I was wondering if anyone knew ...

I am applying for Concord Law School of Kaplan University upon earning my bachelor degree next month. Upon earning my Executive Juris Doctor in 2011, will I have to earn a Master degree before pursuing a research doctorate degree (e.g., Ph.D)? Or, since I will be earning (having in my possesion in 2011) a professional doctorate degree (J.D.) I can pursue a research doctorate degree (Ph.D)?

A masters degree is not usually a firm prerequisite for entering a Ph.D program. However, some schools may require it. In the case of holding a JD degree from an online "University", it may be necessary to explain that.

You ought to discuss this plan with the Dean of Admissions of any regionally accredited Law School.
Why would you pay money to a group of folks who offer you a J.D. degree, and did not require a LSAT? Just exactly what the admittance policy? (Cash on hand?) What do you expect to gain by this? With due respect to the Washington Post company, they are in the business of making money. It is your money, and time. Distance learning offers a lot, however, my experience dealing with the students causes me to raise my eyebrows. Does it concern you that Concord is advertised, as is Phoenix, et al, all over the net? Do you see MIT, or Yale Law School advertising on the net? Think this out carefully.

January 29, 2008

Dear bobpursley:

The reason why I would like to obtain a juris doctor is to be better qualified for an FBI Special Agent position. What interested me about Concord is that they offer a juris doctor with a criminal justice track. It requires an LSAT if I recall correctly. Being that Concord Law School and Kaplan University merged in October of last year according to an article I have read a few days ago, their accredidation is granted by the U.S. Department of Education. There is always going to be opinions on both sides of whether a brick and mortal school is valued over an online institution, and that is why you suggest for me to think it out carefully; I highly respect your opinion. Also, I have to be honest with you and tell you that I know little of the business of the Washington Post company and will appreciate any information you are willing to provide. I would like to know any other suggestions you may have that can help me with choosing a law school (brick and mortal or online).

Thank you,

Manny

You ought to visit and discuss this with any law school admissions advisor. It will be free, call and make an appointment.

The Dept of Eduation does not give academic accreditation. It grants accreditation to be eligible to receive federal financial assistance (loans, grants, VA tutition, GI bill). Few institutions are not given that accreditation.
Discuss this with law education experts, not online with homework help experts.
You commented about "opinions". It is much more tangible than that. Questions to ask Concord, which they will probably not be willing to answer...
What precentage of students enrolled complete the requirements on time?
What percentage of students enrolled pass the California bar exam ? (Calif is one of the few state their graduates can take the exam).
What percentage of their graduates practice law as licensed lawyers? I don't mean business licensed, the license by the State Bar.
These are the types of things you ought to be asking.
Thanks for coming here, but you need some advice from a legal education expert.

January 29, 2008

Dear bobpursley:

I have some information on the questions you listed from a few universities including Concord from online research; however, I will ask Concord to double check on the accuracy of what was researched. I understand that this is a homework help forum and was just stoping by to see if anyone can provide some feedback. Once again, thank you for your suggestions.

Sincerely,

Manny

...Thanks.

To answer your question, it is important to understand the different types of doctoral degrees and their requirements.

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is a professional doctorate degree that is awarded to individuals who have completed a law school program and passed the bar exam in order to practice law. On the other hand, a research doctorate degree, such as a Ph.D., is an academic degree that focuses on advanced research and scholarly contributions to a specific field of study.

In general, earning a J.D. does not typically qualify you for admission into a Ph.D. program directly. Ph.D. programs often have specific prerequisites that may include a Master's degree, in-depth research experience, specific coursework, or other requirements.

However, it is important to note that admission requirements for Ph.D. programs vary depending on the institution and the specific field of study. Some programs may accept students with a J.D. as a qualifying degree, especially if the research interests align with the program's focus. In such cases, it may be possible to pursue a Ph.D. without earning a Master's degree.

To find out the specific requirements for pursuing a Ph.D. after earning a J.D. from Concord Law School of Kaplan University, I would recommend contacting the admissions office or the program director of the Ph.D. program you are interested in. They will have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their specific program's requirements and can guide you accordingly.