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Law School or Master of Professional Studies - soupbone - 03-14-2010
I've been hesitant to write the obligatory "I'm done" thread until I get TESC's letter of completion but in the meantime I've been exploring several options and have questions/concerns. :hurray:
I've considered law school for a long time and now it's a reality. I've taken the LSAT and everything is in order. My only option right now for law school is evening school which would require me to attend class Mon.-Thurs. 6pm-9pm for 4 years. I need to have a steady income so day law is simply not an option.
So as I've been getting all of my law school items in order I started thinking about pursuing a masters degree instead. Naturally since my bachelor's degree is in Homeland Security I've looked at several programs and found a few that interest me. PSU (Penn State University) has several very interesting MPS programs (http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/Maste...rriculum.shtml) but I have a few concerns. I question whether or not an MPS would be enough for entrance into a future Doctorate program. Other than the programs PSU offers look very unique for being in the homeland security path. Also the Penn State programs are 18 month online programs allowing me the flexibility to conduct my studies when I have time (like all online degrees).
So while I know that no one can make the decision for me I want to see what you guys think about the comparison between these two very different paths. I've been leaning more toward the masters since I only need 18 months to complete it PLUS the uniqueness of the topics presented. In my discussions with many friends who are attorneys I keep hearing about the Juris Doctorate and how it has such versatility and opens up career doors that would otherwise be closed. I know that the masters would only open doors in a very specific field so if it's true about the JD then it holds a huge advantage to a terminal masters.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone on this board because without all the guidance I wouldn't even be here worrying about these options. I looked back through my threads and realize that I asked more questions than most people here and also changed my mind several times along the way. I still wouldn't trade this experience or change anything about it. I appreciate all the advice and look forward to reading the various responses.
Law School or Master of Professional Studies - norema - 03-14-2010
I shouldn't be commenting because I really don't know much about getting a JD. I thought it was done if one primarily wanted to be a lawyer. However, the statement that you made about it opening up an unlimited amount of doors versus a Masters answered your own question, to me anyway. Just go for the JD. It all depends on what you are wanting to do with your life really. It's easy to say just figure that out, then decide. However, if you're anything like me who can't really decide. Then go towards the direction that benefits you the most. Your lawyer friends already told you, the JD should be the way to go.
Law School or Master of Professional Studies - soupbone - 03-14-2010
Thanks norema. Law degrees have a lot of utility beyond being a practicing attorney. Many companies hire JD holders for a slew of different reasons. I think my debate will ultimately come down to one thing. Do I want to work full time and be in school 4 years (at night)? If the masters offers me another step up in my career then I would forego the law degree but it's just so hard to decide since I've wanted law school for a very long time. Thanks for the input!
Law School or Master of Professional Studies - JBjunior - 03-15-2010
There are a lot of different factors that will come into play with whether I pursue my JD in the next 2 years but in a perfect world it is what I would do. At this point I don't desire to practice law in a courtroom but I am well aware of the doors that a JD opens. I have wanted to go to law school since I was probably 10 years old, I'll be 26 this year. Active duty military with a family makes everything a little more tight but we'll see how far the GI bill will take me.
Law School or Master of Professional Studies - mongoose65 - 03-15-2010
I think the JD is a good thing if you can keep things focused on a Homeland Security related track. I think many of the "doors" the JD opens pertain more to someone with extensive experience. For example, someone with business or accounting can use that JD to leapfrog others but they will be spending all their time dealing with contract law. Most law work outside of practicing in the courtroom is heavy into contracts or research and how exciting would that be to someone into Homeland Security? Just my 2 cents. I think if you have the dedication (and you have clearly done your homework) then it's a marvelous thing to have and a great accomplishment. The return on investment will just take a lot longer unless you want to start at the bottom at a law firm.
On the other hand, a Masters is quicker, cheaper, gives you some flexibility and can potentially get you onto a career track that may be more specific to what you really want to do.
Either way, I admire your ambition and wish you great success!
Law School or Master of Professional Studies - soupbone - 03-15-2010
mongoose65 Wrote:I think the JD is a good thing if you can keep things focused on a Homeland Security related track. [SIZE="4"]I think many of the "doors" the JD opens pertain more to someone with extensive experience.[/SIZE] For example, someone with business or accounting can use that JD to leapfrog others but they will be spending all their time dealing with contract law. Most law work outside of practicing in the courtroom is heavy into contracts or research and how exciting would that be to someone into Homeland Security? Just my 2 cents. I think if you have the dedication (and you have clearly done your homework) then it's a marvelous thing to have and a great accomplishment. The return on investment will just take a lot longer unless you want to start at the bottom at a law firm.
On the other hand, a Masters is quicker, cheaper, gives you some flexibility and can potentially get you onto a career track that may be more specific to what you really want to do.
Either way, I admire your ambition and wish you great success!
Thanks for your reply. I have over 14 years in the same field which is why the JD looks attractive. What worries me is would the JD make me overqualified for some positions within my field whereas the masters would be a perfect fit? I'm just not sure and honestly don't know who to ask since each company probably has different policies. I do know that the workload for law school will be considerably higher than the masters even though it's a part time evening program. I'm not afraid of hard work but I need to make sure the payout is worth it. cheersmate
Law School or Master of Professional Studies - mongoose65 - 03-15-2010
I totally get it. The owner might say "Damn, this guy is well rounded and smart. 14 years experience AND a law degree...what a find!" The HR Director would say "duh, why did you get a JD if you don't want to be a lawyer?" HR people aren't known for thinking outside the box, but unfortunately they are the gatekeepers.
I am agaonizing over getting a Masters but I don't really want an MBA and don't want to shell out the cash. My experience is in purchasing and I have a lot of experience and certifications. I decided that since I am very busy this year, I will just obtain a public purchasing certification rather than an MBA. For the $600 the cert. will cost vs $11k+ for the MBA, I am fairly certain it has almost equal value in my field. My resume with my 2 certifications has already proven to be viewed more highly than someone with a general MBA and less specific experience.
My fear of course is that the way things are now, I know there is someone out there with the resume, certs AND the masters! Thus, I want that dang masters!! LOL
Law School or Master of Professional Studies - soupbone - 03-15-2010
mongoose65 Wrote:I totally get it. The owner might say "Damn, this guy is well rounded and smart. 14 years experience AND a law degree...what a find!" The HR Director would say "duh, why did you get a JD if you don't want to be a lawyer?" HR people aren't known for thinking outside the box, but unfortunately they are the gatekeepers.
I am agaonizing over getting a Masters but I don't really want an MBA and don't want to shell out the cash. My experience is in purchasing and I have a lot of experience and certifications. I decided that since I am very busy this year, I will just obtain a public purchasing certification rather than an MBA. For the $600 the cert. will cost vs $11k+ for the MBA, I am fairly certain it has almost equal value in my field. My resume with my 2 certifications has already proven to be viewed more highly than someone with a general MBA and less specific experience.
My fear of course is that the way things are now, I know there is someone out there with the resume, certs AND the masters! Thus, I want that dang masters!! LOL
Exactly...two guy sitting in an interview room with equal credentials EXCEPT the one guy has his law degree (in your case the MBA). We lose in that situation for sure. Also, yes the overqualification issue is huge. I can see being asked why I got a law degree when my career is in homeland security. My concern with the MPS is that it's considered a terminal degree as well. I'm not sure it allows someone to take it to the doctorate level which is not something I'm currently interested in but maybe somewhere down the line. I know at least with the JD that it can be turned into an LLM (Master of Laws) then a DJS (Doctor of Juridical Science). I just want to make the right choice for me and my family without putting my wife through any more hardships than is needed. I luckily have no kids so that makes this easier but I know law will be tougher on her than an online masters.
Of course another topic for debate is the pay increase potential. If I stay in this field would the masters get me a higher salary than the JD? Possibly, but the JD wins in the versatility department. It's almost an apples and oranges comparison which is why it's so hard to make a decision. cheersmate :roflol:
Law School or Master of Professional Studies - soupbone - 03-16-2010
I wanted to ask another question. If you were a large organization (such as Disney) and you were looking to fill a role related to homeland security issues in the parks which path would you consider to be the best out of the group?
Penn State | Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security | Program Options
I know Penn State is not the end all be all of these types of masters but this type of specialization is unique I believe. cheersmate
Law School or Master of Professional Studies - mongoose65 - 03-16-2010
I find both titles a little misleading but the description of the 2nd one (Public Health Preparadness) sounds like a great fit for the Disney type job since it is about emergency/incident management.
As for Penn State, you can't get much better general name recognition. Thanks mostly to Joe paterno and the Nittany Lions, but isn't that the case for most non-ivy league schools. We know them for their football teams!