Cameron Miranda
A law school concentration or specialization allows students to hone their skills in a particular area of law. Students can choose to concentrate before or after arriving and selecting their courses. Concentrations are a great way to gain relevant experience and make yourself a more attractive job candidate. While it depends on the law school, concentrations and specializations will typically have a particular set of upper-level classes and experiential learning opportunities. Students can have two concentrations or even double major, although this may require taking more classes over the summer or staying in school longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of concentrations | Two |
| Nature of concentrations | Distinct areas of study |
| Requirements | Must fulfill requirements of both concentrations |
| Additional requirements | Must complete a distinct thesis for each concentration if required |
| Course counting | Some courses can be double-counted to fulfill requirements |
| Course variety | Students are encouraged to take courses across a variety of disciplines |
| Course approval | Course approval is required from the concentration advisor |
| Course planning | Students must plan their courses carefully |
| Student declaration system | ASK |
| Student declaration deadline | No later than the seventh semester |
| Percentage of students double concentrating | 20% |
| Honors | May be pursued for each concentration if requirements are met |
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What You'll Learn
Double concentration and double major
Double concentrations are offered by some universities, such as Brown University and Harvard University. It allows students with intellectual passions spanning two distinct fields to pursue their interests without combining the academic fields. For example, a student at Harvard might declare a double concentration in Psychology and Human Evolutionary Biology, allowing them to explore research and gain access to personalized advising in both areas. However, double concentrations may limit the ability to take full advantage of the diverse course offerings at a university. Students should carefully consider the requirements of each concentration and how it will shape their overall academic experience.
In contrast, a double major typically involves completing the full set of requirements for two separate degrees. This means that a student will graduate with two distinct academic qualifications. For instance, a student might pursue a double major in Business and Political Science, which would entail fulfilling the requirements for both degree programs. A double major can be a significant undertaking, requiring careful planning and consideration of the workload involved.
While double concentrations and double majors offer different paths to specializing in two areas, they both provide students with the opportunity to pursue their interests across multiple fields. Students considering these options should consult with academic advisors to ensure they understand the requirements, benefits, and potential limitations of their chosen path.
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Coursework and requirements
When considering a double concentration, it is important to note that many concentrations limit the number of courses that can be counted toward multiple concentrations. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire about such policies and plan your coursework accordingly. Additionally, fulfilling the requirements for both concentrations should still allow for a wide range of courses in other fields to ensure a well-rounded education.
In some cases, students may be able to petition for a course to count as a concentration requirement, although this path may be less straightforward. It is also worth noting that distribution requirements can sometimes be fulfilled by concentration requirements, allowing for some double-counting of courses.
For students interested in pursuing honors, this may be an option for each concentration, provided that the respective honors requirements are met, including the potential requirement of a distinct thesis for each concentration. Furthermore, some institutions offer combined or concurrent degrees, providing additional flexibility for students with diverse academic interests.
Overall, the specific coursework and requirements for a double concentration will depend on the chosen concentrations and the policies of the institution. It is important for students to carefully plan their academic path and stay informed about any specific guidelines or limitations.
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Career prospects
Choosing to have two concentrations in law can be a great way to enhance your career prospects. Firstly, it allows you to develop a diverse skill set and knowledge base that can make you a more attractive job candidate. Employers often seek individuals with industry-specific expertise and experience, and a double concentration can provide you with a competitive edge by demonstrating your ability to handle a rigorous academic program and your dedication to your chosen field.
The benefits of two concentrations are particularly evident if your chosen areas of study complement each other. For instance, you could pursue a combination of concentrations such as business and political science, which can provide a unique perspective and enhanced career opportunities in fields like international relations or public policy. Similarly, a combination of finance and mathematics concentrations can lead to specialized roles in financial modelling or quantitative analysis.
Having two concentrations in law can also offer you greater flexibility in your career path. You may be able to explore a broader range of legal specialties and find your niche within the field. For example, with a background in international law, you might discover a passion for intellectual property law or environmental law during your studies. This flexibility can make you more adaptable in a dynamic legal landscape.
Additionally, a double concentration can provide you with unique opportunities during your academic career. You may gain early access to related internships, networking events, or speaker panels, allowing you to build valuable connections and gain practical experience. These opportunities can further enhance your resume and increase your chances of securing a desirable position after graduation.
However, it is important to consider the potential challenges of pursuing two concentrations. It can be a significant academic undertaking, requiring careful planning and a strong commitment. The workload may be demanding, and you should ensure that you can still explore a wide range of courses in other fields to maintain a well-rounded education. Additionally, while concentrations can enhance your employability, other factors such as grades, extracurricular activities, and practical experience also play a crucial role in shaping your career prospects. Therefore, a balanced approach to your academic and professional development is essential.
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Academic and career planning
Firstly, it is worth noting that not all law schools or universities offer double concentrations. For example, Harvard previously only offered Joint Concentrations, which involve completing the requirements of a primary degree program and taking courses in a secondary allied concentration. Therefore, it is crucial to research the specific policies and offerings of your institution of interest.
If you are interested in pursuing a double concentration, it is important to reflect on your intellectual passions and determine if they span two distinct areas of study. A double concentration allows you to focus your studies in two specific areas, providing you with industry-specific knowledge and experience. This can be advantageous in the competitive legal market, making you a more attractive job candidate with a focused strategy for your career.
However, double concentrating is not for everyone. It requires careful planning to ensure you can fulfill the requirements for both concentrations while still having the flexibility to take a wide range of courses in other fields. It is essential to work closely with academic advisors to plan your course of study and ensure you meet all the necessary requirements. Advisors can also help you explore your options, including attending campus pre-law events, pursuing related internships, or networking with alumni in the legal field.
Additionally, consider the specific concentrations you wish to pursue. Law schools offer a variety of concentrations, such as Health Law, Estate Law, Technology, and Business Law, to name a few. The availability of concentrations varies by school, so it is important to research the offerings at your institution of interest. Each concentration will have its own set of upper-level classes and experiential learning opportunities, which may be required or recommended.
Finally, be mindful of the academic standards and requirements for earning a concentration. For example, at Albany Law School, a 2.70 grade point average is required within concentration courses, with some concentrations requiring higher averages. Meeting these standards will ensure that you receive the appropriate recognition on your diploma, transcript, or other forms of acknowledgment.
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Recognition and certification
While double concentrations are not offered at all universities, they are available at some institutions, such as Brown University and Fordham School of Law. A double concentration allows you to focus your studies on two specific areas, catering to students with intellectual passions spanning distinct fields of study.
At Brown University, students intending to double concentrate must declare an additional concentration no later than their seventh semester, and this must be approved by the concentration advisor. Students may pursue honours for each concentration, provided they meet the requirements, including writing a separate thesis for each if required. Brown students can also pursue combined or concurrent degrees.
Fordham School of Law offers a dual concentration option for LLM students, allowing them to remain for an additional semester to complete 12 credits in a second LLM discipline. Students must meet the requirements of both programs, and a minimum of 36 credits in total. This results in students receiving an LLM degree in two disciplines, such as "International Business and Trade Law and International Dispute Resolution". Alumni are also eligible to pursue this option.
At the University of Dayton, Ohio, students can pursue concentrations with certification by the School of Law. To be admitted, a student must submit a Declaration Form to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs by the last day of classes in their penultimate semester.
While Harvard does not offer double concentrations, it does provide joint concentrations. This involves combining two degree programs, with one concentration listed as primary and the second as an allied concentration.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the university you are attending. For example, Brown University allows students to have two concentrations, while Harvard University previously only offered joint concentrations, but now also offers double concentrations.
A joint concentration is a combination of two degree programs. However, instead of completing the full requirements of both degrees, you list one concentration as your primary and the second as an allied concentration.
If you have intellectual passions that span two distinct areas of study, you may want to consider double concentrating. However, it is important to note that double concentrating is not for everyone, as it requires fulfilling the requirements for both concentrations while still allowing room for a wide range of courses in other fields.
