
A law degree is considered a graduate degree, as a bachelor's degree is typically required for admission to a Juris Doctor (JD) program. While a JD degree is not sufficient to become a licensed attorney, it can be a stepping stone to a Master of Laws (LLM) or a Master of Taxation (MT) degree, which can lead to various career opportunities in the field of taxation. These graduate tax programs offer specializations in different areas of tax law, such as corporate taxation, international taxation, and tax controversy, providing graduates with the expertise to succeed in high-demand careers like financial advising.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a law degree a graduate degree? | Casually or colloquially, a J.D. is considered a "graduate" degree because a bachelor's degree is almost always required for admission. |
| Graduate Tax Programs | Several universities offer Graduate Tax Programs, including Georgetown Law, NYU School of Law, University of Florida Levin College of Law, and the University of Denver's Sturm College of Law |
| Degree Types | The degrees offered by these programs include the Master of Tax Law (MT), Master of Taxation, LLM, and Taxation LL.M. |
| Career Opportunities | Graduates of these programs often pursue careers in tax law, tax accounting, financial advising, and business. |
| Flexibility | Many of these programs offer flexible formats, allowing students to complete their degrees online, part-time, or full-time. |
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What You'll Learn

J.D. is a graduate degree
A Juris Doctor, Doctor of Jurisprudence, or Doctor of Law (JD) is a graduate-entry professional degree that primarily prepares individuals to practice law. It is considered a graduate degree because a bachelor's degree is almost universally required for admission to a J.D. program. It is the minimum educational level for lawyers and is considered a professional doctorate.
In the United States, the JD has the academic standing of a professional doctorate, described as a "doctor's degree – professional practice" by the Department of Education. The degree generally requires three years of full-time study to complete and is conferred upon students who have successfully completed coursework and practical training in legal studies. The curriculum typically includes fundamental legal subjects such as constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, property, and torts, along with opportunities for specialisation in areas like international law, corporate law, or public policy.
Upon receiving a JD, graduates must pass a bar examination to be licensed to practice law. Obtaining a JD degree alone does not permit one to practice law; one must also pass the bar exam. Each state and the District of Columbia has its own bar exam. While the JD is the only degree necessary to become a professor of law or to obtain a license to practice law, it is not a research degree.
In some jurisdictions, such as Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong, both the postgraduate JD degree and the undergraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) are offered as qualifying law degrees. In Australia, the JD is considered equivalent to a master's degree, while in Canada, it is considered a second-entry bachelor's degree.
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Tax LL.M. at Georgetown Law
A law degree is considered a graduate degree, as a bachelor's degree is almost universally required for admission to a J.D. program.
The Taxation LL.M. program at Georgetown Law is a highly selective graduate program that offers students a world-class education in tax law. The program is available entirely online, giving working professionals the flexibility to attend classes and complete assignments from anywhere in the world. Online students have access to the same courses, resources, and degree as on-campus students, including individualized academic advising and professional development resources.
The Taxation LL.M. program at Georgetown Law offers a broad selection of courses across several different areas of tax law, allowing students to explore different areas and specialize in their area of interest. While the formal requirements for the degree are minimal, students are advised to take courses in the following areas:
- Corporate Tax
- Partnership Tax
- International Tax
- Tax Procedure
- Preparation of a Research Paper
- Ethical Issues in Tax Practice
In addition to these areas, students can also take courses in the taxation of corporations filing consolidated federal income tax returns, private equity and hedge funds, and litigation of federal tax cases. The program also offers three specialty certificate programs in Employee Benefits, Estate Planning, and International Taxation, which can be completed alongside the Taxation LL.M. degree.
The Taxation LL.M. program at Georgetown Law is highly regarded, with 100% of U.S.-trained tax LL.M. students securing employment by graduation in 2024. The program's unparalleled externship opportunities allow students to gain substantive experience and academic credit by working for prestigious employers in Washington, including major law firms and the national offices of Big Four Accounting firms.
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Graduate Tax Program at NYU Law
A law degree is considered a "graduate" degree in a casual or colloquial context because a bachelor's degree is almost always necessary for admission to a J.D. program. However, in academic circles, the J.D. is not strictly a graduate degree.
NYU School of Law's Graduate Tax Program (GTP), established in 1945, is the top and foremost program of its kind in the United States. The GTP has produced the best and brightest tax practitioners, academics, and government leaders, both nationally and internationally. The program is rigorous and requires 24 credits to be completed over up to five academic years, with most students finishing in three to four years.
The graduate tax faculty includes several leading academic figures in taxation, as well as experienced tax practitioners who are dedicated to teaching. Alumni of the GTP are found in prominent positions in tax practice, government, the judiciary, and academia. NYU Law's GTP offers an LLM in Taxation, which is considered the top program in the country.
The program provides a firm grounding in the major areas of federal taxation, including business taxation, international taxation, estate planning, and tax policy. Students can choose from five suggested courses of study and are guided by a mentor from the permanent tax faculty. NYU Law also regularly invites junior academics with distinguished records to join the faculty as Visiting Assistant Professors of Tax Law.
The GTP offers excellent networking opportunities through prestigious lectures, panel discussions, practice-focused events, and colloquia. It also boasts robust alumni connections, with over 10,000 alumni in leadership positions in major law and accounting firms, government, the judiciary, academia, and large corporations.
Full-time LLM in Taxation graduates have a strong record of employment, with over 90% employed within 10 months of graduation. The Office of Career Services and the Public Interest Law Center support students in their private sector and public service job searches, respectively. NYU Law also offers research fellowships, academic career fellowships, and post-graduate fellowships for LLMs in human rights or international finance and development.
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Master of Taxation at Sturm College of Law
A law degree is considered a "graduate" degree in a casual or colloquial context, as a bachelor's degree is typically a prerequisite for admission to a J.D. program. However, within the academic sphere, the classification may differ. Now, let's delve into the specifics of the Master of Taxation at Sturm College of Law.
The Graduate Tax Program at Sturm College of Law, University of Denver, has been a pioneer in tax professional education for over four decades. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled graduates in the intricate field of taxation. The curriculum seamlessly blends the legal and accounting facets of tax practice, empowering graduates to offer insightful and practical counsel to their clients.
Degree Options
The Graduate Tax Program offers two distinct degree paths: an LLM for lawyers and a Master of Taxation for accountants and other graduate students. The Master of Taxation program brings together current and aspiring accountants and lawyers from the LLM program, fostering a cross-disciplinary learning environment focused on taxation.
Course Structure and Duration
The Master of Taxation program offers flexibility to suit different student needs. Full-time students can complete the degree in just one year, while part-time students typically finish within 18 to 24 months. The program is tailored to accommodate working professionals, with both online and on-site course delivery options. The online format provides students with the convenience of studying at their own pace, while also offering opportunities for live interactions with faculty and classmates.
Course Content
The curriculum of the Master of Taxation program is exclusively focused on taxation. Courses are taught using the Internal Revenue Code, treasury regulations, and specially developed program materials to enhance comprehension of this intricate subject matter. The program boasts an impressive faculty roster, including professionals from leading local and national firms and the IRS.
Practical Experience
Sturm College of Law's Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) is one of the largest and most established tax clinics in the nation. Students participating in the clinic gain invaluable practical experience by representing low-income taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service in audits, appeals, collections, and Tax Court litigation. They also have the opportunity to interact with IRS attorneys and Tax Court judges and advise taxpayers about their rights and the Tax Court process.
Career Prospects
The Graduate Tax Program at Sturm College of Law enjoys an excellent national reputation and is strategically located in the Rocky Mountain Region. This reputation and location provide graduates with a diverse range of job opportunities across the region and the United States. The program also offers nationwide job placement assistance through job postings, on-campus recruiting programs, alumni connections, and extensive networking possibilities.
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Tax Law for non-lawyers at Loyola Law School
A law degree is considered a graduate degree, as a bachelor's degree is typically required for admission to a J.D. program.
Loyola Law School offers a Master of Tax Law (MT) program, which is a graduate degree designed for individuals without a legal background who want to enter the field of tax law. This program is available on-campus and in a flexible online format, making it convenient for students with different needs and preferences.
The MT program is taught by experienced tax lawyers using intensive problem-based law teaching techniques. It focuses on providing students with the tools and knowledge needed to engage in tax research, planning, and dispute resolution at the highest levels. Loyola's MT program is ranked among the top ten Tax LLM programs by US News & World Report, making it one of the most selective programs in the United States.
The curriculum is designed for individuals with strong accounting, finance, or economics backgrounds and aims to build on their prior education in these areas. While the program does not require prior legal experience, it provides rigorous and interactive instruction in tax law, preparing graduates for a variety of in-demand careers in the field.
The Master of Tax Law degree typically takes two years to complete and offers excellent job placement opportunities. Loyola's MT program is well-regarded, and its graduates are sought after by employers for their expertise in tax law and ability to provide thoughtful advice to clients.
Overall, the Tax Law for non-lawyers program at Loyola Law School offers a comprehensive and flexible education for individuals seeking to transition into the field of tax law without a legal background.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a law degree is considered a graduate degree for tax purposes.
A JD degree is a professional doctorate and is considered a "graduate" degree, whereas an MT degree is a master's degree that builds on an individual's prior education in the legal system and/or accounting.
Some tax law degrees designed specifically for non-lawyers include the Master of Taxation (MTax) and the Master of Tax Law (MT).
Obtaining a tax law degree can lead to various career opportunities, including financial adviser, tax accountant, and financial manager positions. Additionally, tax law degrees can provide enhanced knowledge and credentials in the field of taxation, leading to lucrative career prospects.
Yes, several universities offer online graduate tax programs, including Georgetown Law, the University of Denver's Sturm College of Law, the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and NYU School of Law. These programs provide flexible enrollment options and career support to students.





























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