My goal it to ultimately matriculate into a philosophy PhD program specializing in legal philosophy and ethics. Unfortunately I went to a non top 50 undergrad with no philosophy grad program so as I understand it my chances for PhD admissions are pretty slim without a masters. I applied to a few PhD programs this year and was rejected from all of them.
I have been admitted to several MA programs without funding and the Duke 3 year JD/MA with nearly full funding. It's an attractive option because it has a built in backup plan if I get shutout in PhD admissions again. I hate to consider such but it seems a real possibility. I have minimal interest in actually practicing law unless becoming a philosopher proves impossible.
Can anyone comment on whether the Duke combined program might offer similar advantages to PhD admissions as a MA (from Houston, Brandeis or Georgia Sate)? I'm not sure if the philosophy part would be taken seriously or if it just exists to lure competitive potential law students away from higher ranked schools. Since there is a PhD program at Duke I'm nervous that a JD/Ma student wouldn't have enough time with professors to gain strong letters and support on a writing sample.
Thanks for any thoughts on the matter.
