Go to Page Section:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), becoming a lawyer requires a minimum of two degrees over the course of 7 years of full-time study – 4 years for an undergraduate degree, followed by a 3-year law degree earned from a law school accredited by the ABA.
If you are considering law school, generally, there are three different types of law degrees a person can earn in the U.S.A.
These core law degrees include a Juris Doctor, a Master of Laws, and a Doctor of Juridical Science.
Not ready for law school yet?
Undergraduate law degrees in legal studies can be a great place to begin.
There are four main options. Let’s dive into all of that.
Core Law Degrees
Juris Doctor (JD)
The Juris Doctor allows a person to practice law within the United States of America.
This is the first law degree that a person will earn to become an attorney.
A Juris Doctor takes three full years to complete and is started after a person has earned a bachelor’s degree from a college.
Some Juris Doctor degrees can be completed in combination with other master’s degree programs in particular areas of the law, such as public policy or business.
These programs will take over three years to finish.
During the first year, a student will study basic topics such as criminal law, civil procedure, and international law.
The second and third years can be customized by the student to reflect their interests.
Elective courses in particular areas, such as business and taxes, can be taken during the second and third years.
Master of Laws (LLM)
While most master’s degree programs are the first level of a graduate degree in a subject, a Master of Laws is actually the law degree that is completed after a Juris Doctor degree.
A master of law degree program takes a year to complete, studying full-time, and a student may specialize in a specific area of the law, such as environmental law, human rights law, taxation, or technology law.
There are many concentrations within the master of Laws degree, which means the curricula for each program will vary.
For example, a person who enrolls in a tax master of law degree will learn about the tax laws of the United States and gain an understanding of these laws throughout the program.
A master of Laws degree can be very beneficial for international lawyers who want to familiarize themselves with and practice law in the United States legally.
An American lawyer who wants to specialize in a certain area or prepare for the S.J.D. program is often accepted into these programs as well.
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD or JSD)
A Doctor of Juridical Science is the highest form of law degree available in the United States.
A Doctor of Juridical Science degree can be finished in three years as a full-time student.
This program will qualify individuals to work as law professors in academic settings.
A Doctor of Juridical Science is research-intensive and requires a student to know what their research interests are before they start the application process.
The majority of a student’s time is spent completing and defending a dissertation.
The student will work with an advisor during their first year of the program to determine course requirements.
To be eligible for a Doctor of Juridical Science program, a person must have a Juris Doctor degree or a master of Laws degree.
There are some law schools that have a preference for which type of degree a person has before entering the program.
Most programs will expect an individual to submit their dissertation proposals upon applying.
Most people applying to these programs have several years of experience as a legal professional.
Undergraduate Law Degrees
Undergraduate law degrees are a great way to explore how the legal system works while building skills you can use in many careers.
These programs introduce core legal concepts, research, and analytical thinking, making them a smart choice for students curious about law, planning for law school, or looking to step into legal and compliance roles right after graduation.
Master of Legal Studies
The Master of Legal Studies is perfect for professionals who want legal knowledge without going to law school.
Most programs require 30 to 36 credits and take 1 to 2 years to complete.
Students explore contracts, compliance, and legal research, gaining skills used in fields like healthcare, business, and human resources.
Many MLS programs are online, with total costs often ranging from $15,000 to $35,000.
Master of Jurisprudence
A Master of Jurisprudence offers a deeper look at how law shapes policy and professional decision-making.
Programs typically include 24 to 34 credits and can be finished in about 12 to 18 months.
Students often choose focus areas such as health law or employment law.
Tuition usually falls between $18,000 and $40,000, and many programs are designed for working professionals.
Bachelor’s in Legal Studies
A Bachelor’s in Legal Studies introduces students to the legal system while building strong writing and critical thinking skills.
The degree usually requires 120 credits and takes around 4 years to complete.
Graduates often work as paralegals, legal assistants, or compliance specialists, or continue on to law school.
Annual tuition at public colleges commonly ranges from $8,000 to $12,000.
A bachelor’s in paralegal studies is also a popular program for aspiring legal professionals.
Associate Degree in Legal Studies
An Associate Degree in Legal Studies offers a quick and affordable path into the legal field.
Most programs require about 60 credits and can be completed in 2 years.
Students learn legal basics, court procedures, and document preparation.
Community college tuition is often very affordable, with total program costs commonly between $4,000 and $10,000.
Associate’s in paralegal studies programs are also widely available and very popular.
Compare Your Legal Education Options
| Degree | Length | Credits | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (JD) | 3 years | 85-90 | $90,000-$200,000+ | Future attorneys |
| Master of Laws (LLM) | 1 year | 24-30 | $40,000-$70,000 | Licensed lawyers or international grads |
| Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) | 3-5 years | Varies | Varies widely | Legal scholars and professors |
| Master of Legal Studies | 1-2 years | 30-36 | $15,000-$35,000 | Professionals seeking legal knowledge |
| Master of Jurisprudence | 12-18 months | 24-34 | $18,000-$40,000 | Professionals working with law |
| Bachelor’s in Legal Studies | 4 years | 120 | $32,000-$96,000 | Entry-level legal careers or law school prep |
| Associate Degree in Legal Studies | 2 years | 60-65 | $4,000-$10,000 | Fast entry into legal support roles |
Disclaimer: The information in this table is for general guidance only. Program lengths, credit requirements, and costs can vary by school, location, and format. Always check with the specific institution for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
Key Takeaways: Find Your Legal Path
Your legal journey is yours to shape.
- JD: Step into the courtroom.
- LLM & SJD: Master the details.
- Master’s in Legal Studies & Jurisprudence: Gain legal smarts without practicing law.
- Bachelor’s & Associate Degrees: Launch your career or prep for law school.
No matter the path, you’ll learn to think like a legal pro.
Research, analyze, and solve problems in ways that open doors everywhere.
Your law story starts now.
Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in the legal field without becoming a lawyer?
Yes.
Many people work in law-related roles without a JD.
Degrees like Legal Studies, Master of Legal Studies, and Master of Jurisprudence prepare graduates for careers in compliance, legal support, policy, and administration.
Are undergraduate law degrees good preparation for law school?
They can be.
Bachelor’s and associate degrees in legal studies build strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills that are useful in law school, though they are not required for JD admission.
Can these law degrees be completed online?
Many programs are available online, especially legal studies, jurisprudence, and master’s level programs.
JD programs are mostly campus-based, though some schools now offer limited hybrid options.
How long does it take to earn a law degree?
It depends on the degree.
Associate programs usually take 2 years, bachelor’s degrees take about 4 years, master’s programs range from 12 months to 2 years, and a JD typically takes 3 years.
Do legal studies degrees lead to paralegal jobs?
Yes.
Many legal studies programs include coursework aligned with paralegal responsibilities.
Graduates often work as legal assistants or paralegals, depending on employer requirements.
What careers can I pursue with a legal studies degree?
Graduates commonly work in compliance, contracts administration, risk management, human resources, legal support, and government or nonprofit organizations.
Can I switch from legal studies to law school later?
Yes.
Many students start with a legal studies degree and later apply to JD programs.
Strong academic performance and LSAT scores are key factors in admission.
Hi there I just finished my matric and is interested in studying law, but I don’t know which one to choose, can u please help and send some information.
Thank you.
This breakdown of law degrees is super helpful! I’ve been debating between a J.D. and an LL.M., and this post gave me a clearer understanding of which path fits my goals.
I had no idea there were so many different types of law degrees! It’s interesting to see how specialized the legal field can be depending on career goals.