Choose the Best Online Master of Legal Studies Program for You for 2026

Students in online master’s in legal studies 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 enables 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.

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Best 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, 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 January 2026. For the most up-to-date information, check with the university.

What is an Online Master of Legal Studies?

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, earning an MLS can enhance their understanding of the law's social, political, and economic impacts 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).

MLS Curriculum and Course Examples

Online master’s in legal studies programs may include:

• Core classes to give students a fundamental understanding of legal concepts and procedures. They may cover topics such as U.S. law and legal institutions, introduction to regulation and compliance, negotiation and communication, legal research and writing for nonlawyers, etc.
• Concentration coursework for students who have opted for a specialization within a master’s in legal studies program. Schools may mandate that students fulfill a minimum credit requirement in their chosen concentration area. Coursework will vary.
• Elective courses for students to customize their studies to meet academic and professional goals. Students may be able to choose courses in other concentrations, such as international financial law, privacy and cybersecurity, human rights compliance, mediation and arbitration. Course topics can vary from program to program.
• Capstone projects so students can apply and practice what they’ve learned from their MLS program, under the supervision of a capstone professor. The capstone project may occur close to or during the last semester.

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.

Benefits of Online Master of Legal Studies Programs

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

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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?

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

Legal Studies Program Accreditation

Qualified schools can be accredited by state bar associations and by regional or national institutional accrediting agencies. Common accrediting organizations 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.

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. 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:

• 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

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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.

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

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.

Resources for Legal Students

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.

Admissions Requirements for Master’s in Legal Studies Online Programs

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:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Official college or university transcripts
• One to three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement/statement of interest
• TOEFL for non-native English speakers

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.

Legal Careers

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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Information last updated: January 2026