Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Programs in North Carolina
Many students are attracted to careers in the law without wanting to become practicing attorneys. Instead of obtaining a Juris Doctor (J.D.), they can pursue a Master of Legal Studies (MLS), which prepares students for careers where it’s important to understand or work within the law but not litigate. Learn more about master’s in legal studies programs in North Carolina and the potential career outlook in this state.
Overview of Legal Degrees in North Carolina: Types and Concentrations
North Carolina has six ABA Council-approved law schools offering the J.D. degree, and many also offer LL.M. and joint/dual-degree options. All six are ABA Council-approved law schools, meaning their J.D. programs meet ABA accreditation standards.
The ABA’s accreditation focuses on the J.D., but ABA-approved law schools may offer non-J.D. programs. programs (like an MLS/MSL) that the ABA may acquiesce in. Acquiescence is not ABA approval of the non-J.D. degree. Additionally, those interested in an MLS program in North Carolina should confirm that the university is institutionally accredited, typically by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. North Carolina residents who want to pursue an online degree hosted by a college or university outside of the state should confirm that the school holds recognized institutional accreditation.
Two law schools in North Carolina offer a master’s in legal studies program with acquiescence by the ABA – Master of Studies in Law (MSL) at Law Wake Forest University, and North Carolina residents can also consider online MLS programs from out-of-state schools, such as Northeastern University (Boston, MA).
Wake Forest offers tracks such as Business Law & Compliance, Health Law & Policy, Human Resources, and Financial Services (plus a general option). Northeastern offers concentrations including Business Law, Health Law, Human Resources Law, and Intellectual Property Law (among others).
Sponsored Online MLS and Law Programs
American University
Washington College of Law
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
Law School Highlights in North Carolina
There are six law schools approved by the ABA in North Carolina:
- University of North Carolina School of Law: This public institution has been awarding law degrees since 1845 and has been accredited since 1923. It offers several dual-degree programs that allow students to earn a J.D. and another master’s or doctoral degree.
- North Carolina Central University School of Law: Accredited since 1950, it offers one of the oldest accredited part-time programs. The School of Law partners with UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University to enable students to take electives with each school. It also offers multiple joint-degree pathways.
- Duke University School of Law: This law school has been accredited since 1931, and Duke Law is a highly selective, nationally recognized law school.. Duke offers an LLM in Judicial Studies (a Master of Laws track) and additional graduate law study options.
- Wake Forest University School of Law: Established in 1894, the school has been accredited since 1936. In addition to J.D., LLM., and dual degree programs, Wake Forest’s online MLS offers four tracks—Business Law and Compliance, Health Law and Policy, Human Resources, and Financial Services—plus a General track.
- Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law: A private law school accredited since 1979. It offers several dual degree programs.
- Elon University School of Law: A young law school, founded in 2006 and accredited in 2008. It’s known for its innovative legal education, including course-connected residencies in legal practices.
Legal Career Outlook in North Carolina
Understanding the law and being equipped to navigate complex legal and regulatory processes can help professionals advance in many careers, across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. MLS programs in North Carolina might be right for soon-to-be graduates interested in learning more about the law of this state, specifically in a certain field.
BLS projects employment in legal occupations to grow about as fast as average from 2024 to 2034, with about 83,800 openings each year on average (from growth + replacement needs). Among legal occupations, the median salary was $99,990 as of May 2024. Overall employment in legal occupations is projected to grow at about the same pace as the average from 2024 to 2034, with an average of about 83,800 openings per year.
Careers with a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies in North Carolina
There are several career options for those with a master’s in legal studies. Students might work closely with lawyers at a private firm. Or they might hold positions in business, finance, human resources, health care, government, policymaking, or the nonprofit sector. In NC, employment opportunities vary from organizations to universities. Organizations such as the North Carolina Justice Center may post legal and non-legal openings (e.g., attorney, policy, communications, and program roles) on their careers page. Other positions can be found at the North Carolina Bar Association’s career center.
Some common careers include:
- Mediators: Mediators, arbitrators and other professional neutrals facilitate discussions and negotiations between parties. In some cases, they decide disputes. In North Carolina, the Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC) certifies mediators who serve several court-based mediation programs. The 2024 median salary for arbitrators, mediators and conciliators in North Carolina was $67,7101.
- Court reporters: These professionals transcribe testimony at trials, depositions, other legal proceedings and other important meetings or negotiations. The 2024 median salary for court reporters and simultaneous captioners in North Carolina was $67,3101.
- Paralegals: These professionals assist attorneys in many ways, conducting research, drafting letters, documents and court pleadings, managing their schedules and filing documents with the courts. There are positions at private firms and government positions, such as in the district attorney’s office. The 2024 median salary for paralegals and legal assistants in North Carolina was $61,0101.
1 Salary data for these North Carolina careers is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: North Carolina.
Legal Employers in North Carolina
MLS graduates can look for careers at large law firms with a strong North Carolina presence, such as Womble Bond Dickinson, Moore & Van Allen, and McGuireWoods. These firms typically have many non-lawyer roles supporting the firm’s operations. Small and mid-sized law firms also need skilled paralegals and other support staff.
They can apply for positions within the court system. North Carolina’s court system is a unified statewide system with three divisions: the Appellate, Superior Court, and District Court divisions, supported by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC). The Judicial Branch hires for many non-lawyer roles (for example, clerks, legal assistants, and administrative and program staff) and posts openings on its Careers page. Job hunters also can look for positions in other North Carolina governmental departments—knowledge of the law is helpful in more places than the courts.
Graduates can pursue administrative careers in the healthcare industry, often involving legal and compliance issues. Graduates can seek administrative careers in healthcare, where compliance, privacy, contracts, and regulation often intersect. Major North Carolina healthcare employers include Atrium Health (formerly Carolinas HealthCare System), Duke Health (Duke University Health System), Novant Health, UNC Health, WakeMed, Cone Health, and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
Another option is to seek positions at large corporations and banks. An MLS degree enables professionals to learn the law and navigate legal systems, like financial regulations. In large corporations and financial institutions, an MLS can be useful for roles tied to compliance, risk management, contracts, privacy, and HR policy, where day-to-day work intersects with regulations and internal governance.
Information on this page was retrieved and last updated in January 2026.
Colleges with Master’s Degrees in Legal Studies Programs in North Carolina
Just one master’s in legal studies program in North Carolina has received acquiescence by the ABA. Individuals interested in MLS programs shouldn’t be disheartened by the lack of options specific to the state. Many online MLS programs developed by other colleges and universities accept North Carolina residents with or without a satellite campus in the area.
| University | Degree Name | Number of Credits | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest University | Master of Studies in Law | 30 | Online |
AD
