Who Should Pursue a Master of Jurisprudence?

When you think about a career change or an advancement in your current role, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the options… a workshop, certificate, or a graduate or professional degree? And even after you decide that there are many more options, like what should you study?

One topic that is found in every field from business to healthcare to human services is law. A law degree complements most positions, but you may not have the time to take 3 years away from your current career to earn a Juris Doctorate. If you are not interested in being a lawyer but would benefit from an increase in your knowledge of law, the Master of Jurisprudence might be the right option for you.

Here are five reasons a Master of Jurisprudence might be the right fit for your career goals.

You have an interest to learn more about law.

Perhaps you’ve heard interesting legal cases in your field that caught your attention. Or you want to try out the field before pursuing a Juris Doctorate. A one- or two-year Master of Jurisprudence program is a great way to get your legal feet wet.

You aspire to get into higher management or to switch to the administrative side of your field.

Getting experience in risk management, which is needed for upper level positions in all industries, can be hard to come by on the job. A Master of Jurisprudence can help transition you to that position by giving you the theoretical knowledge to mitigate the risk associated to those in your area of business.

You need to think like a lawyer.

You seek to make the best decisions possible, which often involves knowing how to research like a lawyer, understanding legal obligations, as well as the ramifications of varying courses of action. Part of any Master of Jurisprudence program will teach you the basics of how to conduct legal research and the fundamental cases, outcomes, and the application of those laws in your industry.

You want to work with your legal team.

Once you get to higher level positions you may be interacting more with legal professionals and be given access to more legal documents. By having a Master of Jurisprudence, you will gain an enhanced legal vocabulary to help you better understand and communicate with your legal team.

You desire to be a more powerful advocate for your company or client.

No matter what business you are in, if you are passionate and knowledgeable, that will make you a powerful advocate. It will show through your work and interactions with others. It will be noticed. Your colleagues and clients will have confidence in the work that you do and that will make a difference in your upward moving career. 

If this sounds like you, take a look at Stetson Law’s new Master of Jurisprudence programs in Healthcare Compliance, Aging, Law and Policy and International and Comparative Business Law. It just might be the next step you need to boost your career.