Masters in International Affairs or Law school?

[christina2006]

Hi All,

I'm in the process right now of trying to decide whether to go to AU for a Masters in International Affairs-Foreign Policy program or to go to law school. I know I would like to end up having a career in international law/affairs, I'm just conflicted about which option is the smartest career wise. I also understand that while in law school I wouldn't actually be taking any international law classes the first year or two.

The law schools I got accepted to are not the best or the highest ranked but I'm hoping with hard work during the first year I could transfer to a better one in the D.C. area. Also I did not get any funding in either option.

Any input would be great. Thanks in advance!

[OregonGal]

I think you need to figure out what career you want to have, and look into the credentials needed for that field. One option if you go with the law degree is that you can get an LLM in international law, though it would add a fourth year to your law degree. Law degrees are more generalist than an MIA, and potentially more generally useful, but also more expensive and a longer program. With the MIA, you can concentrate in international law and organizations to understand the interactions of international law, multilateral organizations, and how those interact with national law/policy/agencies but that's more policy and less legal theory.

[bjlowe]

I don't know if I'm exactly the right person to give advice, as I don't know a whole lot about getting a law degree. But I am an global affairs major, and I would think that getting the MIA for an international law career would make more sense. It seems like the more direct route, no? While both programs can prepare you for a career in the field of law, I think the principles and concepts one needs to focus on are very different between the two.

But like OregonGal said, figuring out what career you want is the place to start.... although that is hard for most of us!

[washdc]

Did you look into any joint programs? AU has a joint MA/JD program in International Affairs and International Law that's 3 years.

[christina2006]

Hi,

Thanks everyone! I agree I still need to figure out my career path and will do more research into both programs.

I was just wondering with the MIA route, what are the career options of getting a MIA and going into international law without a law degree? Is it more policy oriented? What kind of jobs are there?

Double Shot- Unfortunately I didn't get into AU law so I can't do that program.

[WhaWhat]

I actually know someone who took one of those routes: lower ranked LS, transfered into higher ranked LS, getting LLM in IL at Georgetown. He now has a breadth of great credentials and work experiences and secured a great job with the government. It was a great decision for what he wants to do.

That being said, Oregangal is very right. Know what you want to do, and if you cannot be super specific (which is understandable), consider the path that opens more oppurtunities.

Also, a heads up about lower ranked LSs: Some, not all, are more lenient with admission but then try to keep up their bar passage and job placement rates by mandating tight grading curves and thus 'failing out' students. I have no doubt you're capable of getting to the top of your class, but be sure to research exactly how to play and win the LS 'game' (hint: it's more than hard work). I've seen some very smart students work very hard but not do as well as they could have because they were unaware of what exactly was expected of them.

And the AU program sounds great, but I would check because I have never seen a JD joint degree program that takes less than 4 years.

Edited May 2, 2012 by WhaWhat

[christina2006]

WhaWhat, thanks for the great advice!

It's helpful to hear about someone going down the legal path I'm considering and ending up practicing international law.

I think I am leaning towards LS but I believe AU is a good school/opportunity and don't want to turn it down without really considering my options.

Thanks for the heads up about lower ranked LSs. I've heard the same from others and I'm a bit nervous about that. Any tips you care to share? =)

[Waviy5]

First of all you will need to clear LSAT in order to study law at a renowned school. Last year I had hard time with my LSAT preparations but at last I had subscribed to one of the Best LSAT Courses online which helped me to grab high scores.