Online Law Degree Programs

Online Law Degree Programs

A law degree is essential for individuals who wish to pursue a career in the vast field of law and dedicate themselves to the judiciary system. Online law degrees enable students to build a solid foundation in law practices and concepts that can be used in a variety of fields. The law field is very large and there are a wide variety of specializations available to students. Juris doctorate degrees in law lead to practicing as a lawyer. Read more about online law degree programs.

Some Stats

In 2006, there were 10,391 associate, 3,596 bachelor, 4,486 master, and 143 doctorate degrees conferred in legal professions and studies. There were also 1,331 bachelor and 102 master degrees conferred in general legal studies (1). In 2006, lawyers held about 761,000 jobs with 27% being self-employed. Law clerks held about 37,000 jobs in 2006 (2).

Employment Outlook

The employment outlook varies on degree and position. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow about as fast as average for all professions from 2006 to 2016, increasing 11% and adding 84,000 new jobs (2). The average annual salary for lawyers with less than 1 year experience is between $45, 222 and $69,828 (3).

Specialties

The field of law offers a wide variety of specialties that students can concentrate on throughout their academic career. Law is not just about going to trial to prosecute or defend individuals; there are many different areas of law that students can specialize in. The specialties include administrative law and regulatory practice, tax law, banking law, air, sea, and space law, children’s advocacy and law, e-commerce law, antitrust law, business law, environmental law, bankruptcy law, family law, entertainment and sports law, drug law, personal injury law, public defense, litigation, securities law, civil rights law, health law, insurance law, personal injury law, and immigration law. Students should keep in mind that some specialties overlap with each other. When selecting a college or university it is important for students to make sure the school offers the desired area of specialization.

What to Expect

Some students complete undergraduate degrees in law and bachelor degrees are required to be admitted into law school. Law degree programs provide a dynamic education combining theory and practical experiences. A liberal arts background is very useful for pre-law students because it helps improve analytical, speaking, and writing skills. Students who decide to purse their law education by entering law schools can expect at least 3 additional years of rigorous training. Law school provides instruction on a variety of topics such as business law, ethics, civil procedure, corporate law, finance, tax, and insurance. Students typically engage in hands on experience in every day issues.

The End Result

A law degree at any educational level provides a variety of career opportunities for graduates. Students who chose to pursue their Juris Doctor to become lawyers will have an abundance of opportunities to practice law in a variety of areas. Careers for law degree graduates include:

People who enjoy fast paced and stressful environments will find enjoyment in a career in the law field. Law professionals serve individuals and organizations and perform a variety of legal tasks. Graduates who decide to practice law and become lawyers must become licensed to practice by passing a bar examination.

(1) SOURCE: U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics
(2) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition
(3) SOURCE: Payscale.com, Salary Survey Report