Understanding how to get into law school can feel like a challenge, but it does not need to be. It is just a matter of taking each part of the process step by step and knowing what to expect. First you will need to decide which type of degree is right for you. Most associate law schools with JD programs, but in reality, there are many different types of law programs out there, including master of jurisprudence degrees. These types of degrees are a great opportunity for those who do not want to pursue a career as a lawyer, but who would benefit professionally from a strong legal foundation.
Below, learn about understanding law school requirements and choosing the right law school for your career goals.
Undergraduate Background
When earning a master of jurisprudence, your undergraduate background or previous graduate school experience does not play much of a role. While some require a certain GPA from those educational experiences, many schools, including Tulane Law School, just require official transcripts to prove you’ve met the qualifications to earn your degree.
Admissions Requirements
When applying to earn your degree, there are certain requirements for law school you must meet. In addition to receiving official transcripts, law schools want additional documents and sometimes scores to learn more about your background.
- Resume: Your resume is a critical document, letting the admissions committee know more about your background and your experience. It’s a snapshot of your qualifications and work history.
- Personal statement or statement of goals: Your personal statement is your opportunity to fill in what your resume does not say. Let the admissions committee know more about why you are interested in this program and what you hope to accomplish with your degree.
- References: Most schools require at least one letter of recommendation. It is best to ask a past professor, a supervisor, trusted colleague or someone else who can speak to your commitment and qualifications.
- TOEFL score: Submitting a TOEFL score is required for international applicants only. Most schools require applicants meet or exceed a certain score. For example, Tulane Law School requires a minimum overall score of 90.
Finding the Right Law School
There is no single answer for finding the perfect law school for you. Everyone has unique needs and goals, and it is important to understand what matters to you in an institution.
- Reputation: When you’re choosing the right law school, make sure to do your research. Not every law school has the same specialties and rankings, and many schools have long and prestigious histories behind them.
- Faculty: Read up on the faculty involved with each law school. These are the individuals who will be leading your learning, so get to know their backgrounds. Ideally they will make up a combination of experienced lawyers and judges as well as legal scholars.
- Networking opportunities: There are many important parts of choosing a law school, but do not forget to identify opportunities to grow your network and connect with peers.
- Online options: For many people, choosing an online law program allows them to take advantage of a school’s reputation, faculty and network with added flexibility and convenience.
Choosing the Right Program
The right degree program is critical. Your decision will come down to what your career goals are, what industry you work in and what type of knowledge you want to earn. When you choose to attend a law school, you are getting the opportunity to learn from experienced legal experts, so you will develop a strong foundation in the inner workings of the U.S. law system. There are many different industries that you can decide to pursue, but here are just a few that Tulane Law School focuses on:
- Labor and Employment Law: Human resources professionals work daily around state and federal labor laws. By attending a graduate law program, they can better understand and navigate their responsibilities.
- Energy Law: By earning a Master of Jurisprudence in Energy Law, you can gain a better understanding of the laws and regulations that impact the oil, gas, nuclear power and other highly regulated industries.
- Environmental Law: This type of law is always changing on international, federal and state levels, so staying on top of evolving regulations is one of the key reasons to earn a master’s in this field.
Charter your path with Tulane Law School
Know that you are gaining the tools to be successful in your career. Tulane University’s online law programs are setting professionals up for success as they navigate increasingly complex regulations on local, state, federal and international levels.
Here, students find flexible coursework, experienced faculty and our Immersion Weekend, an opportunity to build strong connections with your cohort and Tulane. Speak with our admissions committee today to learn more.