OnlineMasterofLegalStudies.com provides resources, guides, and other tools to support individuals interested in learning more about a legal or law career path, master of legal studies degrees, law, and other types of legal degrees.

Explore the following pages to learn about law specializations, types of master’s degrees and Juris Doctor programs.

From commerce and industry to privacy and security, there are many different types of specializations within the field of law. Earning a degree in law or legal studies may help you focus on your area of interest, such as freedoms and crimes, health and environment, intellectual property, law and public policy and much more.

Learn more about different law and legal degree specializations.

A master’s degree in compliance may include courses on topics such as financial compliance, corporate regulations and risk management. LL.M. and MLS programs offer concentrations in compliance.

Learn more about Master’s in Compliance programs.

A graduate level degree in taxation prepares students to begin or continue their career in tax law. Students interested in this program of study may develop the same skills in the form of a Master of Legal Studies or Master of Laws (LL.M.). Learn more about taxation programs and if they are right for you.

Learn more about Masters in Taxation degrees.

A master’s degree in dispute resolution prepares students to analyze conflicts, understand root causes of conflict, and negotiate a solution. This program of study is sometimes referred to as a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Dispute Resolution, a Master of Legal Studies in Dispute Resolution, or a Master of Dispute Resolution. Each university and program may have different approaches to the nomenclature of this degree. Explore curriculum opportunities, accreditation of these programs, and how to choose a program that is right for you.

Learn more about Masters in Dispute Resolution Programs.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees typically provide additional training to attorneys. These degrees are often offered in specializations such as global health, tax, environmental law, international law, and more. LL.M. degrees may also help international students with exposure to the U.S. of Canadian law systems.

Learn more about earning an LL.M. degree.

Earning a Juris Doctor, or J.D. degree can prepare you to become a lawyer, typically after three years of study. You’ll prepare to become a lawyer with a J.D. program by taking courses in civil, criminal, constitutional, and maybe family law.

Learn more about earning your J.D. degree.

To learn more about law schools, read our guide: Is Law School Worth it?

A dual law degree or a joint law degree program allows students with interdisciplinary interests to pursue two degrees simultaneously. These types of programs may incorporate curriculum from a law degree and another in a specialized topic, either in law or outside of the legal field.

Learn more about different types of dual law degrees.

Earning a Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, could prepare you for a career in law. Each degree, however, offers different career opportunities. While MLS and LL.M. degrees take about 1-2 years to complete, for example, a J.D. typically prepares students in 3 years.

Learn more about the differences between a MLS, LL.M., and J.D. degree.