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Related Law and Legal Degrees
Law and legal studies degrees can lead to a variety of different career paths. While some programs prepare students to become licensed attorneys, others are designed for professionals who want to apply their legal knowledge in areas like health care, compliance, or taxation. Perhaps you work alongside attorneys in regulated environments and would like more in-depth preparation in compliance or tax law to excel in your field.
Understanding the common degree options can help you determine which higher education path is right for you. Keep in mind that naming conventions do vary across institutions, so don’t go by the name of the degree or program alone. Not sure where to start? Explore our quick guide below on common law degrees and areas of specialization.
Types of Law and Legal Degree Specializations
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
The Juris Doctor, or J.D., is the professional law degree required for most people who want to become licensed attorneys in the United States. J.D. programs typically take about three years of full-time study and include foundational legal subjects, legal writing, research, and practical training. After earning the degree, keep in mind that graduates usually need to pass a bar exam to practice law in their state.Read our Juris Doctor (J.D.) guide to explore if this track is right for your career goals.
Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
The Master of Legal Studies, or MLS, is designed for non-lawyers who want to understand how the law affects their work, but do not plan to become attorneys. MLS programs are often a strong fit for professionals in compliance, HR, health care, business, government, or other law-adjacent fields. These programs focus on legal concepts, regulatory issues, and practical application instead of bar preparation.Considering a non-JD career path in law? See how an MLS could fit into your future.
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
The Master of Laws, or LL.M., is an advanced legal degree for students who already have legal training and want to build expertise in a specific area of law. In the U.S., the degree is pursued by lawyers who already hold a J.D. However, it is also common among international law graduates seeking advanced study or U.S. legal specialization. LL.M. programs may focus on areas such as tax law, environmental law, international law, or health law.Ready to go deeper in a specific area? An LL.M. can help you build advanced expertise following your J.D.
Dual and Joint Law Degrees
Dual and joint law degrees allow students to earn a J.D. alongside another graduate degree, such as an MBA or an MSW. These programs are designed for students who want to combine legal training with another professional field. They can be especially useful for careers in policy, advocacy, business, social work, or public service.Many interesting careers lie at the intersection of law and expertise. Consider a dual and joint law degree to combine legal training with your interests in other fields.
Degree Focus Areas
Compliance
Compliance-focused legal programs help students understand laws, regulations, risk management, and internal policy requirements in regulated industries. These programs are especially useful for professionals working in corporate compliance, health care, finance, education, or government.Explore compliance-focused programs, including JD and non-JD pathways.
Taxation
Tax law programs focus on legal principles related to taxation, planning, and regulatory compliance. Students may encounter taxation as a concentration within an MLS or LL.M. program, depending on the school.Find out how taxation programs prepare students to solve the many interdisciplinary challenges that taxation presents.
Dispute Resolution
Dispute resolution programs center on negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and other methods of resolving conflict outside of court. These programs appeal to professionals in law, HR, labor relations, education, public administration, and organizational leadership.Explore dispute resolution programs focused on mediation, arbitration, and negotiation.
Choosing the Right Path
The best degree depends on your career goals. If you want to become a lawyer, a J.D. is the standard path. If you want legal knowledge for your current profession, an MLS may be the better fit. If you already have legal training and want to specialize, an LL.M. may be the right choice.
For a side-by-side comparison, see our guide to MLS vs. LL.M. vs. J.D.
Information last updated: June 2026