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)
Sharpen the legal skills you need to make effective decisions. Earn a Master of Legal Studies online at American University.
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- No GRE/LSAT scores required to apply
- Five specializations available: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, Technology, and Cybersecurity
Sponsored Online MLS Program
Online MSL in Corporate Compliance
Earn your master’s in compliance online from Fordham Law and explore how compliance law directly impacts your organization.
- Complete in as few as 12 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
Sponsored Online Law Program
Master of Legal Studies program
Gain expertise and credibility with Pepperdine’s online Master of Legal Studies, a program for nonlawyers.
- No GRE or LSAT scores required to apply.
- Complete in as few as 16 months.
- Dispute resolution, litigation, and human resources concentrations available
Sponsored Online MLS Program
Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
Earn a Master of Legal Studies online and specialize in a specific area of law with a concentration.
- Complete in as little as one year
- No GRE or LSAT scores required to apply
- Five concentration offerings
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
| School Name | Degree Name | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Albany Law School | Master of Science in Legal Studies | 30 Credits |
| American University Washington College of Law Sponsored Program |
Master of Legal Studies | 30 Credits |
| Arizona State University – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law | Master of Legal Studies | 30 Credits |
| Cornell University – Cornell Law School | Master of Science in Legal Studies | 30 Credits |
| Drexel University – Thomas L. Kline School of Law | Master of Legal Studies Program | 30 Credits |
| Hofstra University – Maurice A. Deane School of Law | Master of Arts in Legal Studies | 30 – 33 Credits |
| Northeastern University – School of Law | Master of Legal Studies | 27-31 Credits |
| Pepperdine Caruso School of Law Sponsored Program |
Master of Legal Studies | 32 Units |
| Seattle University – School of Law | Master of Legal Studies in Compliance and Risk Management | 30 Credits |
| University of Arizona – James E. Rogers College of Law | Master of Legal Studies | 30 Units |
| University of Oklahoma – College of Law | Master of Legal Studies | 32-33 Credits |
| Washington University School of Law Sponsored Program |
Master of Legal Studies | 24 Credits |
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.
The solutions may vary widely by programs, individuals and their work type. Some tips may include: creating a personal schedule for yourself; taking no more than six credits; or enrolling in more courses later, once you have a stable schedule. In an online program, students may benefit from online MLS programs that may eliminate the need for commuting.
It may depend on how many credits students take for their part-time program each term. Generally, an 30-credit MLS program may be completed in as few as 12 months in full-time enrollment, while part-time may take two years or more.
Information for the above programs was retrieved as of October 2020. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the school’s website.