Alternative Pathways to Law School: Exploring Joint Degree Programs and Part-Time Studies
Exploring Joint Degree Programs and Part-time Studies
Law school can be tough, and it’s not for everyone! You could already be burnt out from going to undergrad, or simply know that Law School isn’t for you. Maybe you even already gave Law School a try and didn’t like it, but you still want to practice law. Thankfully, there are other options besides law school to become a lawyer. Today, we’re going to explore the alternative pathways that will let you still practice law: joint degree programs and part time studies.
Joint Degree Programs
For many students, a joint degree, or dual degree program, is the best way to go. This pathway saves time, money, gives flexibility, and probably best of all: is amazing for networking. Here’s how it works: when students opt for the dual degree option, they will graduate with two degrees: either both law degrees, or one law degree and another degree in a second discipline. Online Master of Legal Studies Programs goes more in depth about this. So now that we’ve established what joint degree programs are, what are some examples? University of La Verne gives us a few: You could get a JD with an MBA, a JD with an MPA, or a JD with an MED. All of these degrees are very interconnected and doing this would be very helpful for networking because you’re not networking in just one industry.
Part Time Studies
The part time studies option is very valuable to those who don’t want to go back to school, want to be more independent, or working adults who need a part time option. There are of course more options within these options, including the legal apprenticeship program, accredited, and unaccredited programs.
The Legal apprenticeship program is a program designed to get you through all the necessary steps to become a lawyer, without actually going to law school. It’s worth noting that this program is only for those in California, so if you are planning to live elsewhere, this won’t be the right fit for you. Otherwise, this program has many benefits! How it works: You would have to study and meet all those requirements, and you would be doing so under a judge or attorney for four years. Once all those steps are completed, it would be time to take the bar exam and then become a licensed attorney in California! Go to Yang Law Offices for more details on how this program works.
On the other hand, unaccredited and accredited law schools are a great option too. This option allows for both in person and online classes, and best of all: tuition is low! One thing to be weary of, however, is that unaccredited law school students tend to not pass the bar as frequently as accredited law school students. Regardless, these options are great to go to if it’s a better fit scheduling wise, and financially! Find more at Western State College of Law.
It’s always tough making a career based decision, but we hope we helped you out a bit with this one! Just remember that it’s not the end of the world if you find out law school isn’t for you, but still want to practice law. There are other options, and you have to find the right fit for you and your lifestyle! At Ivy Grad Services, we’re here to help guide you through making the right decision for you!