Learn about the different types of degree programs that could prepare you for a business law career. Find out about classes required in these programs, along with career opportunities.
What Degree Levels Are Available in Business Law?
If you're planning on pursuing a career in business law, an undergraduate degree in business administration, economics or related subject may get you started. Subject matter in such degree programs covers legal topics that will prepare you to pursue an advanced degree in business law. You may find courses that address general topics, international business law, comparative law, civil law and government regulations, among other topics.
If you're looking to practice law, you'll need to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which is the standard for preparing for a state bar exam. If you're planning on applying to a J.D. program, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. You can also look for joint J.D./Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, which simultaneously prepare you for the bar exam and thoroughly develop your business management skills.
Another option is a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, which offers training in specialized areas of law to those who've already earned their J.D. degree. Areas of specialization include business law, corporate governance or international business.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Levels</b></td><td> Undergraduate, master's, doctoral</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Business bankruptcy, market analysis, foreign investment laws, accounting for lawyers, mergers and acquisitions</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Some graduate programs are available online or as hybrid programs</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% growth (<i>for lawyers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$126,930 (<i>for lawyers</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Courses in business law programs address a number of topics, such as corporate governance and finance, commercial law, trade law and dispute resolution, among others. Some of the courses you can expect to find in a business law degree program include:
</p><ul><li>Market analysis
</li><li>Business bankruptcy
</li><li>Market regulations
</li><li>Foreign investment laws
</li><li>Accounting for lawyers
</li><li>Mergers and acquisitions
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AreProgramsAvailableOnline">Are Programs Available Online?</h3><p>You can find J.D., joint J.D./MBA and LL.M programs online. Some joint J.D./MBA programs only offer the MBA portion of the program online. If you're planning on enrolling in an online program, you can expect to complete coursework just as you would through a traditional campus-based program.
</p><p>As an online student, you'll need to meet your school's technical requirements, which can include specific hardware and software requirements, in addition to having reliable access to a computer with an Internet connection. You'll also use various Web resources, such as online libraries that provide access to legal resources and case law.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3><p>With a degree in business law, you may find job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Employment for lawyers is expected to grow at a rate of 4% between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). As of 2021, salaries for the majority of lawyers ranged from $52,000 to $158,000, according to <i>PayScale.com</i>. Salaries can be affected by contributing factors including bonuses, commission and employer.</p>
