Service members looking to advance their careers have a new option: a master’s degree for non-lawyers. The traditional law degree, the JD, is required by the American Bar Association (ABA) as the primary credential to practice law. Lawyers, however, aren’t the only professionals who deal with legal issues. Over the past two decades, increasing complexity in business and regulation highlight the need for professionals in various disciplines who understand the law.
Related: Emory University School of Law offers a Juris Master program for military veterans and service members. Learn more.
If you are considering a graduate degree in the law, but do not want to practice law, the Juris Master may be a good choice. When evaluating potential programs, consider:
- Do you work with laws, regulations, and policies? Do you want to be able to better understand and explain how the law works?
- Does the program have required residencies or other required on-campus events, and does the program make exceptions for active duty military personnel?
- Does Military Tuition Assistance or the GI bill cover the cost of the program?
- Does the school provide Yellow Ribbon benefits or other specialized scholarships for military personnel?
- Does the school have a Veterans office that can help students navigate VA education benefits?
Sponsored: click here to learn about the Juris Master program at Emory University School of Law.