Understanding a Master of Jurisprudence: Is It Right for You?

Learning the law and about how state and federal legislation impacts your industry can help you advance your career or develop a more in-depth understanding in your current role.

A Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) is an academic master’s degree for non-lawyers.¹ It’s meant for those with an interest in legal studies but do not plan to practice law. It’s different from a Juris Doctor (JD), which is typically a requirement to practice as a lawyer in the US, and from a Master of Laws (LLM), which is a post-JD degree or a degree for non-U.S. lawyers who want to practice in the United States.¹

So, what is a master of jurisprudence degree, and what can you learn from it? This post will explore the Master of Jurisprudence degree, including the curriculum, prerequisites, and career possibilities.

The quick answer to “Is a master of jurisprudence a law degree?” is yes, but not if your desire is to practice as a lawyer. Jurisprudence is the philosophy of law.² It involves the analysis of bodies of law and their historical bases.²

When you take a jurisprudence master’s, you’ll learn foundational legal theories and principles. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop strong skills in research, analysis and writing. Critically, you’ll gain exposure to an in-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks that govern multiple industries, including healthcare, the environment and energy, depending on the program you choose.

What can you do with a master’s degree in law? The credential gives you the opportunity to advance in your profession and industry without practicing law. The degree can give you an edge in areas like human resources, healthcare, government and business. Securing an MJ can help qualify you for roles in legal compliance, risk management and policy analysis.

One benefit of the MJ program is the ability to tailor it to your personal career goals. A Master of Jurisprudence specialization has industry-focused tracks, so you can pursue whatever matches your professional and personal interests. Areas of specialization include the following:

• Healthcare law
• Environmental law
• Energy law
• Labor and employment

The answer to “What is a Master of Jurisprudence?” is pretty straightforward. However, knowing whether it is a good fit for you takes some personal exploration. The advantages of the MJ are an expansion of your legal knowledge and broader professional opportunities. The MJ is designed for professionals who want a strong understanding of the law without becoming licensed attorneys. It provides critical insights into legal principles, regulatory frameworks and risk management. Companies in regulated industries often prefer or require employees with legal literacy. An MJ can differentiate you from peers. While not as lucrative as becoming a JD-licensed attorney, MJ holders can command higher salaries than peers without legal training.

Challenges of the program are typical of most higher education, including cost, time commitment and the need for clear career planning.

An MJ program typically requires a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience, although requirements vary according to the program. Schools want to assess whether you can succeed in the program academically and whether it fits your professional goals. To those ends, the school will ask for evidence of your academic and professional history, as well as a personal statement about where you are in your career journey and why you want to pursue an MJ.

In addition to any school-specific requirements, your application should include the following:

• Official undergraduate or graduate transcripts
• Resume or CV
• Statement of personal goals
• Letters of recommendation

If you are applying from outside the US, you might also submit a test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) score.
Before you apply, you might chat with an admissions officer at the school where you’re applying. They can offer advice on the different portions of your application, including the personal statement and letters of recommendation. While some schools might prefer MJ candidates to have professional or work-related references, others might want to see letters from people who can speak to your academic achievement and ability.

When deciding on your school of choice and whether an MJ is right for you, there are a few different factors worth considering:

The juris master might help you fulfill your career goals, especially if you see yourself working in areas of policy, regulation or risk management. The degree may open doors to these fields in a way that allows you to understand law more deeply but not practice law. You can also use the MJ to fast-track your career advancement, especially in areas like employment and labor.

Starting a new education program means making a financial and personal investment. It’s prudent to assess whether the program cost and time commitment are feasible given your other responsibilities. You can also weigh these potential investments against their eventual return, in terms of career advancement or personal satisfaction.

Several schools offer MJ programs. Because you will be making both a financial and personal investment, choosing an accredited school can give you the confidence that you are choosing a high-quality program. Research the school’s law program and curriculum to determine if it will provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience that will set you up for success in your career.

The Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) degree gives you an essential grounding in legal theory and analysis. You can develop strong research and writing skills while focusing on your professional goals, whether you’re interested in risk management, employment law, policy analysis or legal compliance.

Before you apply, weigh the pros and cons of your time and personal investments, and research the reputation of your chosen school. It’s important to find the right mix of personal and professional satisfaction as you embark on this new educational pursuit.

At Tulane University Law School, we’re dedicated to helping you meet your professional and educational goals. We invite you to explore what we have to offer in our Master of Jurisprudence programs. If you’re ready to learn more, schedule an appointment with our admissions team or contact us today.