Choose the Best Online Master of Legal Studies Program for You for 2020
This page was created to help students research top online master of legal studies (MLS) programs. With this page as your guide, you’ll be able to decide if an MLS is a good next step for your career, which program is best for your particular needs, and what legal career options could be available to you after earning your degree.
Admission criteria varies from school to school. While all programs require a bachelor’s degree, a completed application, and undergraduate transcripts, some programs allow you to augment your application with personal statements, your resume, writing samples, and even your professional experience. A benefit of these varying admission requirements is that if you feel your GPA isn’t strong but your work experience is, then you might want to apply to the programs that consider your resume and work experience.
Online master of legal studies programs are designed for working professionals. For most programs you can take as few as one course per term up to a full load. As a result, you can design your graduate career to fit into your specific time needs, thereby helping to ensure that you will successfully complete the program.
- Best Online Master of Legal Studies Programs
- Is an Online Master of Legal Studies Worth It?
- How to Choose an Online MLS Program
- Class Structure and Instruction Methods for Online MLS Programs
- Online Legal Studies Concentrations
- Careers in Legal
We have curated a list of all online master of legal studies programs and collected the results here to enable you to find the best school for you. View some of the top ranked master of legal studies programs, get answers to your questions about MLS degrees and compare all the areas of concentration offered at each school.
Best Online Master of Legal Studies Programs
There are over 20 online legal studies programs for students to consider. Some of these are online master’s in legal studies while others are close variations, such as Master of Science in Law or Master of Jurisprudence. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American University - Washington College of Law | Online Master of Legal Studies | 30 Credits | Both | Yes | Yes |
| Arizona State University - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law | Online Master of Legal Studies | 30 Credits | Both | Yes | Yes |
| California University of Pennsylvania | Legal Studies Master's Degree | 30 Credits | Both | Yes | Yes |
| Drexel University - Thomas L. Kline School of Law | Master of Legal Studies Program | 30 Semester Credits | Both | Yes | Yes |
| Florida State University - College of Law | Juris Master Online Program | 30 Credit Hours | N/A | Yes | No |
| Fordham University - School of Law | Online Master of Studies in Law in Corporate Compliance | 30 Credits | Both | Yes | Yes |
| Hamline University - College of Liberal Arts | Master in the Study of Law | 34 Credits | Both | Yes | Yes |
| Hodges University - Nichols School of Professional Studies | Master of Legal Studies | 30 Credit Hours | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Liberty University - School of Law | Juris Master in American Legislation | 30 Credit Hours | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Loyola University Chicago - School of Law | Master of Laws in Health Law | 24 Credits | Both | Yes | No |
| Michigan State University - School of Criminal Justice, College of Social Science | Master of Science in Criminal Justice | 30 Credits | Both | Yes | Yes |
| Northeastern University - School of Law | Master of Legal Studies | 30-33 Credits | Both | Yes | Yes |
| Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad College of Law | Master of Science in Law | 36 Credits | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Pepperdine School of Law - Straus Institute | Master of Legal Studies | 32 Units | Both | Yes | Yes |
| Purdue University Global | Master of Science in Legal Studies | 55 Credits | Both | Yes | Yes |
| Regent University - School of Law | Master of Arts in Law - General Legal Studies | 30 Credits | N/A | No | Yes |
| Seton Hall University - School of Law | Master of Jurisprudence | 30 Credit Hours | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| St. Mary's University - School of Law | Master of Science in Jurisprudence | 31 Credits | N/A | Yes | No |
| Trinity International University - Law School | Master of Legal Studies | 30 Units | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| University of Dayton - School of Law | Master of Laws | 30 Credits | Asychronous | Yes | Yes |
| University of Illinois Springfield - Department of Legal Studies | Master of Arts in Legal Studies | 40 Credit Hours | Both | Yes | N/A |
| University of Southern California - Gould School of Law | Master of Studies in Law | 21 Credit Units | Both | Yes | No |
| University of Oklahoma - College of Law | Master of Legal Studies | 32 Credits | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 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 | Both | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia University - School of Law | Master of Legal Studies | 30 Credit Hours | Asynchronous | Yes | Yes |
American University - Washington College of Law
Program Length: 30 Credits
Average Completion Time: 12 Months
Concentrations Tracks:
- General MLS
- Business
- Health Care Compliance
- Technology
- Business
- Health Care Compliance
- Technology
- Bachelor's Degree with Official Transcripts
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
Request more information from American University - Washington College of Law
Sponsored Online MLS Program
Arizona State University – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Program Length: 30 Credits
Average Completion Time: 12 Months
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Conflict Resolution
- Construction Law
- Criminal Law
- Corporate and Health Care Compliance
- HR & Employment Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Sports Law and Business
- Law and Sustainability
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- LSAT, GRE, GMAT Not Required
- Resume
- Some additional admissions information may be requested.
- Email: gradenrollment@asuonline.asu.edu
- Website: Arizona State University – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
California University of Pennsylvania
Program Length: 30 Credits
Average Completion Time: One Year, Full-Time or Two Years, Part-Time
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Law and Public Policy
- Criminal Justice
- Homeland Security
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Resume with Three Professional References
- 500-Word Essay
- Email: calugo@calu.edu
- Website: California University of Pennsylvania - Legal Studies Master's Degree
Drexel University - Thomas L. Kline School of Law
Program Length: 30 Semester Credits
Average Completion Time: N/A, Full-Time or Part-Time Enrollment Options
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Cybersecurity and Information Privacy
- Financial Regulatory Compliance
- Health Care Compliance
- Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Regulatory Compliance
- Human Resources Compliance
- Higher Education Compliance
- NCAA Compliance and Sports Law
- Criminal Law
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- LSAT, GRE, GMAT Not Required
- Two Letters of Recommendation - Professional or Academic
- Resume
- 500-Word Essay
- Email: beth.l.haas@drexel.edu
- Website: Drexel University - Thomas L. Kline School of Law
Florida State University - College of Law
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Average Completion Time: Five Semesters
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Financial Regulation and Compliance
- Legal Risk Management and HR Compliance
- Health Care Regulation
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- GRE and GMAT Required if Waiver Requirements Not Met
- Letters of Recommendation - Optional
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Residency Affidavit
- Diversity Statement - Optional
- Educational Institution Discipline or Violations of Law, if affirmative response to character and fitness application questions
- Email: law-jurismaster@law.fsu.edu
- Website: Florida State University - College of Law
Fordham University - School of Law
Program Length: 30 Credits
Average Completion Time: As few as 12 Months
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: None
- Bachelor's Degree with Official Transcripts
- No GRE, GMAT, or LSAT Scores Required
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Two Letters of Recommendation
Request more information from Fordham University - School of Law
Sponsored Online MLS Program
Hamline University - College of Liberal Arts
Program Length: 34 Credits
Average Completion Time: As little as 18 months, Full-Times
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Conflict Resolution
- Litigation Support
- Professional Practice Management
- Social Justice
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 preferred
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Email: legalstudies@hamline.edu
- Website: Hamline University - College of Liberal Arts
Hodges University - Nichols School of Professional Studies
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Average Completion Time: About One Year
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: N/A
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Some Legal Courses May Be Needed
- Email: N/A
- Website: Hodges University - Nichols School of Professional Studies
Liberty University - School of Law
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Average Completion Time: One and a Half Years
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: N/A
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Resume
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Email: luograd@liberty.edu
- Website: Liberty University - School of Law
Loyola University Chicago - School of Law
Program Length: 24 Credits
Average Completion Time: Two Years, Part-Time
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: None, Opportunity to Pursue Certificate in Compliance Studies
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law with Official Transcripts
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- At Least Three Years of Experience in Health Law Field
- Email: loyolachicagolaw@luc.edu
- Website: Loyola University Chicago - School of Law
Michigan State University - School of Criminal Justice, College of Social Science
Program Length: 30 Credits
Average Completion Time: Two Years
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Security Management
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- GRE required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.2
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Email: mfinn@msu.edu
- Website: Michigan State University - School of Criminal Justice, College of Social Science
Northeastern University - School of Law
Program Length: 30-33 Credits
Average Completion Time: Less Than Two Years, Full-Time and Part-Time Options Available
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Business Law
- Health Law
- Human Resources Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- GRE or LSAT Scores (optional)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Email: N/A
- Website: Northeastern University - School of Law
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad College of Law
Program Length: 36 Credits
Average Completion Time: Two Years
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Cybersecurity Law
- Education Law
- Employment Law
- Health Law
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Two years of work experience required for Employment and Health Law programs
- No GRE or LSAT scores are required to apply
- Email: mslawprograms@nova.edu
- Website: Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad College of Law
Pepperdine School of Law - Straus Institute
Program Length: 32 Units
Average Completion Time: Full-Time - As few as 16 months or Part-Time - 28 months
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: Dispute Resolution or Human Resources
- Bachelor's Degree with Official Transcripts
- No GRE, GMAT, or LSAT Scores Required
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- Video Interview
Request more information from Pepperdine Law
Sponsored Online MLS Program
Purdue University Global
Program Length: 55 Credits
Average Completion Time: One and a Half to Two Years, Full-Time
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: None
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Informational Interview
- Email: chancellor@purdueglobal.edu
- Website: Purdue University Global
Regent University - School of Law
Program Length: 30 Credits
Average Completion Time: Five Semesters
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: None
- No GRE or LSAT scores are required to apply.
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Admissions Questionnaire
- Government-issued ID
- Email: lawschool@regent.edu
- Website: Regent University - School of Law
Seton Hall University - School of Law
Program Length: 31 Credits
Average Completion Time: Two Years, Part-Time
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Financial Services Compliance
- Health and Hospital Law
- Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law & Compliance
- Intellectual Property Law
- Privacy Law and Cyber Security
- GRE or LSAT Not Required
- Email: lawonline@shu.edu
- Website: Seton Hall University - School Of Law
St. Mary’s University - School of Law
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Average Completion Time: One Year, Full-Time or Up to Three Years, Part-Time
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Commercial Law
- Compliance, Business Law and Risk
- Education Law
- Health Care Compliance Law
- Natural Resource Law
- LSAT, GRE, GMAT, or MCAT Not Required
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Email: cmarks@stmarytx.edu
- Website: St. Mary’s University - School of Law
Trinity International University - Law School
Program Length: 30 Units
Average Completion Time: N/A
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Bioethics
- Church and Ministry Management
- Contracts and Negotiation
- Criminal Justice
- Human Resources Management
- Human Rights
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Minimum GPA: 2.5 or Higher
- GRE is Not Required
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Email: tls@tiu.edu
- Website: Trinity International University - Law School
University of Dayton School of Law
Program Length: 30 Credits
Average Completion Time: One to Three Years
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: None
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law with Official Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Email: lawinfo@udayton.edu
- Website: University of Dayton School Of Law
University of Illinois Springfield - Department of Legal Studies
Program Length: 40 Credit Hours
Average Completion Time: N/A
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Law and Public Policy
- Human Rights/Social Justice and Public Policy
- Regulatory Compliance
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Personal Statement
- Legal Action and Citation Required for Applicants with No Such Background
- Email: les@uis.edu
- Website: University of Illinois Springfield - Department of Legal Studies
University of Southern California - Gould School of Law
Program Length: 21 Credit Units
Average Completion Time: As few as 16 months
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: No concentrations but certificates are available in:
- Business Law
- Compliance
- Entertainment Law and Industry
- Financial Compliance
- Health Care Compliance
- Human Resources Law and Compliance
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- No GRE or LSAT Required
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Email: msl@law.usc.edu
- Website: University of Southern California - Gould School of Law
University of Oklahoma - College of Law
Program Length: 32 Credits
Average Completion Time: Within 15 Months
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Oil, Gas, and Energy Law
- Indigenous Peoples Law
- International Business Law
- Healthcare Law
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA
- GRE Required for TOEFL and International Applicants
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Letter of Recommendation - Optional
- Email: lawcommunications@ou.edu
- Website: The University of Oklahoma - College of Law
Wake Forest University - School of Law
Program Length: 30 Credits
Average Completion Time: As few as 21 months
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Business Law & Compliance
- Health Law & Policy
- Human Resources
- Minimum GPA: N/A
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- Resume
- Two Letters of Reference
- Email: msl@wfu.edu
- Website: Wake Forest University - School of Law
Washington University - School of Law
Program Length: 24 Credits
Average Completion Time: 1 Year
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: @WashULaw students in the MLS program can earn one of five certificates that allow them to specialize in a particular area of law.
- Business Law
- Conflict Resolution
- Employment Law
- Litigation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Online application
- Application fee or waiver
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- LSAT and GRE Not Required
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Interview with Admissions Counselor
Request more information from Washington University School of Law
Sponsored Online MLS Program
Program Length: 24 Credits
Average Completion Time: 1 Year
Concentrations or Areas of Focus: None
- Online application
- Application fee or waiver
- Bachelor’s Degree with Official Transcripts
- LSAT and GRE Not Required
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Interview with Admissions Counselor
Request more information from Washington University
Sponsored Online MLS Program
West Virginia University - School of Law
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Average Completion Time: 18 Months
Concentrations or Areas of Focus:
- Healthcare
- Justice Systems
- Homeland Security
- Minimum GPA: 2.75, 3.0 Preferred
- GRE, GMAT, LSAT Scores Accepted - Waivers Available
- Bachelor's Degree with Official Transcripts
- Two Letters of Reference
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Email: wvuonline@mail.wvu.edu
- Website: West Virginia University - School of Law
Is an Online 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. Whether your career of interest requires continuing your education or not, there is much to be gained from pursuing an online MLS.
Outcomes of Master of Legal Studies Courses
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.
Earning a master’s in legal studies may include curriculum such as American Common Law, Legal Writing, Criminal Procedures, International Law, Civil Litigation, and more. Sometimes the curriculum for MLS programs intersects with that of juris doctorate students. MLS students may be primed to learn about the legal systems within the United States, laws abroad, and how to work with different clients.
Career Growth Opportunities
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. Beyond your credibility with an employer, a master’s in legal studies may 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. An MLS can be viewed as an investment in yourself: an investment in your career that could open the door to new opportunities, growth, and a better salary.
Benefits of Online Learning
Pursuing education online could open opportunities for flexibility in course attendance and enrollment. For example, some online education programs may offer part-time enrollment with the ability to participate on their own time and not have to sign online during designated hours.
Online learning could be cost saving due to less transportation spending to and from classes. You may be able to continue working while pursuing an online master of legal studies degree as well.
How to Choose 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 online master of legal studies school for you:
- Online vs Hybrid Programs
- Full-Time vs. Part-Time Programs
- Eligibility and Admissions Requirements
- MLS Concentrations
Class Structures and Instruction Methods for Online Legal Studies Programs
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 Programs
Most schools’ online master of legal studies programs are 100% online. This means that all instruction, all research, all assignments, and all classroom interaction takes 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 choose 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.
Full-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.
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 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.
Admissions and Eligibility Requirements
Each online master of legal studies program has its own admissions requirements. However, all programs generally have three basic application requirements:
- an application
- a bachelor’s degree
- an official transcript for undergraduate coursework
Most schools do not require a GRE. Letters of recommendation, a writing sample, curriculum vitae or a resume, personal statement or an essay, or professional experience may be required for individual schools. If you are a non-native English speaker, a TOEFL Test will most likely be required as well.
Online Legal Studies Concentrations
Many masters of legal studies (MLS) programs offer a selection of legal studies 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 bachelors or arts in liberal arts and work in the financial industry but have found you aren’t able to 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.
Careers
Earning a master of legal studies degree could open new career doors for you. Graduates have gone on to successful careers as a paralegal or work 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 a master of legal studies to strengthen and increase the effectiveness in their current profession. Most professions in the United States 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.