Different Types of Law Degrees

Last updated May 2026

Whether you are a college student or a professional seeking a legal or law-related career, you have several choices of law degree.

The most well known, the Juris Doctor (JD), prepares students to become practicing attorneys. Other degrees, such as the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), develop legal skills that can be applied across fields like business, human resources, and regulatory compliance. The Master of Laws (LLM) is designed for lawyers who want to specialize in a specific area of practice.

When deciding which degree is right for you, consider the specific legal skills you want to develop and how they align with your goals. Comparing admissions requirements, curriculum, and career paths can help you choose the option that best fits your background and interests.

A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is designed for non-lawyers who want a deeper understanding of the law without becoming a practicing attorney. It’s an ideal path for those working in fields such as business, healthcare, human resources, or compliance, where legal knowledge can enhance decision-making and career growth.

By gaining practical insight into legal principles and processes, you can more confidently navigate regulations, manage risk, and add strategic value within an organization. If you’re exploring advanced legal education options, you can also learn how the MLS compares to other degrees in our MLS vs. LLM guide.

MLS programs often require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and can sometimes require standardized test scores. In addition, a résumé, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and interviews can be required.

MLS curricula typically cover a variety of legal topics to give students a strong foundation in the law. Courses may include contracts, regulatory compliance, negotiation theory, and administrative law. Some programs also incorporate in-person learning experiences that allow students to apply their skills in practical settings.

At Pepperdine Caruso School of law, the online MLS program helps students apply legal concepts in real-world contexts. Students can also choose from several concentrations, including dispute resolution, which features courses from the law school’s Straus Institute, ranked #3 for dispute resolution in 2026 by U.S. News & World Report.¹

Graduates of legal studies degree programs often pursue roles in business, human resources, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and social work. Positions such as compliance officer, contract manager, or HR specialist draw on skills like contract analysis, understanding legal procedures, and ensuring regulatory compliance, helping professionals advance within their field.

A Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) degree can benefit professionals who are looking to develop conflict resolution and negotiation skills to better manage disputes and complex situations. It can also be a good fit for lawyers who are seeking to complement their JD. MDR programs attract individuals interested in resolving disagreements between parties, managing organizational change, and identifying workplace issues before they escalate.

Applicants to MDR programs must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and may be required to submit standardized test scores. Additional requirements can include a résumé, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and an interview.

MDR curricula typically focus on negotiation, mediation, and arbitration strategies, along with broader dispute resolution strategies. Course topics may include negotiation, mediation theory, arbitration practice, and conflict management.

At Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, the online MDR program prepares professionals across industries to resolve conflicts and negotiate complex situations. The program is offered by the law school’s Straus Institute, a leader in alternative dispute resolution.

MDR graduates pursue roles such as mediator, dispute resolution specialist, and organizational consultant. These skills are applied across a wide range of industries, including business, human resources, social work, counseling, construction management, and labor relations.

A Master of Laws (LLM) is designed for professionals who already hold a law degree and want to specialize in a specific area of practice. Students develop advanced expertise in fields such as tax law, intellectual property, or human rights.

Students pursuing an LLM degree are required to have earned a JD degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, a résumé, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and an interview can be required.

LLM curricula allow students to deepen their expertise through a range of advanced electives. Areas of study may include international law, human rights, tax, commercial law, intellectual property, and environmental law.

At Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, the online Master of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution prepares lawyers to address complex conflicts through mediation, negotiation, and arbitration. The program is offered through the law school’s Straus Institute, a nationally recognized leader in dispute resolution.

LLM graduates typically continue their careers as attorneys, taking on more specialized roles such as legal advisor or consultant. They apply their expertise in areas such as international law, human rights, intellectual property, or health law.

A Juris Doctor (JD) is the primary credential for those seeking to become practicing attorneys. Programs at American Bar Association–accredited law schools cover U.S. law and legal procedure, preparing students to research cases, analyze legal issues, and advocate for clients. JD programs also prepare graduates to pass the state bar exam, which is required to practice law.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit LSAT or GRE scores. Additional requirements may include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and an interview.

At Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, admitted students typically have a median LSAT score of 164. Applicants may submit LSAT or GRE scores.

JD curricula emphasize legal analysis, research, and courtroom strategy. Coursework covers foundational areas such as constitutional law, civil and criminal law, torts, contracts, and property Full-time students typically complete the program in three years, with opportunities to gain practical experience through externships, clinics, and judicial or law firm clerkships.

At Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, the JD program emphasizes experiential learning to help students graduate practice-ready, with opportunities to develop advocacy skills through programs such as moot court and other hands-on training.

JD graduates typically pursue careers as attorneys in roles such as law firm associate, public defender, prosecutor, or in-house counsel. To practice law in the United States, graduates must pass a state bar exam and become licensed in the state where they intend to practice.

Tuition and financial aid details below reflect programs offered by Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. Tuition varies by program and format. Explore cost information and financial aid options for each degree:

• Is a JD a doctorate or professional degree?

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  While a JD (Juris Doctor) is considered a professional doctorate, lawyers in the U.S. do not typically use the title “Dr.” in practice. Instead, licensed attorneys may use “Esq.” (Esquire) after their names to indicate they are authorized to practice law. This reflects long-standing professional conventions within the legal field rather than formal degree requirements. A JD is the terminal degree required to practice law in the United States.

• What undergraduate degree is best for law school?

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  Guidance from the American Bar Association says there is no single “best” undergraduate major for law school. Admissions committees prioritize applicants with strong critical thinking, reading, writing, and research skills, regardless of their field of study. While political science is a common choice, majors such as history, English, philosophy, economics, and STEM disciplines can all provide strong preparation for legal study.

• What is the abbreviation for ‘attorney at law’?

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  The term “attorney” may be abbreviated as “Atty.” in informal contexts, but in professional settings, the full title “Attorney at Law” is typically used (not abbreviated). In the United States, a more common designation after a lawyer’s name is “Esq.” (Esquire), which indicates that the individual is licensed to practice law.

• What is the difference between a Juris Doctor vs. a Doctor of Law?

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  A Juris Doctor (JD) is the primary professional degree required to practice law in the United States. “Doctor of Law” can also refer to advanced legal degrees such as the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), a research-focused doctorate typically pursued for academic careers. While a JD prepares graduates for legal practice, these other degrees are generally associated with research or teaching.

• What are the kinds of law?

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  Laws can be categorized in two primary ways: by their nature or by their source. By nature, the main distinction is between criminal law, which addresses offenses against the public, and civil law, which governs disputes between individuals or organizations. By source, laws may be constitutional, statutory, or common law, referring to whether they originate from a constitution, legislative statutes, or court decisions.

• Are attorneys and lawyers the same?

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  Yes, “attorney” and “lawyer” are generally used interchangeably in the United States. According to the American Bar Association, both “attorney” and “lawyer” describe someone authorized to practice law who represents clients and provides legal guidance.

• What does Esq. mean?

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  In the United States, Esq. is a professional title appended to the surname of a licensed attorney. It signifies that the individual has a law degree, has passed the bar exam, and is qualified to practice in their jurisdiction. Historically a title for English gentry, its modern use is strictly a professional courtesy marker for lawyers.

• Can you be a lawyer without passing the bar?

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  No, in most U.S. jurisdictions, you must pass a bar exam to become a licensed attorney and practice law.

• Is there a type of lawyer that doesn’t go to court?

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  Yes, many lawyers rarely, if ever, go to court because their work does not require it. Examples include estate planning lawyers, who help clients with wills and trusts, labor lawyers who advise on employment regulations, and corporate lawyers who focus on business transactions and contracts.

• What can you do with a law degree besides practice law?

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  A law degree develops transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, and writing that are valuable across many fields. Graduates can pursue roles in business, such as compliance or corporate leadership, as well as positions in government, including policy or legislative analysis. Other paths include human resources, risk management, and alternative dispute resolution.

1. Best Dispute Resolution Law Programs. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved May 13, 2026. ↩︎