Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Programs in California
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree provides an opportunity for California students who want to deepen their understanding of California and federal law but do not wish to become practicing lawyers. Unlike a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, an MLS degree does not allow students to take the California bar exam or become practicing attorneys.
Instead, an MLS degree is an option for California graduate students who wish to pursue careers that require a thorough understanding of the law, such as legal compliance officers or contract negotiators.With the highest employment level for legal occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 data, California offers many employment opportunities for MLS graduates, including positions at law firms and technology and entertainment companies.
Sponsored Online MLS and Law Programs
American University
Washington College of Law
Master of Legal Studies
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- No GRE/LSAT scores required to apply
- Four tracks available: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology
- Three certificates available: Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology
There are a number of schools in California that offer online Master of Legal Studies programs or other legal degrees, including 2U-powered Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law, and Santa Clara University School of Law. Jump to our table below to learn more about colleges with online MLS programs in California.
Overview of Legal Degrees in California: Types and Concentrations
While students who complete a Master of Legal Studies program are ineligible to sit for the California bar exam, they have opportunities to take advanced courses in various legal topics and concentrations. MLS programs in California offer students various legal degree specializations to learn knowledge in specific areas of the law. Through elective courses, students may be able to tailor their education in a number of different legal areas, including:
- Business Law
- Employment and Human Resources Law
- Environmental Law
- Government and National Security Law
- Health Law and Policy
- International Law
- Sports Law
Please note that curriculum and concentrations will vary by university and program requirements.
Through their legal studies, MLS program graduates may better understand how laws, rules, and government policies regulate their field. Additionally, these programs help to sharpen analytical and critical thinking, writing, and interpretation skills, all of which can help people progress in their careers.
Law School Highlights in California
California offers multiple pathways to legal education, and the State Bar of California groups law schools into three categories: ABA-approved law schools, California-accredited law schools (accredited by the State Bar’s Committee of Bar Examiners, often called CALS), and registered unaccredited law schools.
For students seeking the broadest interstate portability, California includes ABA-approved law schools such as Pepperdine University’s Caruso School of Law, the University of San Francisco School of Law, and Santa Clara University School of Law (see the State Bar’s directory for the current list).
In addition, California has a separate group of State Bar–accredited (CBE/CALS) law schools that are not ABA-approved—an option designed specifically for California bar eligibility, with schools and delivery formats (in-person, online, hybrid) that can vary by institution. For the most up-to-date roster, refer to the State Bar’s directory and/or the current CALS list. Students pursuing a legal degree at a California law school have a number of program options and concentrations to choose from. For example, the UCLA School of Law offers these eight specializations in the MLS program:
- Business Law
- Employment & Human Resources Law
- Entertainment & Media Law
- Environmental Law
- Government & National Security Law
- Health Law & Policy
- Law and Technology
- Public Interest Law
Generally, California law schools that offer MLS programs give students two or more concentration options. If you are interested in a specific area of California law, be sure to check which MLS programs offer concentrations in that area.
Legal Career Outlook in California
California has the highest employment level for legal occupations in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As of May 2024, 154,470 people worked in legal occupations in California, according to the BLS. In May 2024, legal-occupation workers in California earned an annual mean wage higher than the U.S. average (see BLS OEWS state table for the state mean).
Careers with a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in California
Across California, graduates of MLS programs can find employment in a range of industries, including state government, courtrooms, legal firms, higher education, and in many private corporations as managers, compliance officers, or contract negotiators.
A Master of Legal Studies can lead to a number of career paths. Some common jobs held by California MLS graduates include:
- HR Manager or Director
- Compliance Officer or Director
- Contract Negotiator
- Paralegal or Legal Assistant
California graduates may work across private-sector law firms, corporate legal departments, state and federal agencies, and the entertainment and technology sectors. According to the BLS, California has the highest employment level for legal occupations among states. Although many legal roles remain important in the state, BLS national projections for 2024–34 show employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to register little or no change over the decade, with about 39,300 openings per year on average due largely to replacement needs; state-level projections can differ, so consult California EDD for local figures.
Top Legal Employers in California
Because of its size and economy, California is home to many large entertainment and technology companies. MLS/MSL graduates often pursue roles in contracts and contract administration, compliance, risk management, and other legal-adjacent business positions (role titles vary by employer).
The Walt Disney Company (Burbank area) routinely posts legal and business affairs roles, including paralegal and compliance/ethics positions, depending on hiring needs. California also has major aerospace and defense employers, such as Lockheed Martin, where graduates may see openings in areas like compliance and contracts (titles vary by site and program). Graduates may find positions with entertainment firms and agencies that represent actors and other personalities, such as Jackoway Austen (Los Angeles), a firm recognized in national legal rankings for entertainment work.
Colleges with Online MLS Programs in California
| University | Location | Degree Name | Enrollment Type | Accrediting organization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abraham Lincoln University | Glendale, California | Master of Science in Law | Full-Time and Part-Time | Committee Of Bar Examiners (CBE) Of The State Bar Of California |
| Pepperdine University AD | Malibu, California | Master of Legal Studies | Full-Time and Part-Time | Acquiescence by the American Bar Association (ABA) |
| Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges of Law | Santa Barbara, California | Masters of Legal Studies | Full-Time and Part-Time | N/A |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California | LL.M. in Alternative Dispute Resolution | Full-Time and Part-Time | ABA |
Information on the above legal programs in California was last retrieved and updated in February 2026.