The Juris Doctor (J.D.) serves as the initial degree in law. All applicants for admission to practice law must hold a Juris Doctor. The typical program involves three years of full-time study, though some schools offer part-time study. The curriculum exposes students to principles of law, the legal system and practical skills, such as trial and appellate work. First-year courses consist of civil procedure, contract law, property law, torts and criminal law. In subsequent years, students can choose courses involving practical skills or ones tailored to a particular interest or area of law.
Many colleges combine the J.D. degree with another degree, such as Master's of Business Administration (MBA). Indiana University offers a Master of Library Science-Doctor of Jurisprudence (MLS-JD) dual degree for students interested in legal research. Students in joint-degree programs generally must be admitted to, and satisfy the requirements of, both the law school and the school offering the non-Juris Doctor degree.
The Master of Laws (LLM) affords study in a specialized area of law, such as internatational law and taxation. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a Master of Law in Space & Telecom. Candidates must hold a J.D. degree, but are not required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). According to the Law School Admission Council, students whose native language is not English may be required to pass an English proficency examination. Master of Laws programs involve one year of coursework.
Colleges typically offer a pre-law track, or set of recommended courses for prospective law students, rather than a law-related degree at the undergraduate level. However, Penn State University provides an online bachelor's degree in law and society. The program targets people in the workforce and those interested in criminal justice, court services and public service. The 123-credit hour curriculum includes courses in legal writing, the legal system and process in the United States, law and society and the philosophy behind law and legal ethics.