Top Masters Programs in Law

The practice of law in the United States has a long and illustrious history, having played an important role in the country's creation and upholding the rule of law. Lawyers and legal students from all over the world come to the United States to study or practise law. The LLM is a law master's degree that differs from the JD. A JD is required to practice law, whereas an LLM is sought to gain knowledge of a specialized area of law, such as international law or tax law. Although it is possible to receive an LLM without a legal degree, most people do so after earning their JD.

Master's degree in Law is offered by 48 American universities.

Yale University logo
Ranked as:  #3 in Best National University
Tuition:  $44,500 per year
Total Cost:  $89,000 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Connecticut
Acceptance:  6.53%

Yale Law School offers an unmatched intellectual environment with numerous opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the law and make a positive impact on society.

No set of metrics could ever fully capture our exceptional academic community, but we are committed to providing detailed, transparent information so you can make an informed decision the right law school for you. We believe this data showcases what sets Yale Law School apart as a leader in legal education.

For a deeper look into life at Yale Law School and the New Haven region, here are a few ways to further explore everything Yale Law School has to offer:.

Gerken and the Navigating Law School Admissions podcast.

Career OutcomesThe Student Experience Life in New HavenThe Law LibraryAlumni EngagementThe Tsai Leadership Program.

Yale Law School students are academically excellent, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and are diverse in many ways. Another important source for class statistics is the ABA 509 report. However, please note that the ABA defines certain terms differently than Yale Law School.

57% students of color (this is based on the race ethnicity categories defined by the Education and the ABA unlike the ABA 509 report, it does not distinguish based on citizenship status).

31% first-generation professionals (first generation of their immediate families to attend any graduate or professional school program).

18% first-generation college students (first generation of their immediate families to graduate from a four-year college, university, or its equivalent).

Students gathered outside the entrance to the Law School.

Each year, the Law School admits a small number of graduate students from around the world to pursue studies in law beyond the first professional degree.

Graduate students hail from 17 different countries and 6 continents and their interests range from intellectual property law to family law to bioethics to comparative and international law.

In its inaugural year, the Law School awarded full-tuition scholarships to 51 J.D. students, which provides ~$72,000 per year to every Hurst Horizon Scholar.

The Hurst Horizons Scholarship Program bolsters our exceptional financial-aid program.

Academic work, and offer a loan-forgiveness program that supports students in a broad range of careers.

We proudly offer significantly post-graduate public interest fellowships per student than any other law school in the country, enabling an average of 34 graduates each year to work for the public-interest organization of their choice on our dime.

Academic research, travel, and conference participation.

COAP has many key features, including significant flexibility. loan-forgiveness programs, it supports graduates taking low-paying jobs across sectors and is not confined to a particular type of public interest work.

Since its inception, than 2,000 Yale Law School graduates have participated in COAP and received than $58 million in benefits.

Graduates worked at a wide array of organizations, including:.

Law schools and universities in the U.S. and abroad.

than 30 clinics and dozens of centers, programs, and workshops.

Students enjoy far freedom at YLS to choose their classes than they do at peer schools. At Yale, students are able to select their courses as soon as they reach their second semester. Yale Law School is also unusual in that students can enroll in a clinic during the second semester of their first year.

Yale Law School fosters an environment of collaboration rather than competition. All first-term courses are graded on a credit fail basis.

than 30 clinics with a variety of topics and areas of focus including criminal law, health law, entrepreneurship, and many .

The intellectual life at Yale Law School is enriched by dozens of centers, programs, and workshops that serve as hubs for critical scholarly work and make a difference in communities in New Haven, around the country, and globally. This work cuts across many disciplines, giving students abundant opportunities to engage with their interests outside of the classroom. View the full list.

It includes prominent scholars of economics, philosophy, sociology, and history, as well as leading specialists in many areas of law.

One of the most influential law faculties in the country in terms of scholarly impact and citations.

Yale Law School graduates pursue a range of diverse career paths that make an impact across every sector of society. Our graduates are entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders, litigators, CEOs, and public servants. They are Cabinet officials and city council members environmentalists and inventors Hollywood agents and U.S. attorneys poets and coders. our alumni leaders.

Yale Law students are among the most sought after in the nation by employers of all types. 10 months after graduation, 99% of the Class of 2022 had long-term, full-time employment, including those pursuing fellowships and advanced degrees.

Class reports provide detailed data the sector, salary, and geographic destinations of our graduates. Law school summers also provide the opportunity for our students to explore employment possibilities and gain insight into different legal practice areas and work settings. Take a closer look at employment data.

Yale Law students secure many highly selective public interest fellowships offered by external funders. In addition, Yale Law School offers significantly postgraduate public interest fellowships than any other law school in the country, enabling than 30 graduates each year to work for a public interest organization at no cost to the organization. Both externally and internally funded fellowships enable our graduates to jumpstart their careers while serving the legal needs of underserved members of our society.

In the last five years, Yale Law School graduates have received on average 17 prestigious external fellowships per year. This includes:.

In the last five years, Yale Law School has funded an average of 34 fellowships per year.

42% of Yale Law School fellowship recipients received offers to remain with the fellowship organization.

Yale Law School supports students and graduates interested in academic careers with robust programming beginning when they are students and continuing through the time when they are on the job market through the Law Teaching Program.

In the last five years, ~75% of Yale Law graduates who went on the market were successful at securing a teaching job, and than 20% of these graduates received positions at leading law schools.

Yale Law School graduates have an excellent record of securing judicial clerkships at the state and federal level. Students work for state and federal courts as well as outside the United States.

~50% of graduates from each class clerk at some point after graduation.

Since 1988, 302 Yale Law School graduates have clerked or will clerk on the U.S. Supreme Court.

199 Yale Law School graduates currently serve as judges on federal, state, and administrative courts.

Preeminent law firms recruit Yale Law School students for summer and post-graduate positions, from global firms with 1,000+ attorneys to small, cutting-edge litigation boutiques and public interest law firms working for social and economic justice. The average starting salary of graduates working for firms in the Class of 2021 was $212,830. Yale Law School alumni work in law firms around the world. 145 Yale Law School alumni serve in leadership positions within their firms, including 14 firm-wide managing partners.

General offices and on Capitol Hill. Through the Heyman Federal Public Service Fellowship, numerous graduates each year work closely with high-level leaders in executive offices, agencies, commissions, and legislative committees.

Yale Law School offers numerous opportunities outside of the classroom to personalize their education and make a positive difference while earning a law degree.

And only 15 minutes to the beach! all within walking distance of Yale Law School.

Graduate student housing is available on-campus, including in the recently renovated Baker Hall adjacent to the Sterling Law Building. Students also live off campus in various neighborhoods throughout New Haven, each with its distinctive personality.

The reading room of the Lillian Goldman Law Library.

The Lillian Goldman Law Library at Yale Law School is one of the largest law libraries in the world, with than 1 million print volumes. The print collection is complemented by vast online resources. The interdisciplinary emphasis of the Law School is supported by the rich resources of the University Library, with some 16 million print volumes and online sources in virtually every discipline.

Our rare book collection includes roughly 50,000 volumes, including a range of items from the earliest English law book (1481) to original comic book art that establishes that Batman is a graduate of Yale Law School.

The Lillian Goldman Law Library maintains a professional staff of ~20 librarians, a significant number of which hold law and library science degrees.

Yale Law School has a thriving community of than 13,000 alumni, including many who maintain strong relationships with the School long after they graduate, serving as volunteers and mentors and giving back to support the next generation of students.

The Tsai Leadership Program, launched in the fall of 2021, seeks to develop a curriculum for the next century as well as to teach skills critical for future leaders who are ready to tackle a diverse set of challenges in the private and public sectors. The program saturates the Law School with classes, workshops, professional skills training, and immersive experiences around the country to better equip students for any career they choose. As part of the program, students have the opportunity to learn from leaders in every sector of society, participate in a mentor-in-residence program on campus, attend unique mentorship events across the country, and engage in professional networking opportunities.

The Leadership Program is centered on two innovative centers: The Chae Initiative in Private Sector Leadership and the Carol and Gene Ludwig Program in Public Sector Leadership.

Recent courses include Blockchain and Digital Assets Networks, Law, and Entrepreneurship Strategy Public Leadership and Policymaking and the Media and Technology Industries.

In 2023, students traveled to California to learn nonprofit and community leadership from prominent graduates. They also went to New York City to explore the financial industry and connect with leaders in the financial sector. Future trips will include an opportunity to learn from policymakers in Washington, D.C., and entrepreneurs in New York.

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Yale Law School by the Numbers - Yale Law School

  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research Assistantships:  1565
  • Teaching Assistantships:  1598
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Harvard University logo
Ranked as:  #3 in Best National University
Tuition:  $50,654 per year
Total Cost:  $101,308 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Massachusetts
Acceptance:  5.01%

The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is Harvard Law School’s most advanced law degree, designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue sustained independent study, research and writing. In recent years they have created a vibrant intellectual community of young scholars from around the world, most of whom will secure teaching positions in their home countries, the U.S., or third countries. They typically have around 60 S.J.D. candidates (most of whom are in residence) representing 25-30 countries, drawn primarily from among Harvard’s top LL.M. graduates. Ultimately, candidates are expected to produce a dissertation that will constitute a substantial and valuable contribution to legal scholarship.

There are five stages to the S.J.D. program:

1. Completion of a study plan which includes course work

2. Successful completion of an oral examination

3. Two presentations at the S.J.D. Colloquium

4. Submission and acceptance of a doctoral dissertation

5. Successful oral defense of the dissertation

The first two of these requirements—preparation and completion of a study plan, and successful completion of the oral (general) examination—are normally completed during the first year or two of study. The S.J.D. candidate normally completes the remaining requirements—presentations at the S.J.D. colloquium, submission and acceptance of the dissertation, and oral defense of the dissertation—during the three years after completion of the oral examination.

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Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)

  • GRE Required:  No
  • Research Assistantships:  864
  • Teaching Assistantships:  1388
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Stanford University logo
Ranked as:  #3 in Best National University
Tuition:  $55,011 per year
Total Cost:  $110,022 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  California
Acceptance:  5.19%

Mastering legal doctrine is just the beginning of a proper legal education. Lawyers play countless roles in the society—as advocates, as advisors, as leaders in their own right. They practice law, work in business and government, put their degrees to use in science, education, and policymaking, and serve their communities in many other ways. Knowledge of the law, both its content and how to argue about it, remains critical in all these roles. But it is not enough, and a lawyer must also understand the needs of the people he or she serves and the consequences for them of different legal positions. And because those needs cross disciplinary boundaries, Stanford Law—true to Stanford University’s heritage of learning without limits— offers the opportunity for a truly interdisciplinary, multidimensional legal education.

Stanford Law has adopted a variety of innovative approaches to prepare students to think not just like lawyers but also like clients and scholars. To begin, we make it easy to experience the diverse learning opportunities that are possible only at a university like Stanford—with its breadth of highly ranked schools and departments, all located close together on a well connected physical campus. Stanford Law students have broad access to courses outside the law school that will fill out their legal education. In this way, students benefit from academic thought leaders across disciplines, not to mention the intellectual life of the campus found in the myriad of conferences and events held each year and in countless other multidisciplinary research programs.

Nor do the opportunities to broaden your legal education at Stanford Law end here. In addition, you can explore law’s intersection with a growing range of fields by pursuing a joint degree and adding a master’s or doctorate to your law degree or by taking teamwork oriented simulation courses with students and faculty from other parts of the university.

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JD Program - Stanford Law School

  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research Assistantships:  2280
  • Teaching Assistantships:  1007
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
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University of Chicago logo
Ranked as:  #6 in Best National University
Tuition:  $61,548 per year
Total Cost:  $123,096 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Illinois
Acceptance:  7.31%

The University of Chicago Law School uniquely offers the combination of a small (70–80 students) and diverse (more than 25 nationalities) LLM program with a real sense of community among the students. The rigorous and elite academic atmosphere at the Law School is part of the experience both inside and outside the classroom, and is enhanced by the urban location in one of the great cities of the world.

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Master of Laws (LLM)

  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
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Johns Hopkins University logo
Ranked as:  #7 in Best National University
Tuition:  $59,425 per year
Total Cost:  $118,850 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Maryland
Acceptance:  11.06%

The Master of Laws (LLM) degree offered by Maryland Carey Law at Johns Hopkins University is an advanced legal program aimed at U.S.-educated lawyers with a JD from an American Bar Association accredited school and foreign-trained lawyers looking to broaden their understanding or specialize in U.S. law. The program is flexible, lasting one year, and allows students to customize their studies to align with their career objectives by choosing from a wide range of courses. To graduate, students must complete 26 credit hours within a maximum of 36 months from their initial enrollment, with full-time students required to take at least 12 credits per semester across two semesters.

The LLM program offers both a general track and specialized tracks in areas where Maryland Carey Law has established expertise. It features a mix of introductory courses, advanced courses, and seminars that provide a comprehensive understanding of specific legal fields, including interdisciplinary areas that address contemporary legal challenges. International students on an F-1 visa may also have the opportunity to stay in the U.S. for 12 months post-graduation under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, provided their work is related to their degree.

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Master of Laws (LLM)

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University of Pennsylvania logo
Ranked as:  #7 in Best National University
Tuition:  $41,760 per year
Total Cost:  $83,520 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Pennsylvania
Acceptance:  8.98%

The Doctor of Juridical Science Program (SJD) is the highest law degree offered by the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. The SJD program focuses on research and the production of original scholarship. The degree is granted upon the successful completion and defense of a dissertation.

All SJD candidates are required to be in residence at Penn for the first year of the program. Residency after this period is encouraged as it is highly conducive to completion of the dissertation.

Admission to the program is based upon the evaluation of a candidate’s past record and future promise as a legal scholar. Consideration is given to an applicant’s proposed research project, writing sample, academic record, professional experience, recommendations, personal statement, and English-language ability.

In keeping with its mission of training future legal academics and global leaders, Penn Carey Law provides fellowships for eligible SJD candidates that include full tuition, health insurance, and a stipend. Fellowships will cover three years of residence at Penn Carey Law.

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Doctor of the Science of Law (SJD)

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Northwestern University logo
Ranked as:  #10 in Best National University
Tuition:  $56,567 per year
Total Cost:  $113,134 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Illinois
Acceptance:  9.31%

Northwestern University's Master of Laws (LLM) program is expertly crafted to expand legal expertise and foster specialization within distinct legal arenas. This prestigious program welcomes individuals holding a Juris Doctor (JD) from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign university. Running over the course of nine months, the program is particularly beneficial for international law graduates, offering them an in-depth exploration of American law, international law, and comparative legal studies.

To successfully complete the LLM, students are required to accumulate a minimum of 20 credits in law-related courses. The curriculum is anchored by two compulsory courses: Common Law Reasoning, which sharpens fundamental legal skills, and a choice among American Jurisprudence, Civil Procedure, or Constitutional Law to provide a solid introduction to the American legal framework. Beyond these core requirements, students have the liberty to customize their academic journey with a diverse selection of advanced law courses.

Although the program does not necessitate a thesis, students have the option to engage in specialized Graduate Research projects on topics of their choosing. Moreover, the program offers a unique opportunity to enroll in select courses from the Kellogg School of Management, contingent on space availability. These courses, which are integral to the MBA curriculum and taught by esteemed Kellogg faculty, cover vital topics such as Accounting for Decision-Making and Business Strategy, and are credited towards the LLM degree.

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Master of Law (LLM)

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Duke University logo
Ranked as:  #10 in Best National University
Tuition:  $59,140 per year
Total Cost:  $118,280 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  North Carolina
Acceptance:  7.74%

The LLM in Law and Entrepreneurship is an intensive, two-semester program that offers a comprehensive 24-credit curriculum designed to immerse students in the dynamic intersection of law and business innovation. This unique program not only allows students to deepen their knowledge in specialized classroom settings but also to apply their learning practically through real-world experiences in a practicum setting.

Central to the program is a robust framework that equips students with a thorough understanding of both the historical and contemporary viewpoints on entrepreneurship within the legal domain. It is structured to enhance students' comprehension of the critical business, institutional, and strategic considerations that are vital for entrepreneurs. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of public policy and legal structures that underpin innovation, ensuring that students are well-versed in the essential legal knowledge and practical skills needed for the effective legal representation of entrepreneurs.

Beyond the foundational and skill-based learning, the LLM in Law and Entrepreneurship is designed to inspire students to explore and realize their entrepreneurial potential. Through this immersive educational journey, students are prepared to navigate and contribute to the evolving landscape of law and entrepreneurship with confidence and expertise.

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LLM in Law & Entrepreneurship - School of Law

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Vanderbilt University logo
Ranked as:  #13 in Best National University
Tuition:  $50,624 per year
Total Cost:  $101,248 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Tennessee
Acceptance:  11.62%

Vanderbilt University's LL.M. Program offers an immersive academic experience for foreign attorneys and international students, centering on U.S. legal practices and research methodologies. The program is integrated into the vibrant Vanderbilt Law School community and benefits from the broader university's resources, including the International Students and Scholars Services. Participants also enjoy the cultural and academic environment of a prominent American city.

The LL.M. Program is structured around three main tracks:

  • General Track: Students select from a wide range of law courses, with guidance from faculty advisers or administrators, to meet their professional aspirations and academic interests.
  • Law & Business Track: This track provides rigorous training in corporate law, securities regulation, finance, accounting, and corporate governance, capitalizing on Vanderbilt's renowned Certificate in Law & Business curriculum. It is designed for those aspiring to blend legal expertise with business acumen.
  • Thesis Track: This research-focused track involves a substantial project culminating in an academic paper, under the mentorship of a faculty adviser in the student's area of interest. It emphasizes legal research and writing skills.
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LL.M. Program at Vanderbilt Law School

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logo
Ranked as:  #15 in Best National University
Tuition:  $56,562 per year
Total Cost:  $113,124 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Missouri
Acceptance:  16.02%

The LLM in Intellectual Property and Technology Law at Washington University in St. Louis is a one-year advanced degree designed for individuals with a basic law degree. It caters to the increasing need for skilled professionals in intellectual property (IP) by offering both introductory and advanced courses in IP law, as well as a critical examination of the politics influencing this field. The program is characterized by practical skills training in small groups, led by seasoned IP lawyers.

The program attracts two main groups of students: JD graduates from the US looking to specialize further in IP law through an intensive year of study, and experienced international IP attorneys aiming to expand their understanding of both US and international IP law. WashULaw enriches the learning experience with a variety of IP-related activities, including conferences, symposia, speaker events, and participation in student organizations and competitions.

To graduate, students must complete 24 credit hours, with at least 15 credits from the IP/TL curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Intellectual Property and Technology Law.

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LLM in IP & Technology Law

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What kind of scholarships are available for Graduate Programs in Law?

We have 11 scholarships awarding up to $47,000 for Masters program in for Law, targeting diverse candidates and not restricted to state or school-based programs.

Scholarship nameAmountCredibility
Hach & Rose, LLP Annual College Scholarship$5,000Medium
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship$4,000Medium
The Fair Divorce Legislation Scholarship$1,000High
Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman Community Service Scholarship$1,000High
Sparks Law Dream Chasers Scholarship$1,000High

Find scholarships and financial aid for Law graduate programs

$500 $20000

Are there any one year masters programs in Law?

A full-time Master’s program is usually a 2-year program, but there are accredited and Nationally ranked universities that offer 1-year and 18-month Master’s programs. An 18-month program can be completed in one year because if you are able to complete the credit requirements, you can get the degree in 1 year.

17 Universities offer On-campus Masters's Program within One Year - 18 months. The tuition for a Master's can range from $15,217 to $57,522.

On-campus Masters 1 year - 18 months in Law

Are there universities offering online Master's in Law?

Online Master's degree in Law is offered by 68 US universities. The tuition for the Master's degree can range from $13,104 per year at University of California-Irvine to $66,480 at American University.

Online Master's in Law

Which are the accredited universities that offer phd/doctoral programs offered in Law?

Given that the United States contains some of the world's top legal schools, it should come as no surprise that 69 US colleges are represented among the top universities. Some of the top legal brains in the world have over the years resided in the United States.Students explore the ideas, concepts, and practises of law in a five-year, graduate-level program known as a law doctoral degree. Students who wish to engage in either private or public practice may enrol in the PHD program. People who desire to teach law or work as legal scholars and researchers should enrol in a PhD program.

71 universities offer graduate PHD program in Law

Best Law graduate PHD programs

What is the GRE score required for admission to Master's degree in Law?

Gre score requirements differ from school to school. Most colleges do not publish the cutoff scores. For example 362 universities offer Master's programs in Law.

Santa Clara University: 5.GMAT or GRE scores are required.

Carnegie Mellon University: Applicants are required to register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through LSAC and must take the LSAT.

Gre score requirements for Master's program in Law

Are there colleges for the Law Masters program that do not require GRE/GMAT?

Quite a few accredited universities have waived off the GRE score requirements for admissions to Masters programs. 362 offer Graduate programs in Law. Below are listed 10 universities that do not require GRE/GMAT for admission to Master's program. For viewing the all the schools that have waived off GRE/GMAT for the admission, use Match Me Masters.

No GRE schools for Masters in Law

How much does it cost to get a Master's in Law and how to find the most affordable Masters program?

Master's degree in Law is offered by 358 US universities. The tuition for the Master's degree can range from $7,510 per year at Brigham Young University to $61,548 at University of Chicago.

The tuition at public universities will be lower for in-state students when compared to private universities but you get more financial aid at private universities.

Most affordable Master's program in Law

Is it worth getting a master's degree in Law?

Before you invest 2-3 years of your life and anywhere between $40,000 - $110,00 of your hard earned money, students do ask as to what is the return on investment on the Master's degree. Here are some of the statistics from bls.gov.

What is a Law program?

A law degree can prepare you for practically any career that involves both academic prowess and a practical outlook on life.Law graduates are capable of performing many significant tasks in numerous professions since it impacts all facets of society, from the protection of life and liberty to corporate or international relations. Law is not just for attorneys or in the courts.

How long does a Master’s in law take? How many credits are required to get the degree?

After the under-graduate program it takes almost 12 months to get a graduate degree. Program credits depends upon different universities but most likely it required 36-40 credits.

Is pursuing a master's degree in law worthwhile? What kind of jobs and pay are available to you following a master's?

A highly regulated field like law studies, besides the knowledge can also help people to find some of the most prestigious career options that these graduates can achieve.

  • HR Manager or Director
  • Senior Compliance Officer or Director
  • Senior Contract Negotiator
  • Senior Business Analyst
  • Associate Operations Director

Even though these are some of the most popular alternatives, many people who are already employed in a variety of managerial positions see a master's in legal studies as their next step. Many people decide to acquire this degree in order to expand their knowledge and advance to more responsible and powerful positions within their company. Therefore, this degree is a great option for students looking to further their careers by learning about the many rules and regulations that apply to them.

How many credits are required to get a Graduate degree in law?

There is no hard and fast rule for credit scores but generally for legal studies students have to get 36-40 credits.

Can I get a Master’s degree in law in a year?

Yes, you can get a master's degree in law or legal studies in one year. However, this degree does not grant you the right to practise law or to sit for the bar test. A master's degree in law may undoubtedly provide that for people who wish to teach legal studies or the law or apply what they learn in the programme to their jobs (outside of practising law). According to Northwestern University, some careers that students pursue upon completing their master's degree in law are human resources manager or director, senior compliance officer or director, contract negotiator, business analyst, and operations director. There is not a specific career or field for students who have earned their master's in law. A master's degree in law can be earned and may be the right choice for you if you want to learn more about the law and legal studies but do not plan on practising law as an attorney.

How are these No LSAT JD programs in Law ranked?

CollegeHippo ranks the universities based on the US news ranking. You can see the ranking of every university below the university name. For example, Pepperdine University is ranked 54 in Best National University, University of Arizona is ranked 121 in Best National University and they do not require LSAT for admission to their JD programs in Law.

What is being taught at Graduate Schools of Juris Doctor(JD)?

J.D. stands for juris doctorate, and is a post-graduate doctorate degree for students seeking to become lawyers in the United States.

The curriculum of these schools tend to differ in the second and third year of the JD, however, the first year generally teaches these courses:

Fall

  • Civil Procedure
  • Property Law
  • Contract Law
  • Torts
  • Legal Research and Writing
  • Spring

  • Criminal Law
  • Constitutional Law
    • Legal Research and Writing
  • Legislation/Regulation or Electives
  • Subjects being taught, what courses, how JD in Law is different than the undergraduate program?

    Undergraduate programs in law are generally called pre-law programs. These include classes in legal philosophy, political science, American legal history, and so on.

    Students do NOT need to study pre-law to get into law school. Law schools will accept any undergraduate major from any accredited college or university, so long as students score well on their Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and have a good GPA.

    How do public versus private schools differ for JD programs?

    Top-tier schools, like Harvard, NYU, Yale, and Stanford, tend to be private. However, there are some very well-renowned public law schools as well.

    Is it worth paying a premium for Ivy League JD Graduate Programs?

    This is a big debate, and depends on the person, specifically on the person’s finances. Ivy League law schools will be very expensive, sometimes around $200,000 a year. That said, a degree from an Ivy League school will almost always allow you to find a job at a large, high-paying law firm where repaying your loans will be easier.

    On the other hand, enrolling in a public school has its benefits. These schools are not as expensive and therefore have fewer loans. This will give a graduate the ability to pursue areas of the law they might not have been able to consider if they were hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans, such as working in the public interest, compliance, or pursuing other fields.

    How much will JD Law Degree Cost?

    This depends entirely on the school as well. Private schools with good rankings like Harvard will cost around $90,000 a year, including tuition, housing, healthcare, etc. This averages out to around $270,000 after the three-year degree. On the other hand, a public school like the University of Georgia, costs around $30,000 per year, all things included, and so averages out to be around $90-100,000 for the three-year degree.

    Is previous work experience in Law helpful when applying for the JD program?

    It may be helpful, but not necessary. Most law students will undergo an internship after their first year of school, so experience in a law-related field is not expected before applying to law school. That said, a demonstrated interest in the law from previous employment in the field may help your application. Additionally, statistics show that students who take time off between their college graduation and their first year of law school to work do better, on the whole, than students who go straight from undergraduate to the JD degree.

    What is the requirement for admissions to JD Law Graduate program?

    1. Must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited school in the United States

    2. Must have a GPA within the range of the GPA required by the respective school, though generally this is above a 3.2 or 3.3 cumulative.

    3. Fill out an application either through the law school’s website or through LSAC, a hub for law school admissions

    4. Obtain letters of recommendation from former teachers, professors, employers, etc.

    5. Draft your personal statement, which is essentially a story about an experience in your life that highlights your positive qualities and shows you would be a good fit for the law school experience and the legal community

    6. Apply (with a fee)!

    What is the minimum LSAT score? What is the average GPA?

    Both of these depend entirely on the school. Harvard requires around a 3.9 GPA and a 175 LSAT (perfect is 180). On the other hand, a smaller school like the Cardozo School of Law requires around a 3.5 GPA with a 159 LSAT. So this all depends on the prestige of the school.

    Do you need statement of purpose for admissions?

    Yes, a “personal statement” is required. Each school will have its own requirements for the personal statement, though generally, they follow the same format. The personal statement is an admissions essay. This link explains what is required, generally speaking, in a personal statement.

    What are the salaries after graduation enter what kind of a scholarship or financial aid is available for the graduate programs?

    Salaries range anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 based upon the field the graduate enters. Public interest, government jobs, small boutique firms, or solo practitioners can expect to make well beneath $100,000 at the beginning of their legal career. Students who go to large private law firms, especially in big cities like New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., or even London, can expect beginning salaries from $120,000-200,000 per year.

    Is the scholarship or financial aid available for international students?

    Yes, financial aid is available for national and international students alike. Take the following example from Harvard’s website:

    • The JD financial aid program is designed to help students from across the economic spectrum and from around the world meet the expense of a law school education while preserving career choice options in the broadest range of law-related and public service fields. International students (any students who are not U.S. Citizens or non-citizens eligible for federal student aid) can apply for HLS need-based grant and loan assistance, and financial aid awards are determined using the same need-based approach that applies to students who are U.S. citizens. Harvard Law School provides institutional loans in place of U.S. Federal Direct Stafford & Perkins Loans in need-based aid packages for international students.

    Does the scholarship or Aid varies for out-of-state vs in-state student?

    Yes. Certain scholarships may be granted to in-state vs. out-of-state students as the costs vary. As you probably know, out-of-state tuition is more expensive than in-state tuition. Accordingly, there will be certain scholarships, depending on the program, which only out-of-state or in-state students may apply for.

    Career Outlook

    Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 46,000 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

    The median annual wage for lawyers was $126,930 in May 2020. Number of Jobs in 2020 was 804,200.

    Employers prefer the candidate with a Master's degree.

    Career Opportunities with master's degree in Law


    Job Title 2020 median Pay Number of Jobs Job Outlook What they do
    Lawyers $126,930 804,200 Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 46,000 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.
    Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates $124,200 44,900 Overall employment of judges and hearing officers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 2,200 openings for judges and hearing officers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Judges and hearing officers apply the law by overseeing the legal process in courts.
    Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers $124,200 44,900 Overall employment of judges and hearing officers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 2,200 openings for judges and hearing officers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Judges and hearing officers apply the law by overseeing the legal process in courts.
    Law Teachers, Postsecondary $80,560 1,276,900 Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 139,600 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
    Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators $66,130 6,900 Employment of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is projected to grow 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 400 openings for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system.

    Best paying jobs for Law - Updated 2023

    How can I compare the Law Graduate Programs?

    Compare the GRE score requirements, admission details, credit requirements and tuition for the Master's Program, from 435 universities offering Graduate School Programs in Law. Compare Graduate School Programs in Law

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