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An MLS is not a path to a law license. The American Bar Association (ABA) lists it among academic master’s degrees for nonlawyers and notes that each state sets its own bar exam rules, with many requiring a JD from an ABA-approved law school before you can take the exam.
Because MLS programs are designed for people outside the legal profession, students can come to them from many fields. Most programs profiled on this page ask for a bachelor’s degree rather than admissions test scores, and many offer part-time enrollment for working students.
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.
Master of Legal Studies
The online Master of Legal Studies program from American University Washington College of Law is designed for non-lawyers who could benefit from fundamental legal training but do not want to become practicing attorneys. The program offers industry-specific concentrations and certificates in Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology. Students who choose the Health Care Compliance track may be eligible to earn an additional certificate accredited by the Compliance Certificate Board (CCB). No GRE/LSAT required.
- 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
Sponsored Online MLS and Law Programs
Master of Studies in Law
In as few as 12 months, learn to advocate for integrity at your organization with a flexible, online M.S.L. in Corporate Compliance from Fordham Law School. No GRE or LSAT required. Choose a program track—general, human resources, financial services, or health care—to gain industry-specific knowledge.
- GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores not required to apply
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- Minimum two years’ compliance-related work experience recommended
Online Master of Legal Studies Programs 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, with each program’s credits, delivery mode, and enrollment options. The list is not a ranking. Some of these programs are offered by ABA-approved law schools and have received ABA acquiescence, but the ABA does not accredit or approve non-JD degrees, according to ABA guidance last checked on Oct. 23, 2026. To check a specific program, search the ABA’s list of programs that have received acquiescence, and confirm full- or part-time options with the school.
Information for the universities below was last retrieved in October 2026. For the most up-to-date information, check with the university.
| Institution & Program | Credits | Delivery Mode | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
Arizona State UniversityMaster of Legal Studies | 30 | Online | Full-Time |
Drexel UniversityMaster of Legal Studies | 30-42 | Online | Full-Time |
| 30 | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
Hamline UniversityMaster in the Study of Law | 34 | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Northeastern UniversityMaster of Legal Studies | 30 | Online | Part-Time |
Nova Southeastern UniversityMaster of Science in Law | 36 | Online | Part-Time |
Regent UniversityMaster of Arts in Law | 30+ | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Samford UniversityMaster of Studies in Law | 34 | Online | Part-Time |
Seattle UniversityMaster Of Legal Studies In Compliance And Risk Management | 30 | Online | Part-Time |
Thomas Jefferson School of LawMaster of Legal Studies | 30 | Online | Part-Time |
The University of ArizonaMaster of Legal Studies | 30 | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of DenverMaster of Science in Legal Administration | 30 | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of New HampshireMasters Degrees | 30 | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
The University of OklahomaMaster of Legal Studies | 32 | Online | Part-Time |
University of the PacificMaster of Science in Law | 26 | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Vermont Law and Graduate SchoolMasters Degrees | 30 | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
American University • Washington, DC
Master of Legal Studies
Program Type
Master's
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Delivery Mode
Online
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
30
Concentrations
General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, Technology, Cybersecurity, and U.S. Legislation
Admission Requirements
- Resume or CV
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Fordham University • Bronx, NY
Master of Studies in Law
Program Type
Master's
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Delivery Mode
Online
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
30
Concentrations
General, Human Resources, Financial Services, Health Care
Admission Requirements
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
- Official Transcripts
- TOEFL Scores (International Applicants)
- Minimum two years’ compliance-related work experience recommended
What is an Online Master of Legal Studies?
An online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a graduate degree for nonlawyers working in diverse fields who want to expand their knowledge of law, regulations and legal issues. It does not qualify graduates to practice law, and in states that require a JD for the bar exam, an MLS does not make a graduate eligible to take it.
The ABA groups the MLS with similar master’s degrees for nonlawyers, including the Juris Master (JM), the Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) and Master of Science degrees such as the Master of Science in Law. Some schools call their degree a Master of Studies in Law (MSL).
MLS vs. JD vs. LLM at a glance
Degree | Who it’s for | What it’s designed to do | Bar exam |
|---|---|---|---|
MLS and similar degrees (MSL, JM, MJ) | People who are not lawyers | Add legal knowledge to work in another field | Not a route to bar eligibility on its own |
JD | People who want to practice law | Prepare graduates for bar admission | The usual route to bar eligibility; each state sets its own rules, and every state also reviews character and fitness |
LLM | Lawyers, including lawyers trained outside the U.S. | Further legal study after a first law degree | Lawyers trained abroad check the bar admission rules of the state where they want to practice |
Sources: ABA descriptions of non-JD degree categories and the ABA’s accreditation FAQs on bar exam eligibility, last checked Oct. 23, 2026. For admissions, cost and career differences, see our MLS vs. LLM vs. JD comparison.
MLS Curriculum and Course Examples
Each law school designs the content and requirements of its own MLS, according to the ABA, so course names and credit totals vary. For example, American University Washington College of Law’s published curriculum for its online MLS combines general degree requirements, specialization tracks and electives with a required in-person immersion. Online master’s in legal studies programs may include:
- Core classes to give students a fundamental understanding of legal concepts and procedures.
- Concentration coursework for students who have opted for a specialization within a master’s in legal studies program. Coursework will vary.
- Elective courses for students to customize their studies to meet academic and professional goals. Course topics can vary from program to program.
- Culminating experiences, such as an immersion, in some programs, so students can apply what they’ve learned.
Because each school sets its own requirements, the table and program profiles above list each program’s credits and expected length. For a closer look at the skills an MLS program builds, see our guide.
Benefits of Online Master of Legal Studies Programs
An online master’s in legal studies program offers multiple benefits.
Deep Legal Knowledge
A master’s in legal studies is designed to give nonlawyers a graduate-level grounding in law and regulation.
Course topics vary by school. Specialty areas in the ABA’s list of non-JD programs range from compliance and health law to intellectual property, cybersecurity and dispute resolution, so you can match your coursework to the legal questions you handle at work.
Career Growth Opportunities
An MLS adds legal knowledge to the career you already have. The degree is built for professionals who are not lawyers. If your work involves compliance, employment or regulatory questions, it can deepen your understanding of the rules behind them.
It does not qualify you to practice law, so weigh it against your goals. If you want to become an attorney, a JD is the relevant degree.
Flexibility of Online Learning
Pursuing education online can provide more flexibility for your schedule. Some online programs offer part-time enrollment, which lets you take fewer courses at a time. Part-time enrollment sets your course load, not your class times: under the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of distance education for federal student aid, online courses can be taught live or on a delayed schedule, so check how each program schedules its classes. 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.
How to Choose an Online Master of Legal Studies Program
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?
What to check before you apply
What to check | Why it matters | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
ABA acquiescence | The ABA does not accredit MLS degrees; acquiescence means it found no adverse effect on the school’s JD program | The ABA’s list of programs that have received acquiescence |
Institutional accreditation | Non-JD programs are overseen by the school’s or university’s own accreditor | CHEA’s directories of accredited institutions and programs |
Federal aid eligibility | ABA acquiescence does not make a program eligible for federal student loans | The school’s financial aid office |
Format and travel | Online courses can run live or on a delayed schedule, and requirements for campus time differ | The program profiles above and the school’s program page |
Credits and length | Each law school sets its own requirements | The program table above and the school’s curriculum page |
Admission requirements | Requirements such as a minimum GPA, test scores or work experience differ by school | The program profiles above and the school’s admissions page |
Below are a few resources to help you find the best online master’s in legal studies program for you:
Legal Studies Program Accreditation
The ABA does not accredit or approve MLS or other non-JD degrees. When a law school adds one, the ABA may grant acquiescence, which means it found no adverse effect on the school’s JD program. Acquiescence is not an approval of the degree. Non-JD programs fall under the oversight of the school’s or university’s own institutional accreditor. Accreditors are private organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education. To see which accreditor covers a school, search CHEA’s accreditation directories.
Legal Specializations Options
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. Choosing a concentration tied to your current field lets you focus your coursework on the legal issues you deal with at work.
Specialty areas that appear in the ABA’s list of non-JD programs include:
- Labor and employment law
- Intellectual property
- Business and corporate law
- Sports law
- Compliance and financial regulation
- International law
- Health law
- Cybersecurity and data privacy
- Dispute resolution
- Environmental and energy law
- Tax law
You can opt to pursue a concentration related to your preferred industry. For example, if you work in financial services and want a stronger grasp of the regulations your team follows, a concentration in compliance or financial regulation would focus your coursework there.
Program Structure and Learning Format
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:
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Our guide to law school scholarships lists outside awards; check each award’s eligibility rules before you apply. You can also ask each school about its own scholarships and whether the program is eligible for federal student aid. ABA acquiescence does not make a non-JD program eligible for federal student loans, so eligibility depends on the school and the program. If you’re working, ask your employer whether it offers tuition assistance.
Resources for Legal Students
Applying to a master’s in legal studies program may seem daunting. Ask each program what support it offers students, such as career assistance, certificate options or off-campus experiences.
Admissions Requirements for Master’s in Legal Studies Online Programs
Admission criteria vary by school, because each law school sets the requirements for its own non-JD degrees, according to the ABA. Across the program profiles on this page, most programs ask for a bachelor’s degree and do not list GRE, GMAT or LSAT scores as a requirement. A few set a minimum undergraduate GPA or mention test scores, for example as a recommendation for applicants below a GPA cutoff or with a waiver option. These are the documents the profiles list most often:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Official college or university transcripts
- One to three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or statement of interest
- English proficiency scores, such as the TOEFL, for some international applicants
Some programs also ask for a writing sample, and a few may request an interview or recommend related work experience.
If your work experience is stronger than your undergraduate GPA, look for programs that ask about professional experience, and confirm requirements on each school’s admissions page.
Legal Careers
Our guide to careers you can pursue with a master’s in legal studies covers roles where legal knowledge is useful. For specific paths, see our guides on how to become a paralegal, how to become a compliance officer and how to do legal work for the government. An MLS does not qualify you to practice law, but it can add legal knowledge to roles like these.
A Master of Legal Studies is designed to build on your bachelor’s degree or current career by improving your ability to navigate legal regulations, compliance or business law.
FAQs on Online Master of Legal Studies Degrees
Each law school sets the content and requirements of its own MLS, so the answer depends on the school. Where a school offers both formats, ask whether they lead to the same degree, use the same courses and differ only in how courses are delivered.
Information last updated: October 2026