Law Degree or a Masters of Professional Studies

Many of you have kept track of my progress in a very long thread I created a few years ago. While I'm done with the degree as it applies to hours and degree requirements I've been hesitant to write the obligatory "I'm done" thread until I get TESC's letter of completion. I'm very excited at my prospects now but as many of you already know it opens up a new set of questions. I'm also ready to begin a new chapter of my life.

I've considered law school for a long time and now it's a reality. I've taken the LSAT and everything is in order. My only option right now for law school is evening school which would require me to attend class Mon.-Thurs. 6pm-9pm for 4 years. I need to have a steady income so day law is simply not an option.

So as I've been getting all of my law school items in order I started thinking about pursuing a masters degree instead. Naturally since my bachelor's degree is in Homeland Security I've looked at several programs and found a few that interest me. PSU (Penn State University) has several very interesting MPS programs (http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/Maste...rriculum.shtml) but I have a few concerns. I question whether or not an MPS would be enough for entrance into a future Doctorate program. Other than the programs PSU offers look very unique for being in the homeland security path. Also the Penn State programs are 18 month online programs allowing me the flexibility to conduct my studies when I have time (like all online degrees).

So while I know that no one can make the decision for me I want to see what you guys think about the comparison between these two very different paths. I've been leaning more toward the masters since I only need 18 months to complete it PLUS the uniqueness of the topics presented. In my discussions with many friends who are attorneys I keep hearing about the Juris Doctorate and how it has such versatility and opens up career doors that would otherwise be closed. I know that the masters would only open doors in a very specific field so if it's true about the JD then it holds a huge advantage to a terminal masters.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone on this board because without all the guidance I wouldn't even be here worrying about these options. I looked back through my threads and realize that I asked more questions than most people here and also changed my mind several times along the way. I still wouldn't trade this experience or change anything about it. I appreciate all the advice and look forward to reading the various responses.

 

Hi -

1. The requirements for most doctoral programs at B&M universities is a Bachelors degree, not a Masters. The Masters does help, but the only places I know of that require a Masters to get into a PhD program are online and they usually do it in lieu of a GRE or GMAT.

Reason: Most Doctoral programs (professional programs excluded) assume the same general courseload requirements as the Masters prior to taking your comprehensive examinations. If you fail out of the comprehensives, you're usually able to petition for a Masters.

Now granted, field to field and school to school things differ so know what your expectations are when reading the above.

2. If you're going to be a lawyer then don't waste your time on the MPS or simply jump into a place where there's a joint program. You need to get time in the JD program to get where you're going. The MPS itself will just take time away from that.

3. If you're not interested in practicing law or teaching law then don't bother with the JD and move on to a PhD in some other field. If you're good and lucky in the admissions process you may find a place that offers stipends.

I know it's a hard paradigm to shake when all you may be looking at is professional doctorates or online doctorates that require tuition and fees, but a lot of academic doctorate programs at B&Ms are funded; meaning you get a stipend that covers tuition, room and board with a small amount left over if you're also doing some teaching.

So to answer the question fairly:

1. What do you want to do with your life?
2. Once answered, charter the quickest path that doesn't compromise the quality of your educational experience.
3. Stick to the plan.

Best,
Al

 

Thank you for your honesty. In the days since I posted this I've resigned myself to the fact that law school just isn't for me. I don't want to be a practicing attorney and while I would like to possibly teach, law isn't the subject matter I would want do it in. The answer to number 2 is easy. Penn State (and most masters I'm interested in) could be completed in around 18 months. This also affords me the opportunity to do it all online so I have the convenience of being at home most of the time. Number 3 is something that is easy to adhere and although I've changed my mind several times during the process I never stopped.

I appreciate the advice and will use it to help me make a decision. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do yet but at least I've made a decision on not going to law school. Too bad I couldn't have figured this all out before taking the LSAT...

At least I know that if I choose to go to law school later the LSAT score is good for 5 years... Thanks again!

 

Hi soupbone,

Getting a law degree doesn't mean that you have to practice law. I am a CPA and have always wanted to complete the JD that I started years ago. Part of my job is SEC filing. Even though our group is responsible for the numbers and contents of the 10-Q and 10-K reports, our in-house attorneys are actually the ones who file the reports to the SEC. I am sure that being an attorney and the knowledge that I acquire from law school can definitely reduce the involvement of our in-house attorneys.