Legal Studies Graduate Programs: Specialty Subjects
Aside from the degree level – Masters and Doctorate, individuals have the option to pursue an area of interest within legal studies and law which might help them sharpen their law skills and understanding in a specific field:
- Environmental Law graduate programs
- Health Care Law graduate programs
- Intellectual Property Law graduate programs
- International Law graduate programs
- JD Law Programs
- LLM Master of Law Degree Programs
- Taxation Law graduate programs
Environmental Law Graduate Programs
Environmental law graduate programs might appeal to individuals interested in energy law and policy, conservation of natural resources, sustainable development, global warming or alternative energy.
Health Care Law Graduate Programs
Health care law graduate programs often focus on healthcare policy and health care leadership. Individuals might choose a program that emphasizes organizational leadership within the context of healthcare or one that offers specialized legal training.
Intellectual Property Law Graduate Programs
Intellectual property law graduate programs may explore U.S. intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.
International Law Graduate Programs
International law graduate programs might encompass trade laws, human rights, international banking and other complex issues.
Taxation Law Graduate Programs
Taxation law graduate programs might include advanced study in tax law, commercial law, accounting, and estate planning.
Potential Career Outlook for Law Graduates
Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for legal services continues and employment of lawyers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024; in May, 2015 the median annual wage for lawyers was $115,820[ii]. Other potential career paths might include;
- Government counsel
- Legal aid lawyers
- Defense lawyers
- Environmental lawyers
- Tax lawyers
- Compliance Coordinator
- Professor of Law
- Policy makers
Accreditation for Legal Studies & Law Graduate Degree Programs
Accreditation for legal studies and law graduate degree programs might come from different accreditation agencies, depending on the program itself. Several regionally accredited universities offer graduate legal studies degrees, although, if you intend to pursue a Juris Doctorate, look for ABA-accredited law schools[ii].
Are Legal Studies and Law Graduate Programs Available Online?
Some legal studies and law graduate programs may be available through distance education. This may be a convenient option for working professionals and International students. Browse specifically for ‘online’ programs in your desired category. Alternatively, conduct a location search to find ‘on campus’ graduate programs in law and legal studies by city, state or country.
Take the Next Step
Choose your category within legal studies and law graduate programs, then refine by degree level (e.g. MSc, LLM, JD, PhD or graduate certificate) and program format (online, campus). Submit a ‘request info’ form to prospective law schools and universities. It is that convenient to take the next step in your education!
Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm | [ii]datausa.io/profile/cip/220101