While a Master of Laws (LL.M.) and Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) are both degrees obtained at law school, who is qualified to earn them — and reasons to pursue them — are quite different. While an LL.M. is for those who already have a law degree (J.D. or LL.B.), M.J. degrees can be pursued by lawyers and non-lawyers, and the M.J. degree cannot qualify one to practice law. Instead, an M.J. grows core competencies and introduces strong legal understanding. For those who have not attended law school, but still need to know the language of the law as it applies to their specialized industry, an M.J. degree is appropriate.
The LL.M. and M.J. programs at Stetson Law are online, with the exception of the International Law LL.M. and International and Comparative Business Law M.J. programs. The online programs are convenient for those who already have a full career or family life, while the two International legal programs require more of a daytime commitment and offer in person lectures and convenient access to numerous campus resources.
Why do people get an LL.M. or M.J. degree?
While those who are qualified to earn each degree differ, the main reason why someone chooses to do either is to advance their career. Both an LL.M and M.J. allow you to deeply immerse yourself in your chosen subject, making you an expert in your field. This allows you to grow as a thought leader, open yourself up to promotions, consider career changes, and give you the potential grow your earnings.
Read more: 3 Surprising Reasons Why Aging, Law, and Policy is Important
Who should get an LL.M. degree
As mentioned, only those who already have a J.D. or LL.B. degree can earn an LL.M. degree.
The reasons for getting an LL.M. degree vary, and classes are often filled with people at various stages of their career. Some are fresh out of law school and wish to concentrate in a particular subject and/or skill. Some with established legal careers are looking to increase their knowledge and opportunities, while others are looking to make a shift to another area of practice.
Stetson offers three LL.M. concentrations: Advocacy, Elder Law, and International Law. Our International Law program is the only program offered on Stetson Law’s beautiful campus in Florida. Students from all over the world come to our Gulfport campus for a year to learn advanced legal knowledge and skills within the area of international law.
Our online Advocacy and Elder Law programs are taught through video lectures by professors, outside reading, and discussion boards. Both LL.M. Program also require attendance at an annual conference which is a great opportunity to meet and network with your professors, peers and other experts attending the conference. To learn more about LL.M. degrees, read these articles from our blog:
7 Notable Facts about Stetson Law’s LL.M. in International Law
Everything You Need to Know About Stetson Law's LL.M. in Advocacy Program
Everything You Need to Know About Stetson Law's Online LL.M. in Elder Law
Who should get an M.J. degree
An M.J. is a unique degree because it is a degree available to lawyers as well as non-lawyers. For those who need to obtain greater legal knowledge to make better informed decisions for the business or client in a particular field, an M.J. could be the best option for you. Obtaining this knowledge can be especially useful to those in or wishing to be in upper level administrative positions.
Read more: Who Should Pursue a Master of Jurisprudence?
Stetson offers three M.J. concentrations: Healthcare Compliance, Aging, Law and Policy, and International and Comparative Business Law. As with Stetson Law's LL.M. degree, the M.J. in International and Comparative Business Law is offered on campus and offers the opportunity to complete an externship, network and take advantage of other campus amenities. Healthcare Compliance and Aging, Law and Policy are taught online through online lectures, outside reading, and discussion boards and offer the flexibility needed for those wishing to maintain their full-time careers.