Hi everyone,
I'm a current junior in undergrad studying English (major), Government (minor), and Africana Studies (tons of course work). At my school I'm also a Mellon Mays fellow and my research is in comparative Caribbean literature. I want to get a PhD someday, in either English, African American studies, African American literature, comparative literature, or Sociology. But I ALSO really want to get a JD and become a law professor, teaching critical race theory.
Previously I had planned to 1. go to law school, 2. work at a firm and pay off my considerable undergrad debt (around 80k) and whatever law school debt I may have then 3. think about becoming a law professor. And then later in life I'd get my PhD and become a regular undergrad professor. Or maybe I'd get my PhD before becoming a law professor.
Now I've gotten enticed by joint JD/PhD programs, especially Northwestern's, which is fully funded. But the catch about having to go directly into legal academia and research, and not even being able to think about working at a law firm, gives me pause. I just read a forum about someone at who did Northwestern's JD/PhD program and not being able to find a job, which really alarms me because I need some way to pay off my undergrad loans. Going to a joint program for six years and not being able to find a job is something that can't happen to me.
So, where should I go? I've been studying for the LSAT for 3 months now (and haven't really gotten anywhere) and plan to study as long as it takes. I also plan to take a gap year or two between undergrad and and the JD or join JD/Phd program. I plan to write a thesis next year, and for anyone wondering, I am definitely not thinking about solo PhD programs right now. Also I'm not super in to research yet. Also, a lot of my professional and work/internship experience is in diversity, equity, and inclusion and I would like to go into that field someday as well. Also I can also see myself as a author (fiction, poetry, nonfiction) down the road.
So clearly I don't know for sure what I want to do yet. For sure, I feel compelled to go to law school and get that big salary. My undergrad loans weigh heavily on me and I'm cognizant of interest building up during the 3, 6, or 8+ years it takes me to get my degrees.
Any and all insight is much appreciated.