Online Full-Time Master of Legal Studies Programs

It is important that you carefully consider if a part-time or full-time online master of legal studies program is right for you.

You should assess your time commitments, your finances, work/life balance, career trajectory and your personal learning style. Luckily, one factor you do not have to consider is the quality of education. Both part-time and full-time MLS options offered by the same school receive the same level of education, same course content, same professors, and same academic resources.

Legal theory, application of the law, and legal research will be taught and applied in both types of programs. Ultimately, making the right decision will help to set you off on a path toward success.

Ask yourself:

• How much time can I commit to my studies?
• Do I need to earn your degree within a set period of time?
• Can I afford to not work, or work just part-time?
• What are the income tax implications of returning to school?
• If I have to maintain a full-time job while I study, will I be able to maintain my family obligations?
• Will I qualify for financial aid if I only attend part-time?
• Will I be able to maintain my focus if I only attend part-time?
• Will I be more successful with immersion into my studies full-time?
• Is your company reimbursing a part of your tuition

Sponsored Online MLS and Law Programs

Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

• Complete in as few as 15 months
• No GRE/LSAT scores required to apply
• Four tracks available: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology

Learn more information from
American University Washington College of Law

Sponsored Online MLS Program

Online Master of Studies in Law in Corporate Compliance

• Complete in as few as 20 months
• GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores not required to apply
• Professionals who have earned a J.D., LL.B., or other law degree not eligible

Learn more information from
Fordham Law School

Sponsored Online Law Program

Master of Legal Studies program

• No GRE or LSAT scores required to apply.
• Complete in as few as 16 months.
• Dispute resolution and human resources concentrations available

Learn more information from
Pepperdine Law

Sponsored Online MLS Program

Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

• Complete in as little as one year
• No GRE or LSAT scores required to apply
• Five specialized certificate offerings

Learn more information from
Washington University School of Law

Sponsored Online MLS Program

Benefits of Full-Time Enrollment

Full-time programs may typically be completed in 18-24 months. The coursework may be quite demanding and being able to focus full time on your studies can be beneficial.

If you want to maximize your time and earn your degree quickly, full-time can be a good option. Some forms of financial aid require that you be a full-time student, so choosing a full-time program may help you maximize the aid that you receive. Some programs charge by the semester/quarter rather than by the class, so full-time may also enable you to save money if you are enrolled in one of those programs.

Drawbacks of Full-Time Enrollment

Full-time programs are a big time commitment and may make it challenging to maintain a full-time job. Full-time students may not be able to juggle a family, a job, and school. If you are unable to work while in school, you may need to take out student loans to help support you during the program duration.

Part-time MLS students who are working in a career may have an opportunity of immediately applying newly learned legal concepts to their daily work. Transitioning from a working professional to a full-time student is a big adjustment and can take time. It may be difficult to jump into a rigorous full-time program.

List of Full-Time Online Master of Legal Studies Programs

Information for the above full-time programs was retrieved as of January 2020. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the school’s website.