Whether you are interested in a traditional law school or simply want to enroll in classes that can be applied to another discipline understanding the legal ins and outs of the world can be advantageous. Not only can a law degree help to bolster an existing degree in a related field, but a law degree can be a rewarding and lucrative career path for practicing lawyers and consultants.
What is Law School?
A traditional law school will examine the various ways the law works as it relates to different worldly applications. Law can be focused on criminal law, business law, or even law as it pertains to aeronautics and healthcare. There are several degree paths for law students to follow ranging from a simple law certificate to a Doctorate in law and legal studies. Universities and colleges have also started to offer law courses and programs intended for students to pair tother with a complementary subject. Law courses are perfect for people who want to go on to pursue additional higher education degrees in a customized focus area. Further, legal studies can pertain to the legal administration of justice, understanding what it takes to be a police officer, game warden, or detective.
What Are the Benefits?
Pursuing a law degree has several benefits. First, students will gain a better understanding of the world around them and the way it operates from a legal standpoint. Secondly, a law degree is a great way to supplement an existing degree in a related field. Law degrees often make recent graduates more desirable in the career market and can help prepare graduates with the necessary skills for management roles. Further, law degrees that focus on the administration of justice are rewarding. Graduates have the opportunity to serve the community protecting and serving all members of the neighborhood.
What is the Outlook and Salary?
An outlook in the legal field is generally promising. Those who wish to pursue a traditional law degree to practice law experience an increase of 4% in the job market and can expect to earn about $122,000 per year. Comparatively, those that follow a path for administrative justice taking a job as a police detective also see great career growth. The career outlook for a detective is up 3% year over year and averages an $82,000 per year salary. No matter which path you choose to take the following law school the careers are increasing in demand with better than average salaries.
When it comes time to choose a law school we understand that you have much to think about. This is a decision that will impact your entire future and career path. That is why we have helped to make the process easier. Below, we have ranked the top law schools in Arizona to help narrow down your decision-making process.
Best 5 Law Schools in Arizona
University of Arizona
The James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona gives students the rare opportunity to earn a law degree at an accredited institution with flexible hours and course schedules. This school allows for both in-person class meetings on campus, as well as online learning. This is perfect for students who are trying to balance a loaded schedule or who are working full time while still completing a degree. With the flexible course options, there are also several incentives for students to enroll in the University of Arizona. This school is also the only school in the country that offers a Bachelor’s degree in law. This is ideal for students who only want a four-year degree, or want to create a dual major, coupling law with an additional discipline.
Also first, the University of Arizona is the first school to accept a GED from students wishing to pursue a law degree. Understanding that equal opportunity is necessary for students to progress, the University of Arizona is open, accepting, and changing the way people think about a traditional law degree. Students have a range of opportunities choosing from several different degrees and dual degree options. The University of Arizona also offers a Master’s and a Doctorate in Law. Boasting small class sizes, even the JD degree promises to have class sizes of 25 students or fewer per class.
School Overview
Eastern Arizona College
Located in Thatcher, Arizona, Eastern Arizona College offers students a wonderful opportunity to explore the many facets of law and the study of law. Staying away from a traditional law degree, Eastern Arizona College offers an Administration of Justice degree which may be appealing to students who wish to pursue a career in law from an unconventional source. This degree program is geared toward students that want to explore the many paths available in public service working as a police officer or in the games commission. Students who graduate from the program typically have enticing salaries ranging from $48,000 per year as a fish and games officer to $76,000 as a detective or police officer.
Students enrolled in the administration of justice degree will receive a well-rounded education that prepares students for a career helping and serving the community. Classes are available both on campus in a traditional in-person setting as well as online which makes this an ideal program for busy professionals. Many of the degrees are offered as an Associate’s degree or a certificate. This is the perfect opportunity to gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to pursue a new career, or it is perfect for people looking to augment an already successful career with additional certifications.
School Overview
Arizona State University
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is located at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona. This traditional university is perfect for students who want to pursue a law degree. Students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to earn either a JD degree or a Master of Law degree. This program offers flexible course scheduling and is ideal for students who wish to specialize in a particular area of law. The university offers a specialized degree in Legal Studies or Sports Law and Business. This is ideal for students who want to specialize their legal degree, honing in on one particular and high demand field.
As a JD, students will have the opportunity to select a focus area for study. There are several areas to choose from including business law, criminal law, international law, patient practice, Indian law, and health law among others. The curriculum offered at Arizona State University includes over 250 different law-focused courses for students to take to create a customized curriculum and program that suits individual needs and interests. Students will have the chance to practice law outside of the classroom as well. This school boasts several student clubs and organizations, law journals, moot court competitions, and service and pro bono work.
School Overview
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University has partnered with the University of Arizona to give students a unique opportunity to earn a traditional law degree. Students have the choice to enter into a Bachelor/Juris Doctor 3 + 3 degree at Northern Arizona University. Under this modified degree plan students will complete the required coursework necessary for a Bachelor’s degree (90 credits) in the first three years of study. Students must have their course work completed by their Junior year to be eligible for the program. Upon completion, students will move their studies to the University of Arizona to begin their first year of traditional law school. By doing this program students can earn a traditional JD and BA degree in just six years compared to seven years.
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.3 or better to stay in the program. Further, at least 30 of the 90 undergraduate credits must be completed at Northern Arizona University, and of these 30 credits, at least 18 must be in higher-level courses. Students must score appropriately on the GRE or LSAT before being admitted into the University of Arizona law program, and students must be recommended by the chair or dean of the program. This is a great way for students to pursue a degree in law in a shorter amount of time.
School Overview
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Although the main campus for Embry-Riddle students is in Florida there is a residential campus set up in Arizona for students who wish to attend this famed aeronautical school. While they have staked their claim as a leading aeronautical and engineering powerhouse, this school does offer students the chance to explore law courses as they pertain to aeronautics. This allows students to supplement a traditional aeronautics degree with a strong legal background. Students interested in pursuing a traditional law degree from another university should enroll in the Forensic Biology program.
While enrolled in the Forensic Biology program students will gain a better understanding of how biology and chemistry can have a deep impact when interpreting and implementing the law. This is perfect for students who want to go on to earn a degree specializing in law force or forensic law. Many professionals with judicial backgrounds have graduated from this program. The Forensic Biology degree from Embry-Riddle will help give students the foundation necessary to become successful law students and legal professionals.
School Overview
Methodology
To rank the best law schools in Arizona we have implemented a point system. Schools are graded on two metrics. The first metric is the cost of tuition per credit. When the tuition price for a school is listed as a yearly tuition rate, the amount is divided in half, assuming two semesters, and then further divided by 12, assuming 12 credits per semester. Schools with the lowest tuition per credit rates were given more points, and thus a more favorable ranking.
The second metric that was used to score the best law schools in Arizona was the overall enrollment size. Smaller enrollment class sizes in law specific courses and programs were given a higher amount of points. This is based on the assumption that a smaller amount of students equates to more personalized one-on-one instruction. The total points for the tuition cost and the enrollment size were then added together. The school with the most amount of points was given the highest ranking on our list of the best law schools in Arizona.
If your school has been featured on our list we would love to hear from you! We understand that information about various programs is constantly changing and we want to make sure we stay up to date. Students have enough on their minds already so we want to ensure that our information is as accurate as possible. If you notice an error or information has changed, just let us know.
