Why are some professional degrees masters and some "doctorates"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd say an academic masters is higher than a JD.

If you have an English MA, say, you have more extensive knowledge. A JD is just the basic law degree.

Law School is 3 years. At UVA a maters in english takes 3 semesters.

"number of students, the most desirable plan is a rigorous course of study at the MA level. The MA may be completed in three full semesters, though students opting to write an MA thesis often take a fourth semester"

http://www.engl.virginia.edu/graduate

You're missing the point. The English MA will already have a background in the subject. JD is the first, most basic degree in law.