I have the following degrees: BA in English and Spanish MS in Management MA in English I also have about 2 years of teaching experience at the college level (composition). I am trying to decide if I ought to try to get into a PhD program in English (rhetoric and composition) or if I should go a different direction and try for law school. In favor of the PhD: I really love teaching, and I have the grades to get into a decent school (probably not Ivy League, but a good one still). I do not want to do research and would prefer to focus on the classroom at a community college or liberal arts college - not a major research university. Having a PhD would let me stand out from my competitors for those positions, as academic jobs are highly competitive. In favor of the JD: I enjoy arguing/debating and have very strong reading and critical thinking skills, so I feel that I would do well on the LSAT and get into a decent school. With a JD I could go into trial law, or I could do a joint degree with theology and work with the church (the law school in my city offers this option and I really enjoy church work), or I could concentrate on the academic part and teach law. I am not so much concerned with the money, but rather doing a good job with whatever path I choose. So, what do you think I should do? Please give details and support your suggestion. I will check back in case you have any questions. Thanks!
Higher Education (University +) - 2 Answers
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1
Even a professor at a liberal arts college is expected to do research and publish in order to get tenure and promotions. Don't think this wouldn't be a requirement. "Research university" simply means that major graduate schools and programs are present. And at a liberal arts college, having a PhD really wouldn't make you stand out. Almost all faculty at decent liberal arts colleges (as differentiated from community colleges) have PhD's. Now, law school would take three years; a PhD might take about twice that, since you already have an MA, depending on the complexity of your dissertation topic and whether you needed to work part time while researching and writing it. That's one consideration, as is funding. Top schools have a lot of graduate funding available -- I was well supported while working on my PhD and didn't have to take out any loans or take on an enormous number of sections as a teaching assistant -- but less well-regarded schools might require you to spend much time sweating away as a TA, which would add time to the degree process. The academic job market isn't good right now, and I'm not expecting it to improve much. Lawyers are also suffering, but I suspect their prospects are better. If you really love English and teaching, then do what you love, but be prepared for a long row to hoe. The law/theology idea is an interesting one, since it offers a couple of possible career options that would be enhanced by your management degree. I think you might be very employable.
2
My suggestion is for you to take a sample LSAT, cold, now. You can get them via LSAT prep books, online, etc. Score it, see what your baseline looks like. If it looks all right - in line with the average LSAT for the strong law schools - then prep for the LSAT, and take it for real. Then apply. Speak to your church about your hopes to work for them. Find out what type of law they most need, and... very gently... ask if they offer any funding, should you want to pursue this path. I am intrigued by that law school/theology option. I'd ask you to explore that one some more.
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