Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Programs in Michigan

Earning a master’s degree in legal studies in Michigan (MI) may open up a variety of professional paths for those interested in law but not in becoming a lawyer. Earning a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Michigan doesn’t prepare students to sit for the bar exam. However, many professions—from human resources to accounting— may benefit from an advanced understanding of the law. While online Master of Legal Studies or similar programs exist in many states, Michigan offers several legal studies programs, both online and in-person, that set students up for success in the state. This page explores programs, careers and master’s in legal studies programs in MI.

American University

Washington College of Law

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Master of Legal Studies

• Complete in as few as 12 months 
• No GRE/LSAT scores required to apply 
• Four tracks available: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology 
• Three certificates available: Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology

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Fordham University

School of Law

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Master of Studies in Law

• GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores not required to apply 
• Complete in as few as 12 months 
• Minimum two years’ compliance-related work experience recommended

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Michigan schools offer a variety of legal degrees, including those that prepare students to take the bar to become practicing lawyers, and those that prepare students for other types of legal careers. 

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is a professional degree designed to produce students who are prepared for the bar exam and a career as a lawyer. A Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree helps practicing lawyers further specialize in a specific area of law. In contrast, a master’s in legal studies such as Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Studies in Law (MSL) helps students deepen their understanding of the U.S. legal system and sets them up for a variety of careers without becoming lawyers. 

While not meant for lawyers, a degree in legal studies in MI should still come from an accredited program. In general, students interested in law may look for schools that have been granted acquiescence by the American Bar Association (ABA). While there are only two law schools in Michigan offering master’s in legal studies programs, there are several concentrations: real estate, business law, human resources, criminal justice and more.

Some of the knowledge and skills you can expect to gain from an MLS include complex problem solving, writing, research and critical analysis, negotiation skills, and specific legal knowledge of the specialized area you’re interested in. Specific programs enable students to focus on certain areas of law, such as constitutional or contract law. By working with an advisor, you can shape your educational track to meet your personal and professional goals. 

According to the State Bar of Michigan, there are five law schools in Michigan: 

Of these schools, Michigan State University College of Law offers a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Wayne State University Law School offers a fully online Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.) designed for working professionals. Wayne State’s M.S.L. currently includes three concentration options: Corporate Compliance, Health Law, and Human Resources, so students can align the program with their career track.

It’s also worth noting that ABA approval/accreditation applies to the law schools (their J.D. programs). Both Michigan State University College of Law and Wayne State University Law School state that they are approved/accredited by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for legal occupations was $99,990 in 2024. Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators had a median annual wage of $67,710, while paralegals and legal assistants made an average $61,010. The BLS anticipates that the legal occupation field will grow at about the same rate as the average occupation over the next decade, resulting in roughly 83,000 new jobs. 

Additionally, BLS data shows that the median weekly earnings of those with a master’s degree were $297 more than those with a bachelor’s degree in 2024 ($1,840 vs. $1,543). From a career in government or nonprofit to a career as a paralegal or mediator, a master’s in legal studies offers a wide-range of career trajectories both in legal and non-legal fields in Michigan.

Graduates may apply a master’s degree in legal studies to roles in human resources or healthcare services. For both industries, having a nuanced understanding of the law may help to administer benefits, programs and services to employees. 

Some MLS students may choose a law-adjacent career track, such as becoming a paralegal in Michigan. Understanding the law may help paralegals to assist their legal clients. Another career path available for MLS graduates is to become an arbitrator or mediator. The argumentation and writing skills developed in the MLS program may help graduates in these fields, particularly when making informed recommendations to one or both parties in mediation.

There are many careers you can pursue with a master’s in legal studies.

Crain’s Detroit Business tracks major legal employers statewide, and its Largest Law Firms in Michigan (2025) list highlights firms with the largest Michigan attorney rosters. In Crain’s 2025 ranking, Honigman leads Michigan firms (285 attorneys statewide as of January 2025), followed by Warner Norcross + Judd, with Dickinson Wright, Varnum, and Bodman also among the top firms in the state. Many of these largest Michigan firms are headquartered in Detroit or maintain substantial footprints in the Detroit region, reflecting the area’s role as the state’s largest legal market.

These on-campus and online master’s degrees in legal studies in MI may help graduates gain an improved understanding of law. Determining whether an on-campus or online experience is best for you can come down to the resources you need to graduate and the time you have to do it. Many programs offer flexible learning environments for working professionals. 

Note: *Programs granted acquiescence by the American Bar Association (ABA). 

Information on this page was retrieved and updated in January 2026.

Pepperdine University

Caruso School of Law

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Master of Legal Studies

• No GRE or LSAT scores required to apply 
• Complete in as few as 12 months 
• Dispute resolution concentration available

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