<p>I am thinking about applying to law school, but have a heavy interest in foreign affairs, especially international business and law. I was wondering if any of you could provide feedback on joint JD/MA in IR programs: pros, cons, other factors to consider. I am trying to figure out whether it would be wiser to try to attend a law school that is stronger in international law vs. going through another graduate program for IR. I realize that most of these programs are at reduced cost, but 30-40K is still a big chunk of change. Any advice is appreciated...thanks. </p>
<p>I'm pretty much in the same boat. I think that if your ultimate goal is to become a lawyer and money is an issue, I'd go straight to law school. While getting an MA in IR would be extremely interesting and give you added flexibility in career choices, 30-40k is still a lot of money.</p>
<p>That being said, there are various opportunities that an MA in IR opens up. The alumni networks for many of the top IR programs are great assets - I know SAIS has over 600 alums working at the World Bank alone. If you can afford it, and have a passion for foreign affairs, I think a joint JD/MA program would be a terrific idea.</p>
<p>If you have a big interest in the programs, I would recommend getting the IR degree. John Hopkins' SAIS <a href="http://www.sais-jhu.edu%5B/url%5D">www.sais-jhu.edu</a> has joint programs with Stanford and UVA, but will authorize a joint program with others too, I believe, if you get into a law school you want to attend other than these. Fletcher has one with Harvard. Columbia with itself, I believe, etc.</p>
<p>There are a few reasons to get the degree, I think:</p>
<p>1) Getting such a degree opens up vistas to you in terms of what you might do with your law degree: work at the UN, trade law at the USTR, state department law, etc. If it turns out you hate the law, which seems to happen to a fair amount of law grads, you'll have a broader base of things to do.</p>
<p>2) At places like SAIS, you also take an economics core, and this is good for your understanding of the world and it makes you more skilled.</p>
<p>3) Even if you do go into a stereotypical law job, your perspective will have been enriched and generally will make you a more knowledgeable and happy person. Yes, it's not alway just about how much money you make.</p>