What is the difference between a JD and a Ph.D?

Answer 1

The J.D. (Juris Doctor) is the law degree awarded to law school graduates Like the M.D. or D.D.S. it is professional doctorate which requires no dissertation.

The Ph.D. is a research doctorate. It requires a dissertation.

Answer 2

Both are doctorate level degrees, but the J.D. is in the field of law, whereas the PhD can be in virtually any field.

Another Perspective

There is a significant difference and the comparison is a source of controversy. The American Bar Association considers the degrees to be equivalent. Despite the assertion by the ABA the difference is that PhD degree holders are required to produce an original piece of research that adds to the knowledge base of their discipline. Regardless of the number of credits that lawyers earn in their studies, they do not produce this research.

In the United States, a JD (Juris Doctor) is the degree that permits entry to the legal profession as a lawyer after the recipient has passed the state bar exam. A JD involves a three year law school program following the completion of a bachelor's degree program.

This is not to be confused with a JSD or SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) which is the highest degree in law. The SJD follows the first post-graduate degree to the JD, the LLM (Master of Laws- which generally constitutes a fourth year of law study) and takes an additional three to five years of preparation. SJD degrees are rare. Many compare the SJD to the Ph.D.

Answer 3

A JD degree is the only degree accepted by the American Bar Association to allow candidates to sit for the bar. A LLM is the equivalent of a master's degree in a specialized topic, such as tax law. In the United States, one must have a JD degree before one can obtain an LLM degree. So if you want to practice law in the US, go for a JD first.

Answer 4

The distinction is that an LL. M. is Always a LEGAL degree, whereas an MA is not always legal. Of course, you can also earn a Master of Arts with a focus in law, but you should keep in mind that just because you have an MA after your name doesn't mean that everyone knows you have studied law.

Answer 5

An MS is a Masters degree in Science. An LLM degree is an advanced law degree for people who already have an LLB in law.

Answer 6

Just as the D.D.S. or D.M.D. is a prerequisite for the M.D.S., the J. D. is a prerequisite for the LL.M.