Do course offerings matter in selecting a school? Forum

[swatcats]

To what extent should I choose a school based on 2-3L course offerings?

For example:

I am interested in Admiralty Law, Military Law, and Terrorism Law.
-School A offers these courses; School B does not.
-All other electives are identical.
-A and B are within 30 miles of each other and cost the same.
-In general ranking, A is #30 and B is #20.

Should the course offering be a compelling reason to choose A over B?

[Teoeo]

No. The only possible exception's I can think of are IP and Government Contracts (and that isn't even about course offerings as much as the reputation your school has in those fields). For example, GW is well known for having a really good Government Contracts program. Those who want to go into Government Contracts may do well to choose GW over a peer school because employers look favorably on GW students in that field (I have seen this in action). This is also true of IP. All in all though, all that matters are rankings and location.

[MachineLemon]

Any difference in cost? Any stips on the $ from either?

[monkey85]

Seems like 2 and 3L course offerings could play a factor IF you know for certain that you want to be in that field.

Taking those courses will be a great deep-dive into the specifics of that law and probably enhance your contribution to summer internships, and future employers.

But Teoeo, has a point: unless the program is well known for that field, it may not be worth it (especially if you like the other school for more reasons than just course offerings.)

[danielhay11]

It's unlikely to be a major boost in hiring (maybe on par with a student government office in LS admissions), but monkey85 is right that it might help you stand out in your summer work, which does effect employment.

One thing to consider: If you like both schools equally, and if both schools are in your preferred region, and if cost of attendance at both schools is comparable, and if you're really interested in/passionate about these areas of law, then this might be a good tiebreaker. Not only will you enjoy these classes (hopefully), but it's likely that this school will have professors with a particular expertise/experience in these fields who will be able to provide research/independent study opportunities, career mentoring, and perhaps even potential employment connections.

So: Don't discount it, but also don't take Case over Yale because USNWR says their intergalactic law program is better.

[2014]

If it is important to you to take those classes by all means give it consideration but don't let it outweigh career prospects.

What schools are you talking about? I'm assuming its one of the following:
W&M/W&L
BU/BC
Iu-B/Notre Dame
GMU/GW
Minnesota/Wisconsin

Depending on which of those you are talking about some of them are more direct peers than others. For example BU and BC are largely considered peers on these boards while GMU and GW are not.

[nonprofit-prophet]

Should have applied to UT. Chesney and Robertson are leaders in nat'l security and admiralty, respectively.

[lisjjen]

Should have applied to UT. Chesney and Robertson are leaders in nat'l security and admiralty, respectively.

Not to mention the illusive Bobbitt.