In terms of the market, is an MPA more valuable than a J.D.?

[texjew21]

It seems like going to law school is such a bad idea now a days. I've always wanted to go, but I just don't think it is worth the debt. I wouldn't get into a top law school either. 

 

Plus, I have a general interest in public policy so I am leaning toward that route. I have relevant public policy work experience as well. 

 

However, I hear differing things on this issue. My cousin was an attorney in NY, and she just got laid off after her firm did some downsizing. She warns me not to go to law school. I know several people who graduated law school as well who are having a tough time finding a job in a firm, and if they do it is a low paid position which is not helping their massive amount of debt.

 

I have searched around, but I am not sure what the employment statistics look like for MPAs as opposed to JDs.

[cptdelorean]

i think not going to school at all would be better than going to law school...especially if it's not a top tier one.

what that says about an MPA vs a JD, im not sure. just that law school is pretty much a terrible idea at this point in time

[cunninlynguist]

The rules, effective from 2007 (the financial crisis) through the foreseeable future:

 

1) Do not attend law school if you do not plan to become a lawyer or enter a profession heavily, heavily oriented toward law.

2) Do not attend law school to gain "a well-rounded education and open up a number of career paths." That line of thinking was overstated to begin with, and now doesn't apply.

3) Frankly, don't go if it's not a T14 school.

4) If rule 3 is bypassed, don't go to a regional law school (such as some of the middle-tier state schools) without substantial financial support.

5) If you attend a regional school, plan to practice law in the region for the bulk of your career. You very likely will not be making "lawyer money."

 

Those are the basics. Public policy degrees are useful, especially if you know why you want one and you come out of it with some marketable skills (read: quantitative) and connections. For me, in environmental policy, the best programs allow you to take courses at the law schools as well, so you could conceivably still get some relevant law training without the pain of a JD.

 

Market-wise, the median salary for MPA graduates is probably lower across the board. However, the cost of an MPA is theoretically lower (2 years versus 3).