7 Types of Law Degrees & How To Choose

Deciding on a law degree program sets the foundation for your future career. Since career options range from courtroom advocacy to corporate compliance or mediation, the options can feel overwhelming.

Whether you want to practice law, specialize in a specific field, or enhance your expertise in another profession, we will walk you through the different types of law degrees and how you can choose the best one for you.

Types of Law Degrees

There are seven different types of law degrees. All of them are graduate programs, so if you want to earn an undergraduate law degree, you can consider pre-law programs or other ones that prepare you for law school.

Below, we outline the details of the different types of law degrees you can earn.

Juris Doctor Degree

The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is the standard professional qualification for individuals aspiring to practice law in the United States. Typically requiring three years of full-time study, the JD curriculum covers foundational legal principles, including:

• constitutional law
• contracts
• torts
• criminal law
• civil procedure

Students also develop essential skills in legal research, writing, and analysis. Many JD programs offer electives and specializations which we will go into more detail about later on in the article.

To practice law, JD graduates must first pass the bar exam in their state. However, earning a JD doesn't mean you have to practice law—you can work in academia, public policy, and corporate governance.

Master of Laws Degree

The Master of Laws (LLM) is an advanced, one-year degree for individuals who already have a JD. It allows students to deepen their knowledge in specialized areas such as international law, tax law, or human rights.

While not a requirement for practicing law in the U.S., an LLM enhances credentials, broadens career opportunities, and provides a competitive edge in legal academia, global firms, or specialized legal practice.

Learn more: Master of Laws vs. Juris Doctorate

Master of Science in Laws

The Master of Science in Laws (MSL) offers legal expertise for professionals who do not plan to practice law, such as those who need to know about laws and regulations in healthcare, technology, compliance, or human resources fields.

MSL programs, typically completed in one to two years, emphasize the practical application of legal concepts, with courses on contracts, employment law, and regulatory compliance. Often, specialized tracks align the curriculum with specific industry needs, equipping graduates to navigate complex regulations, mitigate risks, and address legal challenges effectively.

Master of Legal Studies

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is a one- to two-year program for non-lawyers seeking a foundational understanding of the law. Graduates have an edge in roles that require legal literacy, such as compliance officers, consultants, or regulatory affairs specialists.

Like the other master's degrees in law, an MLS does not qualify you to practice law. You'll take courses on contracts, compliance, negotiation, and legal writing and choose from concentrations in intellectual property, labor law, and more.

Juris Master

The Juris Master (JM) is a versatile law degree for professionals in leadership roles who want to integrate legal knowledge into their careers without becoming attorneys. Typically completed in one to two years, the JM focuses on practical applications in business law, healthcare law, or environmental regulation through contracts, compliance, and risk management courses.

Earning a JM degree enhances your ability to collaborate with attorneys, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage legal risks effectively, making it a strategic choice for executives, policymakers, and industry specialists.

Doctor of Juridical Science

The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is the highest academic degree in law, intended for legal scholars and professionals aiming to contribute to legal research and academia. The program typically takes three to five years to complete and involves in-depth research culminating in a dissertation that advances legal theory or addresses significant legal issues.

Candidates usually already have an LLM and demonstrate a strong academic background. If you earn an SJD, you're prepared for roles as a law professor, researcher, or thought leader in international organizations or policy-making institutions.

Master of Dispute Resolution

The Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) is a specialized degree for professionals seeking expertise in mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. Typically completed in one year, the MDR focuses on resolving conflicts outside traditional litigation.

The curriculum covers conflict resolution theory, negotiation strategies, and practical mediation skills, often including role-playing exercises and internships. This degree is valuable for lawyers, HR professionals, and individuals in leadership roles who manage disputes in business, healthcare, or government.

Types of Law Degree Concentrations

Now that you understand the different types of law degrees, let's examine the concentrations you can focus on. These concentrations are not offered by every single law school, so be sure to make sure the law schools you apply to have the concentrations you're interested in.

Animal Rights Law

For those passionate about protecting animals, animal rights law offers a fulfilling way to make a difference. Lawyers in this field fight against cruelty and exploitation, working on cases involving conservation and ethical treatment. They may draft policies or educate the public while collaborating with nonprofits and government agencies.

Civil Rights Law

Defending fundamental freedoms like voting rights and free speech, civil rights attorneys champion the causes of equality and justice. They tackle issues like discrimination, often in partnership with nonprofits or government agencies. If you're driven by the desire to level the playing field and protect individual liberties, civil rights law offers a dynamic and impactful career path.

Corporate Law

Corporate lawyers are the go-to advisors for businesses, ensuring operations run smoothly and legally. From mergers to governance, their work spans contracts, compliance, and strategy. Whether it's guiding a startup or navigating the legal landscape of a multinational corporation, these lawyers thrive on complex challenges in the business world.

Criminal Law

Criminal law is not for the faint of heart—it's about standing up for justice, whether you're defending the accused or prosecuting crimes. These lawyers focus on the details of cases, handle trials, and fight for fair outcomes. If you're drawn to high-stakes courtroom drama or passionate about the justice system, this might be your calling.

Education Law

Education law addresses critical issues in schools, such as student rights, discrimination, and special education services. Whether advocating for a bullied student or advising on equitable policies, lawyers in this field help create better educational systems. If you believe in the power of education and want to make it more accessible and fair, this field combines law with advocacy for positive change.

Employment and Labor Law

Navigating workplace dynamics can be tricky, but employment lawyers make it their mission to protect employee rights and ensure fair treatment. From addressing wage disputes to advising on labor policies, they represent both workers and employers. This field is ideal for anyone passionate about fairness and justice in the workplace.

Environmental and Natural Resources Law

If you care deeply about climate change or conservation, environmental law offers a way to combine your passion with your profession. These attorneys tackle issues like pollution and land use while shaping policies for sustainability. It's a rewarding path for those who want to make a tangible impact on the planet.

Family and Juvenile Law

Family law is as personal as it gets. These attorneys help clients through deeply emotional issues like divorce, custody disputes, or adoption. Juvenile law, meanwhile, focuses on minors, addressing cases of delinquency or child welfare. If you're empathetic and thrive on helping people through tough times, this field could be your perfect fit.

Health Law

For those intrigued by the intersection of healthcare and law, this field tackles patient rights, medical malpractice, and policy compliance. Health law attorneys often work with hospitals or government agencies, ensuring quality care and legal adherence. It's a great path if you're passionate about improving healthcare systems.

Immigration Law

Immigration law allows you to help individuals and families navigate life-changing transitions, whether securing visas or defending against deportation. This field requires navigating complex regulations with precision and compassion. If you're inspired by stories of resilience and want to make a direct impact, immigration law offers profound rewards.

Intellectual Property Law

From inventions to music, intellectual property law protects creations of the mind. Attorneys in this field work to secure copyrights, patents, and trademarks while fighting against unauthorized use. If you're passionate about creativity and innovation, this area allows you to champion the rights of creators.

International Law

In an increasingly connected world, international law deals with cross-border issues like treaties, trade, and human rights. These lawyers may represent multinational corporations, governments, or global organizations, navigating the complexities of laws that span countries. It's a perfect fit for those with a global perspective and interest in diplomacy.

Real Estate Law

Buying, selling, or developing property involves intricate legal processes, and real estate lawyers are there to ensure everything is done by the book. From zoning laws to resolving disputes, these attorneys handle all aspects of property law. This field is ideal for those who enjoy transactional work and tangible results.

Sports and Entertainment Law

Imagine negotiating contracts for a star athlete or protecting the intellectual property of a film producer. Sports and entertainment law blends business savvy with legal expertise, ensuring creative and athletic professionals are well-represented.

Securities Law

Securities lawyers play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of financial markets. They work on IPOs, mergers, and fraud prevention, collaborating with corporations or regulatory agencies. If the fast-paced world of finance excites you, securities law provides a front-row seat to major deals and market shifts.

Tax Law

For those who enjoy numbers and strategy, tax law offers a rewarding challenge. These attorneys help individuals and businesses navigate complex tax codes, ensuring compliance while minimizing liabilities. Whether in estate planning or corporate tax, this field combines technical precision with impactful financial planning.

How To Choose a Law Degree

To help you choose a law degree, we've put together some steps that you can follow.

1. Understand Your Career Goals

The first step in selecting a law degree is identifying your long-term career objectives. Ask yourself questions such as:

• Do I want to practice law as an attorney?
• Am I interested in legal academia, public policy, or a specific legal niche?
• Will legal knowledge complement my existing career?

For aspiring attorneys, a Juris Doctor is essential since it qualifies you to take the bar exam and practice law. If your goal is to gain specialized legal knowledge without practicing law, degrees like the Master of Legal Studies or Juris Master may be more appropriate.

2. Evaluate the Degree Types

Next, you should familiarize yourself with the different law degrees and their purposes. We went into the details about each type earlier in the article, so keep in mind that if you want to become a practicing lawyer, you must state with a JD. The rest either do not prepare you for a legal career or cannot be earned until after you have a JD.

3. Consider Specializations

If you have a specific interest within the legal field, such as environmental law, corporate law, or intellectual property, look for respected law programs that offer strong specializations in that area. Specialized programs provide in-depth knowledge and networking opportunities that can set you apart in a competitive job market.

4. Assess the Program Format

Law degree programs vary in format, including full-time, part-time, and online options. Consider your current commitments and choose a format that aligns with your lifestyle. For example, working professionals may benefit from part-time or online programs that offer flexibility.

5. Analyze Costs and Financial Aid

Choosing a law degree comes with a big financial commitment, and it's important to make it work for you. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of law school is over $200,000. You may want to look into affordable online law degree programs or see what financial aid you qualify for.

To qualify for financial aid, fill out the online FAFSA form every year. This form gives you access to scholarships, grants, and federal loans.

6. Research Accreditation and Reputation

When picking a law program, make sure it's accredited by a reputable institution. If you're enrolling in a JD program, check that the school is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)—you'll need that to sit for the bar exam in most states.

For other degrees, take a closer look at the school's reputation and how its alumni are doing in your field of interest. A strong program can make a big difference in your future career.

7. Seek Advice and Network

Reach out to people who are already doing the kind of legal work you're aiming for—they've been in your shoes and can give you honest advice about what works and what doesn't. They'll share the real-world pros and cons of different degrees and specializations, which is valuable information when you're trying to decide on a program.

Also, don't hesitate to connect with admissions counselors. They can give you all the details about programs and career outcomes to help you make an informed choice.

FAQs About Types of Law Degrees

If you have any questions about earning a law degree, look through our commonly asked questions section below to see if you can use any of the information to help you make a decision about law programs.

Can I Pursue a Law Degree Part-Time While Working?

Yes, many schools offer part-time programs or evening classes, particularly for JD and MLS degrees. These options are designed for working professionals, allowing you to balance work, education, and other responsibilities while pursuing your law degree.

What Are Dual-Degree Programs in Law?

Dual-degree programs, like a JD/MBA or JD/MPH, combine legal education with another field, such as business or public health. They're great for careers that intersect disciplines, but they require more time and financial commitment. You should consider one if it aligns with your specific career goals.

Can I Earn a Law Degree Online?

Yes, several schools now offer online law degree programs, especially for non-JD degrees like the MLS, JM, or LLM. Some hybrid JD programs also include online components, but fully online JDs are less common due to ABA accreditation requirements.

What Is the Best Undergraduate Degree for Law School?

There's no required major for law school, but common degrees that prepare you for law school include political science, history, English, and philosophy because they develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Other majors, like business or STEM fields, can also stand out if they align with your interests and showcase analytical abilities.

Find a Law Degree Program

We have researched several law programs in the U.S. If you're interested in earning a law degree, reach out to the schools that we have highlighted in our articles.