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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, finances, work-life balance, career trajectory, and 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 may receive the same level of education, course content, professors, and academic resources.
Legal theory, the application of the law, and legal research will be taught and applied in both program types. 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
Pepperdine University • Malibu, CA
Master of Legal Studies
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
26
Concentrations
Dispute Resolution, Human Resources, Litigation
Admission Requirements
- Transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Video interview
American University • Washington, DC
Master of Legal Studies
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
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
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 to immediately apply 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
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.
| Institution & Program | Credits | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Washington, DC | |
Arizona State UniversityMaster of Legal Studies | 30 | Phoenix, AZ |
Drexel UniversityMasters of Legal Studies | 45 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 30 | Bronx, NY | |
Hamline UniversityMaster in the Study of Law | 34 | Saint Paul, MN |
Northeastern UniversityMaster of Legal Studies | 30 | Boston, MA |
Nova Southeastern UniversityMaster of Science in Law | 36 | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| 26 | Malibu, CA | |
Samford UniversityMaster of Studies in Law | 34 | Birmingham, AL |
Seattle UniversityMaster Of Legal Studies In Compliance And Risk Management | 30 | Seattle, WA |
Thomas Jefferson School of LawMaster of Legal Studies | 30 | San Diego, CA |
The University of ArizonaMaster of Legal Studies | 30 | Winston Salem, NC |
University of New HampshireMasters Degrees | 30 | Concord, NH |
The University of OklahomaMaster of Legal Studies | 32 | Norman, OK |
University of the PacificMaster of Science in Law | 26 | Stockton, CA |
Vermont Law and Graduate SchoolMasters Degrees | 30 | South Royalton, VT |
Frequently Asked Questions on Online Full-Time Master of Legal Studies Degrees
Most graduate programs and financial aid awards require six credits to maintain full-time status, so generally students may take two courses each term. Depending on the program, however, there may be courses that are just one or 1.5 credits. In this case, students may need to take more than two courses each term.
Sponsored Online MLS and Law Programs
Master of Studies in Law
Earn an MSL in Corporate Compliance online from Fordham Law School in as few as 12 months. Graduate prepared to handle compliance-related responsibilities in a variety of corporate industries. No GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores required to apply.
- GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores not required to apply
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- Professionals who have earned a J.D., LL.B., or other law degree not eligible
- New York City connections and global alumni network
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required
- Minimum two years’ compliance-related work experience recommended
- Choose from four optional program tracks to specialize your degree: general, human resources, financial services, or health care.
Information for the above programs was retrieved as of June 2026. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the school’s website.