Seton Hall University School of Law Online Master of Legal Studies Program

Seton Hall University School of Law offers an online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree designed for non-lawyer professionals who want to develop highly advanced legal knowledge and problem-solving skills to excel in their fields. Established in 1997 as one of the earliest programs of its kind in the country, the MLS at Seton Hall Law has helped thousands of professionals in technology, healthcare, media and entertainment, government, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and beyond become more effective, credible, and competitive in their industries.

In 2022, Seton Hall Law renamed its flagship degree from the Master of Science in Jurisprudence (MSJ) to the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), reflecting both market demand and the degree’s evolution toward a broader, more flexible curriculum. Students who graduated before 2023 hold an MSJ; all current students graduate with an MLS.

The 31-credit program is delivered entirely online and asynchronously — students access courses on their own schedule and do not need to be online at a fixed time. Courses run in eight-week modules and are taken one at a time, allowing students to complete the program part-time while working full-time. The typical student finishes in two years, taking approximately five courses per year. Class sizes are capped at 15 students, enabling close interaction with faculty.

Seton Hall University School of Law is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Seton Hall University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Program Highlights

  • Renamed from Master of Science in Jurisprudence (MSJ) to Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in 2022 — one of the first programs of its kind in the U.S., established 1997
  • 31 credits; 10 courses; fully asynchronous; one course at a time; typically completed in 2 years part-time
  • Classes capped at 15 students; direct access to Seton Hall Law faculty
  • Six concentrations available; dual concentration option allowed (any two areas)
  • General Legal Studies track available for students not wishing to specialize
  • Three start terms per year: fall, spring, and summer; rolling admissions
  • No GRE or LSAT required; no residency requirement
  • Merit scholarships available — all MLS applicants automatically reviewed, no separate application required
  • MLS credits do not transfer into the J.D. program

Curriculum

The 31-credit curriculum begins with a 13-credit foundation block covering core legal principles, then allows students to complete six additional courses in their chosen area(s) of interest.

Foundation (13 credits): The American legal system; legal writing and analysis; torts (law governing private recovery for injuries to persons or property); business associations; contracts (formation, nature, limits, and remedies for breach).

Concentration Courses (18 credits): Students choose one of the following concentrations, pursue a dual concentration from any two, or follow the general legal studies track with courses drawn from areas including human resources/employment law, entertainment law, and technology/cybersecurity:

  • Corporate Compliance
  • Health and Hospital Law
  • Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law & Compliance
  • Privacy Law and Cyber Security
  • Gaming Regulation and Compliance
  • Sports Law and Compliance
  • General Legal Studies (no concentration required)

Program Details

  • Test Requirement: No GRE or LSAT required
  • Study Length: Approximately 2 years part-time (one course at a time; 5 courses/year typical pace)
  • Credits: 31

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent
  • Online application (free to apply)
  • Official transcript (or copy of unofficial transcript/diploma confirming degree); may be emailed to onlinelaw@shu.edu or mailed to Attn: Sonia Cunha, Director of Law Enrollment, Seton Hall Law, One Newark Center, Newark, NJ 07102
  • Resume
  • Personal statement (500–750 words) explaining interest in the program and intended use of the degree
  • One letter of recommendation (from someone who can evaluate your academic or professional performance)
  • GRE/LSAT: Not required
  • TOEFL: Required if English is not your first language
  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis; three start terms per year (fall, spring, summer)
  • International applicants: transcripts from degrees earned outside the U.S. must be evaluated by an approved agency

Contact Information for Seton Hall Law:

Please contact the program to determine if the program is available for your state of residence.

Seton Hall University School of Law’s MLS program information was last updated in March 2026. For more information, visit the university’s website above.