Sponsored Programs
Pepperdine Law
The online Master of Legal Studies program from Pepperdine Law. No GRE or LSAT scores are required to apply.
American University Washington College of Law
The online Master of Legal Studies from American University equips students with fundamental legal training and industry-specific knowledge. Students attend online classes and an in-person immersion in Washington, D.C. Complete in as few as 15 months. No GRE or LSAT required.
Washington University School of Law
WashULaw’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program brings the same world-class faculty, academics and degree to you — regardless of where you work or reside.
Overview of Online Top Master of Legal Studies Programs
We have identified 14 schools that offer competitive and comprehensive Online Master of Legal Studies Programs. These schools are all accredited by respected and universally known agencies such as the American Bar Association, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges, among others.
| School Name | Degree Name | Length | Synchronous or Asynchronous | Part-Time | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University-Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law | Master of Legal Studies | 30 credits | Asynchronous | Yes | Yes |
| California Southern University | Master of Science in Law | 36 credits | Asynchronous | Yes | Yes |
| California University of Pennsylvania | Master of Legal Studies | 36 credits | Asynchronous | Yes | Yes |
| Drexel University Thomas L. Kline School of Law | Master of Legal Studies | 30 credits | Hybrid | Yes | Yes |
| Purdue University Global | Master of Legal Studies | 55 credits | Hybrid | Yes | Yes |
| Loyola University Chicago-School of Law Beazly Institute for Health Law and Policy | Master's of Jurisprudence | 24 credits | Synchronous | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan State University-College of Social Science School of Criminal Justice | Master of Science Degree in Judicial Administration | 30 credits | Asynchronous | No | Yes |
| Pepperdine Law | Master of Legal Studies | 32 credits | Hybrid | Yes | Yes |
| Seton Hall University School of Law | Master of Science in Jurisprudence | 30 credits | Asynchronous | Yes | Yes |
| University of Dayton School of Law | Master of Studies in Law | 30 credits | Hybrid | Yes | Yes |
| University of Illinois-Springfield | Legal Studies Master’s | 36 credits | Hybrid | Yes | Yes |
| USC Gould School of Law | Master of Studies in Law | 21 credits | Asynchronous | Yes | Yes |
| Wake Forest University School of Law | Master of Studies in Law | 30 credits | Asynchronous | Yes | Yes |
| Washington University School of Law | Master of Legal Studies | 24 credits | Hybrid | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia University School of Law | Master of Science in Legal Studies | 36 credits | Asynchronous | Yes | Yes |
Arizona State University – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
- State: Arizona
- Program Length: 30 Credits
- Average Completion Time: 12 Months
- Available Concentrations:
- HR & Employment Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Sports Law and Business
- Sustainability Law
- Criminal Law
- Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree. LSAT accepted (median score: 162)
- Start Dates: Next start date is August 16, 2018
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: asulaw.admissions@asu.edu
- Phone: Law School: 480-965-1474. ASUOnline Enrollment: 866-277-6589.
- Website: Arizona State University – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
- Social Media
California Southern University
- State: California
- Program Length: 36 credits
- Average Completion Time: About 18 months
- Available Concentrations: No concentrations. Areas of focus/interest include:
- Strategies and Ethics in Negotiations
- Mediation
- Property
- Business Associations
- Wills, Trusts, and Estates
- Immigration Law
- Domestic Relations
- International Law
- Intellectual Property
- Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA requirement
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree. No required entrance exams
- Start Dates: Classes start monthly throughout the year, no set semester schedule
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: Not available
- Phone: 888-477-2254
- Website: California Southern University
- Social Media
California University of Pennsylvania
- State: California
- Program Length: 36 credits
- Average Completion Time: About 18 months
- Available Concentrations:
- Law and Public Policy
- Criminal Justice
- Homeland Security
- Minimum GPA: 0
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Start Dates: Not available
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: Not available
- Phone: 866-595-6348
- Website: California University of Pennsylvania
- Social Media
Drexel University Thomas L. Kline School of Law
- State: Pennsylvania (main campus)
- Program Length: 30 credits
- Average Completion Time: About 18 months
- Available Concentrations:
- Cybersecurity and Information Privacy
- Financial Regulatory Compliance
- Health Care Compliance
- Human Resources Compliance
- Higher Education Compliance
- NCAA Compliance and Sports Law
- Criminal Law
- Entrepreneurship and Law
- Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree. GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT all accepted but not required
- Start Dates:
- Fall 2018: August 20, 2018
- Spring 2019: January 7, 2019
- Summer 2019: May 20, 2019
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: mlsadmissions@drexel.edu
- Phone: 215-571-4818
- Website: Drexel University Thomas L. Kline School of Law
- Social Media
Loyola University Chicago-School of Law Beazly Institute for Health Law and Policy
- State: Chicago
- Program Length: 24 Credits
- Average Completion Time: 2 years, designed for part-time students
- Available Concentrations: No concentrations; certificate in Compliance Studies is available
- Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree. Primary degree in law (JD or LLB). At least three years’ relevant working experience. No entrance exam
- Start Dates: Fall – early September; Spring – January; Summer – May
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: healthlawonline@luc.edu
- Phone: 800-424-3986
- Website: Loyola University Chicago School of Law
- Social Media
Michigan State University-College of Social Science School of Criminal Justice
- State: Michigan
- Program Length: 30 Credits
- Average Completion Time: 2 years
- Available Concentrations: No concentrations; three “distinct, focused” degrees in:
- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis
- Judicial Administration
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; GRE scores required for applicants who do not meet the minimum 3.2 GPA requirement
- Start Dates: Summer 2020 (Fall semester usually begins in August, Spring in January, and Summer in May)
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: cjonline@msu.edu
- Phone: 517-355-2197
- Website: Michigan State University College of Social Science School of Criminal Justice
- Social Media
Pepperdine Law
- State: California
- Program Length: 32 Credits
- Average Completion Time: About 16 months full-time; About 28 months part-time
- Available Concentrations: Dispute Resolution
- Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; no entrance exams
- Start Dates: Fall – September; Spring – January; Summer – May
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: admissions@onlinelaw.pepperdine.edu
- Phone: 844-707-9208
- Website: Pepperdine Law Online
- Social Media
Purdue University Global
- State: Nationwide
- Program Length: 55 Credits
- Average Completion Time: About 18 months
- Available Concentrations: No concentrations
- Minimum GPA: 5
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; no entrance exams
- Start Dates: September 19, 2018; December 9, 2018
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: Chancellor’s Office – Chancellor@purdueglobal.edu
- Phone: 844-787-3834
- Website: Purdue University Global
- Social Media
Seton Hall University School of Law
- State: New Jersey
- Program Length: 31 Credits
- Average Completion Time: About 2 years
- Available Concentrations:
- Financial Services Compliance
- Health & Hospital Law
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Law & Compliance
- Intellectual Property Certificates
- Minimum GPA: Average GPA for incoming class: 3.43
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; no entrance exam required, but LSAT is accepted (median score: 156)
- Start Dates: Fall – August 20, 2018; Spring – January 15, 2019
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: lawonline@shu.edu
- Phone: 973-642-8747
- Website: Seton Hall University School Of Law
- Social Media
University of Dayton School of Law
- State: Ohio
- Program Length: 30 Credits
- Average Completion Time: About 12 months
- Available Concentrations: No concentrations, but certificates available in:
- Applied Business Law
- Criminal Law
- Cyber Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; competitive GRE, GMAT, or similar test exam scores
- Start Dates: Fall – late August; Spring – early January
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: lawinfo@udayton.edu
- Phone: 937-229- 3555
- Website: University of Dayton School Of Law
- Social Media
University of Illinois-Springfield
- State: Illinois
- Program Length: 36 Credits
- Average Completion Time: About 2 years; program is designed for part-time students who work full-time
- Available Concentrations:
- Law and Public Policy
- Human Rights/Social Justice and Public Policy
- Criminal Justice
- Regulatory Compliance
- Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; no entrance exams
- Start Dates: Not available on website, I’ve emailed the school
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: les-online@uis.edu
- Phone: 217-206-6535
- Website: University of Illinois-Springfield
- Social Media: University of Illinois-Springfield Facebook
USC Gould School of Law
- State: California
- Program Length: 21 Credits
- Average Completion Time: 12 – 16 months
- Available Concentrations: No concentrations; certificates available in:
- Business Law
- Compliance
- Entertainment Law and Industry
- Financial Compliance
- Health Care Compliance
- Human Resources Law and Compliance
- Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree; no entrance exam
- Start Dates: Fall 2018 – September 5; Spring 2019 – January 9; Summer 2019 – early May
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: msl@law.usc.edu
- Phone: 213-821-5916
- Website: USC Gould School of Law
- Social Media
Wake Forest University School of Law
- State: North Carolina
- Program Length: 30 Credits
- Average Completion Time: About 18 months
- Available Concentrations:
- Business Law & Compliance
- Health Law & Policy
- Human Resources
- Minimum GPA: None available – work experience seems to be the key deciding factor
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; work experience in a relevant field; no entrance exams
- Start Dates: Fall – August 20, 2018; Spring – January 14, 2019; Summer- May 21, 2019
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: msl@wfu.edu
- Phone: 336-758-5906
- Website: Wake Forest University School of Law
- Social Media
Washington University School of Law
- State: Missouri
- Program Length: 24 Credits
- Average Completion Time: 1 year
- Available Concentrations: No concentrations; certificates available in:
- Business Law
- Conflict Resolution
- Litigation
- Regulatory Compliancen
- Employment Law
- Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; no entrance exam but LSAT and GRE accepted
- Start Dates: Four annual start dates – January, April, July, October
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: admissions@onlinelaw.wustl.edu
- Phone: 314-281-5200
- Website: Washington University School of Law
- Social Media
West Virginia University School of Law
- State: West Virginia
- Program Length: 30 Credits
- Average Completion Time: 18 months
- Available Concentrations:
- Healthcare
- Justice Systems
- Homeland Security
- Minimum GPA: 75
- GRE & Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; any graduate-level standardized test (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, etc.), no minimum score requirement, can be waived with prior graduate degree or 5 years’ relevant working experience
- Start Dates: Fall 2018 – August 15
- Admissions Contact Information:
- Email: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
- Phone: 800-253-2762
- Website: West Virginia University School of Law
- Social Media
Factors to Consider when Choosing An Online Master of Legal Studies Program
When selecting which school is right for you, there are many factors you need to consider. How many months does it take to complete the program? Is it 100% online or a hybrid model? Are you able to interact with other students? Which programs require you pass the GRE? What is the minimum undergraduate GPA required to apply? Not only do we answer these questions for you, we present them in a matrix so you can compare each program side by side.
Below are a few resources to help you find the best Master of Legal Studies school for you:
Class Structures and Instruction Methods
Online Master of Legal Studies schools offer a few different instruction variations. Use our guide to select which learning style you would benefit from and which program offers the choices you need.
Online vs Hybrid
Most schools’ Master of Legal Studies programs are 100% online. This means that all instruction, all research, all assignments, and all classroom interaction take place over the internet. There are a few programs, however, that offer a hybrid approach. While the hybrid programs’ requirements will vary from program to program, what defines them is that they require students to be physically 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. If you are a busy professional or working parent juggling school, work and family obligations, a 100% online program may be best for you. Also, if you have limited discretionary funds and traveling to a school campus is prohibitively expensive, you may want to chose a 100% online program. If you thrive on in person to person interaction and benefit from group learning situations, then you may want to select a hybrid program or an online program that offers some elements of person to person interaction.
To learn more about the differences between 100% online and hybrid online programs, visit our Guide to 100% Online and Hybrid Online Master of Legal Studies Programs page.
View Online and Hybrid ProgramsSynchronous vs Asynchronous
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 on your own time, 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. Via webcam, students log in at specific times to view lectures, interact with their classmates, and learn in tandem. Conversely, asynchronous Master of Legal Studies programs allow students to make their own schedule and view lectures on their own timeline. Students will 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. Which type is better for you? If you have a busy and unpredictable schedule, then asynchronous learning will enable you to fit your classes in whenever works for you, at varying times. If you thrive on routine and schedules as well as interacting with others, then synchronous learning, which most closely mimics traditional in classroom settings, may be right for you. Some programs offer a mixture of both synchronous and asynchronous components.
To learn more about the differences between synchronous and asynchronous programs, visit our Guide to Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Master of Legal Studies page.
View Synchronous Programs View Asynchronous ProgramsFull time vs Part time
Is your goal to earn your Master of Legal Studies as quickly as possible or do you require the flexibility to be able to work your studies into your professional and social obligations? Answering these questions will help you determine if a full-time or part-time program is right for you. If you want to earn your Master of Legal Studies Programs in the least amount of time possible and have the ability to take on a full course load to focus primarily on your studies, 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 obligations to juggle, then taking more time and enrolling in a part-time program might be a better option for you. Regardless of your choice, we can help you navigate through all of the program options to help you select the one that is just right for you and your individual needs and circumstances.
View Full Time Programs View Part Time ProgramsConcentrations
Many Master of Legal Studies programs offer a selection of concentrations. It is important that you carefully compare the programs and concentrations offered. As a Master of Legal Studies is commonly used to augment an existing career, you may want to align your concentration with your current profession so that you will graduate armed to make a greater contribution in your chosen field, thereby advancing and moving up. Some programs even offer a “Self Designated” concentration which allows you to cater your classes to what is uniquely of interest to you. Some common concentrations of an MLS degree include:
- Labor Law
- Intellectual Property
- Criminal Justice
- Entrepreneurship
- Sports Law
- Financial Regulatory Compliance
- International and Human Rights Law
- Constitutional Law and Civil Rights
- Personal Injury and Civil Litigation
When selecting your concentration, it is especially important to align it to your preferred career field. Perhaps you have a BA in Liberal Arts and work in the financial industry but have found you aren’t able to compete with colleagues who have a BS 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.
Is a Master of Legal Studies Worth It?
A Master of Legal Studies is an advanced degree that deepens your understanding of legal principles and better prepares you for a career in the legal profession. Certain legal careers, such as paralegals, don’t require an advanced degree as a prerequisite for employment or certification. Whether your career of interest requires continuing your education or not, there is much to be gained from pursuing an MLS.
As with any master’s degree, an MLS demonstrates a deep and well-rounded understanding of your field, showing employers that you have the academic experience to be an impactful force in their organization. Legal professionals with an MLS stand out from the crowd; employers may view an MLS candidate as better prepared, more knowledgeable, and more serious about their career.
Most people who pursue a career in law are driven by a passion for upholding justice and protecting the legal system. They are in this field to help people. Beyond your credibility with an employer, an MLS can help make you a better legal professional—emboldened with the training and education you need to truly make a difference in the lives of the people with whom you work.
It’s no secret that candidates with advanced degrees are sometimes able to command more money and are better positioned for promotions and salary increases as they spend more time with their employer. While an MLS may be costly, in the grand scheme of things, it is an investment in yourself: an investment in your career that could open the door to new opportunities, faster growth, and a better salary.
Careers
Earning a Master of Legal Studies degree could open new career doors for you. Graduates have gone on to successful careers in government, law firms, and private industry. Some graduates use their Master of Legal Studies to propel them into law school and ultimately become attorneys or judges. Others use the knowledge and skills gained through an Master of Legal Studies to strengthen and increase the effectiveness in their current profession. Most professions in the US work with the law or legal procedure in some capacity. As a result, a Master of Legal Studies can be used to build upon 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.234
To find out more about how a Master of Legal Studies degree can help your career, check out our Career Guides.
Sponsored Programs
Pepperdine Law
The online Master of Legal Studies program from Pepperdine Law. No GRE or LSAT scores are required to apply.
American University Washington College of Law
The online Master of Legal Studies from American University equips students with fundamental legal training and industry-specific knowledge. Students attend online classes and an in-person immersion in Washington, D.C. Complete in as few as 15 months. No GRE or LSAT required.
Washington University School of Law
WashULaw’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program brings the same world-class faculty, academics and degree to you — regardless of where you work or reside.