Is There a Career Combining Humanities and STEM?
by Jennifer L.
Yes! There are many career possibilities in which humanities and STEM go hand-in-hand. You don’t have to pick one over the other, but can pursue a career that balances both. One of these paths is a patent attorney. A patent attorney is a lawyer-scientist who understands advances in the scientific fields and explains and argues differences in technology to judges, juries, and Patent Office Examiners.
Patent attorneys are fully qualified and licensed to practice law just like any other lawyer, but they also have a background in a science or technology field. Becoming a patent attorney usually takes seven or more years of full-time study after high school.
To embark on this career, you’ll need to consider a specific educational path:
1) Bachelor’s Degree: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in a technical or scientific field. Common undergraduate majors for aspiring patent attorneys include engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil, etc.), biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and related disciplines. This technical background is essential as it will help you understand the inventions you’ll be working with.
2) Graduate Degree: You may consider advancing your STEM knowledge by obtaining a graduate degree in one of the scientific fields. Many patent attorneys have master’s or Doctoral degrees creating expertise in a specific field.
3) Law School: After completing your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, you’ll need to attend a law school and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Law school typically takes three years of full-time study, and during this time, you’ll study all aspects of law. There are law schools that have a specific focus on patent law, also known as intellectual property law. You will also need to pass the patent bar exam, officially known as the United States Patent and Trademark Office Registration Examination, in order to continue practicing patent law.
So, if your heart takes you to love learning both in the fields of STEM and humanities, you don’t have to pick one over the other. You can have a career that embraces both. Explore the opportunities in STEM law and determine whether this is the right path for you.
