An online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and other legal studies master’s programs can provide advanced understanding of the laws, regulations and legal standards and procedures that affect businesses and organizations. These degree programs are typically designed for nonlawyers who seek knowledge in various areas of law including regulations, compliance, negotiations, human resources, law enforcement and more.

Students of master’s in legal studies online programs come from diverse backgrounds. While some schools may require GRE scores, most only need a bachelor’s degree. MLS programs offer flexibility, allowing students to take as few as one to three courses per term. This makes it possible for individuals to find the graduate career pathway that is right for them.

This resource can help you learn more about a master’s in legal studies, decide if pursuing an MLS is a good career move and identify which program might be best for you.

Below is a list of online master’s in legal studies and related degree programs, such as an online Master of Science in Law or a Master of Studies in Law, along with relevant program information. These online programs have been granted acquiescence by the American Bar Association (ABA) and offer both full- and part-time options for students.

Information for the universities below was last retrieved in October 2022. For the most up-to-date information, check with the university.

University	Degree Name	Number of Credits	Format	Enrollment Type
American University SPONSORED	Master of Legal Studies	30	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
Arizona State University	Master of Legal Studies	30	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
Drexel University	Masters of Legal Studies	45	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
Fordham University SPONSORED	Master of Studies in Law	30	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
Hamline University	Master in the Study of Law	34	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
Northeastern University	Master of Legal Studies	30	Online	Part-Time
Nova Southeastern University	Master of Science in Law	36	Online	Part-Time
Pepperdine University SPONSORED	Master of Legal Studies	32	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
Regent University	Master of Arts in Law	30+	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
Samford University	Master of Studies in Law	34	Online	Part-Time
Seattle University	Master Of Legal Studies In Compliance And Risk Management	30	Online	Part-Time
Thomas Jefferson School of Law	Master of Legal Studies	30	Online	Part-Time
The University of Arizona	Master of Legal Studies	30	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
University of Denver	Master of Science in Legal Administration	30	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
University of New Hampshire	Masters Degrees	30	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
The University of Oklahoma	Master of Legal Studies	32	Online	Part-Time
University of the Pacific	Master of Science in Law	26	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
Vermont Law and Graduate School	Masters Degrees	30	Online	Full-Time and Part-Time
Washington University SPONSORED	Master of Legal Studies (MLS)	24	Online	N/A

An online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a graduate degree for nonlawyers and others working in diverse fields who want to expand their knowledge of law, regulations and legal issues across various domains. While it doesn’t qualify graduates to sit for the bar exam or practice law as an attorney, earning an MLS can help enhance their knowledge of the social, political and economic impacts of the law on their industry or business. Similar master’s degrees in legal studies may include a Master of Science in Law, Master of Studies in Law (MSL) and Juris Master (JM).

Online master’s in legal studies programs may include:

Online master’s in legal studies’ programs may require around 30 credits and could take 12 to 36 months to complete. Depending on the school and curricula offered, each course may be equal to one to four credits.

An online master’s in legal studies program offers multiple benefits.

Deep Legal Knowledge 

A master’s in legal studies can demonstrate a deep and well-rounded understanding of the legal field, showing employers that you have the academic experience to contribute to their organization. 

A master’s in legal studies program may include courses such as American Common Law, Legal Writing, Criminal Procedure, International Law, Civil Litigation and more. Sometimes the curriculum for a master’s in legal studies program intersects with that of Juris Doctor (JD) students. MLS students may learn about the legal systems in the United States, international laws and skills for client interaction.

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Career Growth Opportunities

People who pursue a career in law may be driven by a passion to uphold justice and protect the legal system. If those goals interest you, a master’s in legal studies may help make you a better legal professional, with the training and education to make a difference in the lives of others.

A master’s in legal studies can be viewed as an investment in yourself and your career that could open the door to new opportunities, professional growth and a better salary.

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Flexibility of Online Learning

Pursuing education online can provide more flexibility for your schedule. Some online education programs  provide the option for part-time enrollment, allowing you to engage at your convenience rather than adhering to fixed schedules. You may be able to continue working while pursuing an online Master of Legal Studies degree. Online learning can also result in savings on transportation costs and time.

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When selecting which master’s in legal studies program is right for you, there are many factors to consider. Is the legal program or school accredited? What are the concentrations available? Is it 100% online or a hybrid model? Are you able to interact with other students? Which programs require you to pass the GRE? What is the minimum undergraduate GPA required to apply?

Below are a few resources to help you find the best online master’s in legal studies program for you:

Qualified schools can be accredited by state bar associations as well as regional or national institutional accrediting agencies. Some common organizations may include the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). While the American Bar Association (ABA) does not accredit any non-Juris Doctor (JD) or post-JD program, the ABA may grant acquiescence to Master of Legal Studies and similar programs.

Many online and on-campus master’s in legal studies programs offer a selection of legal studies concentrations. You may want to compare the programs and concentrations offered. A Master of Legal Studies can be a great way to boost your existing career. By concentrating on your current specialty, you can graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to make a difference in your field.

Some programs may offer the option to tailor your classes to specific areas of interest.Some common concentrations of an MLS degree include:

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You can opt to pursue a concentration related to your preferred industry. Perhaps you have a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and work in the financial industry but have found you can’t compete with colleagues who have a Bachelor of Science in business. If so, then a Master of Legal Studies with a concentration in financial regulatory compliance may give you the competitive edge you need to advance in your field.

Online Master of Legal Studies schools may offer different programs that can accommodate specific learning styles and provide class formats that fit your needs. Learn more from this guide:

Online vs. Hybrid Programs

Most schools’ online Master of Legal Studies programs are 100% online. All instruction, all research, all assignments and all classroom interaction take place over the internet.

A few programs offer a hybrid approach. While the hybrid programs’ requirements can vary, they require students to be present on campus for some part of the program. This may be once a semester for a weekend, or once a month for half a day. Each program has differing requirements.

View Online Hybrid Programs

Full-Time vs. Part-Time

Is your goal to earn your Master of Legal Studies as quickly as possible or would you rather have the flexibility to be able to study on your own time and attend to professional and social obligations? Answering these questions will help determine if a full- or part-time program is right for you.

If you want to earn your Master of Legal Studies in the least amount of time possible and have the ability to take on a full course load, then you might want to select a full-time program. If, on the other hand, you need to be able to maintain your full-time job, and/or have family commitments, then taking more time and enrolling in a part-time program might be a better option.

View Full-Time Programs View Part-Time Programs

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Classes

When deciding which Master of Legal Studies program is right for you, you will need to consider whether you prefer to learn on a set schedule in sync with other students or if you prefer the flexibility of learning at your own pace, independent of an online classroom.

Synchronous Master of Legal Studies programs allow students to attend classes on a set schedule, in concert with their fellow students, similar to a traditional classroom setting. Students log in at specific times to view lectures, interact with their classmates and learn in tandem, often using a webcam. 

Conversely, asynchronous programs allow students to make their own schedule and view lectures on their own timeline. Students can watch pre-recorded lectures at a time that is convenient for them, work on assignments independently and typically do not need to interact with other students. Assignments are submitted online according to set deadlines.

View Synchronous Programs View Asynchronous Programs

Law school scholarships are available for students pursuing legal and law degrees. Students who want to enroll in a master’s in legal studies online or on-campus program may also research scholarships offered by the university and explore federal student aid. Tuition assistance from employers or grant opportunities may be available to further offset costs.

Applying to law school for a master’s in legal studies program may seem daunting, but many schools offer law and legal students resources to support their academic and career goals. Be sure to check with your preferred program and school for career assistance, certificate options or off-campus experiences.

Admission criteria of master’s in legal studies programs vary by school. Prerequisites may include an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited college. Most on-campus and online MLS programs do not require a GRE or GMAT score. Here is a checklist of commonly required documents for master’s in legal studies programs:

Some schools may also require previous courses in finance or business, as well as writing samples or work experience in the legal field. 

A benefit of these varying admission requirements is that if you feel your GPA isn’t strong but your work experience is, you can apply to MLS programs that place emphasis on work experience.

There are many different careers you can pursue with a master’s in legal studies. Graduates can consider career paths to become a paralegal or become a compliance officer or even do legal work for the government. Most organizations in the United States consult the law or legal procedure in some capacity.

As a result, a Master of Legal Studies can be used to enhance your bachelor’s degree or current career—amplifying the reach and impact you have by improving your ability to navigate legal regulations, compliance or business law.

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Last updated August 2023.