are two forms of law degrees, the more common Juris Doctor, which can be consider an equivalent to a master's degree, or the less common Master of Law, which confers the title of LLM or LL.M and can be considered the equivalent of a doctoral degree. Students pursuing a master of law degree will typically specialize in a particular field of law, programs of which typically take one to two years to complete. Law schools typically require high marks on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) exam to be considered for admission.

A curriculum in law may include:

  • Civil Procedure
  • Torts
  • Criminal Law
  • Legal Writing
  • Contracts

A degree in law does not mean that an individual can immediately begin work as a lawyer. In the United States, all 50 states require admission to their respective Bar association in order to be licensed to practice law. The requirements for admission will vary from state to state, often requiring passing of a state administered Bar examination. Once an individual has obtained licensure he or she will be able to practice law within their respective state.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$139,880

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

73.50%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

619,530

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Law Schools

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the world. Since 1636, it has been providing world-class diversified academic and research programs for more than 20,000 students from all over the world.  Harvard Law School offers degree programs, such as a three-year Doctor of Law, a one-year Master of Law, and a Doctor of Judicial Science. Law students also have an opportunity to get a joint degree in business, government, urban planning, and public health. In addition, students can also participate in study abroad programs and can have successful careers in private or public sectors. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Yale University has been recognized as an Ivy League institution that provides outstanding education since 1701. It is one of the oldest private research universities in the world, and its Connecticut campus covers an area of 1,015 acres.  Yale Law School is known for providing first-class education, an unparalleled level of excellence, and abundant opportunities. It also provides a diverse and unique experience for students who are studying criminal law or the constitution. Students can have access to over 200 courses taught by the highly educated and experienced faculty together with the thriving network of intellectual centers and legal clinics.           

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Located in the City of New York, Columbia University houses a diverse community of students who came from different areas of the globe. It has an international faculty that supports research and global issues, creating an excellent academic relationship with its students.  The university also provides programs for individuals who are interested to study legal education with exceptional training from world-renowned faculty. Students enrolled in the Columbia Law School programs will go through a hands-on and progressive curriculum as well as have diverse career opportunities that will help them become engaged global citizens. Its areas of study include criminal justice, business law, constitutional law, intellectual property, legal history, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Pennsylvania is also a part of the Ivy League universities with an urban campus of 1,000 acres in Philadelphia that house more than 20,000 students per semester. It was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740.   Penn Law or the University of Pennsylvania Law School offers degree programs such as masters in comparative law, the science of law, masters of law, and joint degrees. Students of the programs will enhance their knowledge and skills that are essential for their future careers and intellectual interests. With a supportive and welcoming environment, students can also earn law certificates through the Wharton faculty who are experts in the course. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

For more than one hundred years, the University of Chicago has enriched human life through its outstanding academic programs and research on campuses around the world. The University of Chicago is committed to developing personal skills through its rigorous core curriculum.

The law major at the University of Chicago is dedicated to providing students with business and leadership training, as well as experience and clinical learning. It has a wide range of research fields, including equality and human rights, health law, criminal law, courts, technical law, family law and property rights, taxation, etc. Students can also participate in immersion, development, and leadership programs. 

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Founded in 1891, Stanford University is a private institution that serves more than 17,000 students every year. Students can learn, explore, and grow on the university’s 8,000-acre campus in Stanford, California.

It provides unparalleled opportunities for students studying law courses at Stanford University Law School. It expands the skills of students to help them become individuals who are ready to pass the bar exam. Students can also visit the student center and courses that focus on technology, science, international studies, business, and other law-related courses. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Duke University accommodates a total of 15,000 graduate and undergraduate students who are enrolled in computer science, public policy, economics, biomedical engineering, biology, and many more. It was founded in 1924 by the Durham family.  Duke University’s mission is to train students to become productive and responsible legal professionals, and has developed the law school to provide legal education in a supportive, diverse and collaborative environment. Students can participate in various research fields, including civil litigation, administrative law, environmental law, entrepreneurship, civil rights, and democracy. Students can also obtain certificates in public service and public interest law. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Notre Dame is known for its outstanding football history and prestigious academic programs. It was founded by Edward Sorin as a private Catholic university in 1842.

The University of Notre Dame Law School was established with a purpose to educate different kinds of lawyers and encourage students to see the practice of law as a public service. Through these programs, students will discover their role in providing justice and understand the ethical and moral aspects of the law. It offers four degree programs that focus on experiential learning while engaging students in professional careers. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Georgetown University was formerly known as Georgetown College. It was founded in January of 1789 with a mission to provide a holistic approach to academic learning and help students become committed to social justice.  The university is located in Washington, DC, where the law is made. It also offers law courses and welcomes students from all over the world. With the first-class faculty, students can study various law courses, which focus on international, healthcare, environment, taxation, and other aspects. It offers graduate, transnational, executive, and Juris doctor programs for its students. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Cornell University has two campuses in New York and one campus in Doha, Qatar. It was established on April 27, 1865, with the aim of becoming one of the leading institutions providing quality academic learning.

Cornell Law School has a close-knit community of elite learners who can learn from the faculty and one another. It ranked as the sixth school that has the fastest job placement around the world with a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1. Students can grow and develop their legal skills through the courses offered by the school, which provide experiential learning in various fields of study, centers, degrees, and international courses. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

As a private research institution, Northwestern University was established in 1851 and is one of the oldest universities in the United States. Its mission is to provide excellent teaching and innovative research to promote the intellectual and personal growth of students.

The university’s school of law has long-standing traditions that go hand in hand with dynamic areas of study and transformative thinking. It has an outstanding team of teachers with decades of experience and can provide immersive courses that are constantly evolving. It provides students with global opportunities through its master's and judicial degree programs. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Washington University in St. Louis was established 168 years ago with the purpose to serve the community for the greater good. It is committed to the exploration, discovery, impact, and learning of the individuals.

The mission of Washington Law School is to provide students with the necessary and effective skills and knowledge to practice law. The school fosters vibrant culture characterized by the exchange of production and view of influential research as well as the collaborative support of the faculty, alumni, staff, and students. It offers degree programs such as masters, judicial science, and even clinical education programs. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and offers a full range of professional, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs. It was established in 1873 to strengthen the links between the various departments of the country through world-renowned research and education.

For 145 years, Vanderbilt Law School has been training excellent lawyers through its top-tier faculty members and the stimulating university community. Students interested in pursuing a law-related degree can register for courses focusing on criminal justice, dispute resolution, social justice, intellectual property, international legal studies, government law, etc. The school also provides externships and judicial clerkships programs. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Southern California is a global institution for technology, international business, and arts with a diverse curriculum that offers extensive opportunities for its students. It has an advanced learning environment that serves a total of 46,000 students yearly.

Law School of the University of Southern California, together with world-renowned faculty, provides students with interdisciplinary learning through various degree and certificate programs. Students can choose between the part-time, full-time, residential, and online law school options depending on what suits their needs or schedule. Some of its certificates are focused on human resources, health care compliance, business law, and alternative dispute resolution. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Located in Los Angeles, the University of California is a public university that houses more than 45,000 students on its 467-acre urban campus. It was established in 1919 and has been redefining possible opportunities since.  The university provides an extraordinary experience for law students through extracurricular activities and clinical opportunities. The Law School of the university allows students to dive deep into the areas of critical race studies, corporate law, constitutional law, and public interest law. Students also have an opportunity to choose from four law-related courses to obtain a master's degree or a doctorate degree. 

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Nestled in the mountains of Lexington, Virginia, Washington and Lee University is one of the oldest institutions in the nation. It first started in 1749 and currently serves more than 3,000 students on its 300-acre campus.

Washington and Lee University has developed a school of law that seeks broad-minded, honorable, and highly-skilled practitioners of law. The diverse community of students of the university are taught about the legal doctrine systems and analysis as well as develop their experiences by providing unique opportunities that lead to a successful legal profession. In addition, it allows students to participate in internships, clinics, and practice-based activities outside the classroom. 

Acceptance Rate

18.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

As a flagship research institution, the University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by James E. Ryan. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the university is known for its student code of honor, secret societies, and historic foundations.  The University of Virginia’s law students are provided with a beautiful learning environment that fosters personal growth and intellectual community. The school is recognized as one of the oldest operational law schools, which trains students in leadership and community service. Within the three-year programs, students will establish a network of opportunities that helps them become respected professionals in the legal and law field. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of California – Berkeley provides transformative experiences to its students through its traditions, student-centered environment, and leadership training. It offers nearly 200 academic programs and departments that accommodate thousands of students each year.

The curriculum developed by Berkeley Law School is one of the most outstanding law courses in the United States. It ranges from various areas of study such as law, economics, social justice, criminal justice, business, public interest, constitutional and regulatory law, environmental law, and international law. Students can participate in the Juris doctor program as well as the master's and doctorate degrees. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor concentrates on arts, truth, and knowledge. It is a public university that provides the finest academic learning and research through its world-class and highly-experienced faculty.

With the mission to serve the nation and the local community of Michigan, the university has built a Law School that commits to excellence and equality. The school has been operating for 150 years and prepares students to become professional individuals in the field. It also provides clinical and dual degree programs as well as gives an opportunity for students to pursue their law studies abroad.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The mission of Emory University is to bring change to the community to create, teach, apply and preserve knowledge to serve humanity. It first began its operation in 1863 and today, it serves 15,000 students each year from the local community of Atlanta, Georgia, and from all over the world.

Child law, natural resources law, the study of law & religion, comparative law, and social science are some of the programs offered by the university’s school of law. It provides opportunities for students to pursue their passion and enhance their knowledge in the legal systems. Upon completion, students can obtain masters of law, Juris master, or Juris doctor degrees. 

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Boston College is a Jesuit and research university founded in the year 1863. It is located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and has a suburban campus that serves more than ten thousand students.

The Law School of Boston College is equipped with collaborative, passionate, and principled students, staff, alumni, and Law professors. Recognized as one of the best law programs in the nation, students will be taught to become committed to leadership and justice. The diverse curriculum will also develop the students' knowledge and understanding of procedural law, legal analysis, research, and their communication in a legal context. 

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was founded in 1789 by William Richard Davie. It is committed to innovative teaching, public service, and preparing students to become leaders, explorers, creators, and innovators of the world.

The University of North Carolina School of Law offers academic courses in various research fields including corporate law, first amendment law, civil rights, finance, environmental law, media law, labor/employment, immigration law, family law, etc. In addition, the school also offers dual degree programs and global opportunities such as internships, journals and summer courses. Students will also receive a rigorous blend of practical and academic skills throughout the programs.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Northeastern University offers a variety of programs such as graduate, undergraduate, and online learning options for its diverse community of students. Founded in 1898, the university was located in Boston and has been serving more than 20,000 students annually.

NU has a top ranked Law School that provides various degree programs for lawyer and nonlawyer individuals. It provides students with meaningful legal experience that can develop their skills in dealing with actual clients and cases. It is equipped with professionals who have decades of experience in the field and who are dedicated to providing students with excellent legal training. 

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Tulane University of Louisiana, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, it offers an urban setting for students to study in. Tulane University of Louisiana has a yearly student enrollment of around twelve thousand.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

  • Legal Professions And Studies
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Public Administration And Social Services

To be considered for admissions, students may be asked to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit school records, which are then reviewed by admissions staff. Most common scores among applicants admitted to this school are within the range of 29 - 32 for the ACT exam, or 1880 - 2130 for the SAT exam. Only 25 percent of applicants are admitted to the school due to the high volume of applicants for the limited enrollment spots. More information regarding admissions can be found here.

The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $48,000 annually. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and as such students should visit the school's price of attendance calculator to understand their personalized cost estimate of attendance. Student housing is available for students, which costs around $6,700 for the year. This school may provide financial aid for students that are eligible in the form of grants and loans.

Athletic programs are available at Tulane University of Louisiana through the NCAA, allowing students to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Athletic programs offered include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)

Students can take a look at the school's http://www.tulane.edu to see additional information.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Since 1839, Boston University has been providing unique programs of study that concentrate on rehabilitation sciences, fine arts, global studies, hospitality administration, medicine, and more. It offers athletic programs to its students for being a member of the Patriot League and the NCAA Division I.

Boston University also provides a top-rated law school that was established in 1872 which consists of globally recognized faculty members. Students can explore the diverse areas of law which covers more than 200 seminars and classes together with more than 50 clinics, externships, and study abroad programs. Some of its courses are focused on the following fields: international law, transactional law, health law, and many more. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

What are the Different Types of Law Degrees?

The highest degree in law comes in three different flavors with distinct tracks for each college degree program option.  Whether you are seeking a law degree online or a traditional classroom-based college degree, you will need to know the following information about these programs.  The 3 primary types of law degrees are:

  1. Master of Laws – LL.M. or LLM
  2. Juris Doctor – J.D. or DJur
  3. Doctor of Juridical Science – S.J.D. or J.S.D.
Master of Laws

The Master of Laws program is a second degree program within the hierarchy of law degrees after the juris doctor degree.  Meaning, you must have a JD at minimum in order to apply to the Master of Laws or LL.M. program in the United States.  The LLM or LL.M. program is typically a one year program for full-time students.

Students enrolled in a LL.M. program can designate an area of concentration such as international legal studies, taxation, environmental law, technology law, or human rights law.  As you might expect, the designated concentrations or areas of specialties in the Master of Laws program provide students with a deep understanding within a specific academic discipline to help prepare them for careers in that field.

The set of classes required to earn a Master of Laws degree will depend on the school and the specific concentration selected.  A general set of courses may include bankruptcy law, intellectual property, corporate tax, or estate planning.  If you were to select an LLM with an emphasis in international law, classes may include the following:

  • International Business Law
  • Legal Research
  • International Public Law
  • International Trade Law
  • Law & Economics
  • International Law & Diplomacy
  • International Human Rights Law
  • Legal History
 Juris Doctor

What is a JD or Juris Doctor degree?  Juris doctor is commonly abbreviated as a JD and is synonymous with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree or DJur.  Regardless of the acronym or term used to describe this type of law degree, the term juris doctor means “Techer of Law” while Doctor of Jurisprudence means “Techer of Legal Knowledge”.

In most cases, a juris doctor degree is required to practice law in the United States. A JD is considered a first degree in law or graduate-entry professional degree in law.  In layman’s terms, a first degree in law is the initial degree you can obtain without prior judicial experience or previous law courses.  A juris doctor degree can be earned in 3 years as a full-time student yet can last longer if coupled with a master’s degree program.  Specifically, a JD can be joined with a master’s in public policy, business, homeland security, or criminal justice thus extending the length of time involved in earning the degree.

How to earn a JD requires students to apply to an accredited law program after successfully obtaining a bachelor’s degree or higher.  As a first degree program, students are not required to have prior legal experience nor law classes prior to matriculation.  Your application to law school for a JD program will be accompanied with LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) scores, resume, and letters of recommendation.  All states accept a degree from an American Bar Association approved college as meeting or exceeding the requirements for that state’s education requirements needed to take the bar exam.   For your state’s requirements for the bar exam, visit the NCBE’s website today.

The courses involved in earning a juris doctor at an accredited college or university will vary by program and by school.  Generally, you will find curriculum include a number of the follow types of classes:

  • Civil Procedure
  • Law & Ethics
  • International Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Torts
  • Legal Writing
  • Patent Law
  • Federal Litigation
  • Public Policy
  • Environmental Law
Doctor of Juridical Science

As the most advanced degree in law, the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D. or J.S.D.) degree can be earned in three years on a full-time basis.  The bulk of accredited colleges and universities in the United States offering Doctor of Juridical Science degree programs require substantive experience in law prior to matriculation.

The S.J.D. is a research doctorate in law and seen as equivalent to a PhD degree program.  The Doctor of Juridical Science builds on the professional training in law found in the JD and LLM and aimed at training students to become legal scientist, research professionals, law professors, scholars in law, and high-level legal consultants.

The first year of an S.J.D. program will be spent on core classes like business law, family law, legal advocacy, national security, taxation, economic law and the like.  The remainder of the program will be invested in researching and writing your dissertation paper.  The dissertation paper will have parameters and guidance established by the university so additional research into exact requirements will be needed on your part to determine the scope.

Top Online Law Degree

The fastest growing segment within higher education in the last decade has been online learning or distance learning programs. The online learning sector is attractive to many students and working professionals given its learning modalities, flexibility, independence, and quality. By selecting a law degree online in California or an online law degree in Texas or Florida could be the segue you have been looking for the enhance your career or get you into the legal field from an outside industry. As you research accredited colleges and universities that may be right for you, keep your priority checklist handy and request information from schools as often as you see fit to find the best program for you. For additional resources from MatchCollege on online learning programs and research articles, visit any one of the following:

What Jobs Can I Get with a Law Degree?

A number of vocational opportunities exist for those students who have earned a degree in law. Some are obvious, like an attorney, while others are not as pronounced. Below you will find a sampling of careers within law you can explore when deciding to earn a law degree.

  • Attorney
  • Professional Counseling
  • Council for Nongovernment Agencies
  • Negotiating & Conflict Resolution
  • Banking & Finance
  • Academia
  • Government & Politics
  • Entrepreneur & Business Development
  • Public Interest Advocate
  • Journalist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Sales Manager
  • Human Resources Director
  • Private Judge
  • Legal Recruiter
  • Lobbyist
  • Real Estate Specialist
  • Investment Banker
  • Management Consultant
  • Legal Editor
  • CEO, CFO, COO

Employment Outlook and Legal Careers

Finding work as a lawyer can be difficult as it is an incredibly competitive market. Job growth for lawyers is expected to remain steady, but an increase in law school graduates will put available positions at a premium. Students considering a career in law should be prepared for long work days, little free time, and increased stress during their first few years at a law firm. Entry level positions for lawyers are known as associate level positions, with promotion coming in a variety of forms, including law firm partnership, corporate law, private practice, or in some cases, judicial positions.

States with the Highest Number of Attorneys

  • California 76,840
  • New York 72,760
  • Florida 47,590
  • Texas 43,240
  • District of Columbia 31,470

Top Paying States for Attorneys

  1. District of Columbia $182,810
  2. California $162,010
  3. New York $161,260
  4. Massachusetts $158,760
  5. Delaware $157,610

Largest Employers of Attorneys in the United States

  1. Legal Services 382,730
  2. Local Government Agencies 53,640
  3. State Government Agencies 41,340
  4. Federal Executive Branch 36,510
  5. Private Corporations 17,910

The average salary of lawyer is $118,000 with a projected 6% growth through 2024 adding nearly 43,800 jobs through 2024. It is important to note the income for an attorney can vary wildly based on experience, location, position and employer. For a complete list of online law colleges and law degrees, visit the MatchCollege resource page today. Individual interested in law may also be interested in international law, tax law, and health law. Additionally, students can research the ABA or the NELA to learn more about career tracks in the legal domain after earning a degree from an accredited college or university.

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