The legal profession includes a wide range of career paths that do not require law school. If you’re interested in becoming an advanced law professional but do not see yourself as an attorney, enrolling in a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) online program could be a great route.
Earning your online master’s in legal studies provides flexibility while also reducing overall costs. But how do you find the program that’s right for you? This page spotlights 2024’s best online master’s degrees in legal studies to help you get started on your search. You’ll also find helpful information on what courses you can expect to take, common job paths after graduation, and more.
Best Online Master of Legal Studies Programs in 2024
Our comprehensive list of today’s best online MLS programs is tailored to answer your questions about accreditation, program quality, and specialization options. It will direct you to this year’s programs that not only meet academic standards but also open doors to a fulfilling legal career.
Regent University offers a customizable Master of Arts in Law with a focus on General Legal Studies. Regent designed this program with working professionals in mind, so students can complete their degrees in just five semesters. Coursework covers fundamentals of the field including contract law, criminal law, and property law. Additionally, students can choose from 13 other legal studies concentrations to tailor their studies to specific interests and careers. Choices include Criminal Justice, Healthcare Law, and Immigration Law. The versatility of this legal studies master’s makes it a compelling choice for students, whether they desire a broad legal understanding or a specialized approach.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Law – General Legal Studies
- Credits: 32
- Length: One and a half years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Liberty University’s Juris Master (JM) in American Legal Studies is a 100%-online program that can be completed in as little as one year. The Program Highlightss abbreviated eight-week courses, perfect for students who want to earn their master’s on a shorter timeline. LU tailored this JM specifically for students wishing to gain a thorough understanding of American law without becoming practicing attorneys. The program combines a Christian ethical worldview with a strong foundation in U.S. legal policies and procedures. Courses include those in contract law, American business law, criminal law, and more.
Program Highlights:
Juris Master in American Legal Studies
- Credits: 30
- Length: One year
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Arizona State University’s Master of Legal Studies offers a comprehensive foundation in U.S. Law. Students complete classes in 7.5-week intervals, choosing electives to customize their degrees toward specific career goals. Additionally, the program has 12 focus areas to choose from, including Business Law, Contract Management, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Sports Law, making it highly adaptable to a range of professional aspirations. Graduates are well-prepared for roles as CEOs, compliance officers, and contract managers. This program is a valuable investment for those seeking a deep understanding of legal concepts without the intention to practice law.
Program Highlights:
Master of Legal Studies
- Credits: 30
- Length: One year
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
In-Depth: Three Popular Online MLS Programs
As you start your search for the best master’s in legal studies online program for you, it can be beneficial to take an in-depth look at several real-world accredited programs. We’ve spotlighted three top-tier options below to give you a better idea of what a quality legal studies master’s program looks like. See if one of them has the features you’re looking for or simply use the profiles as a way to measure the quality of other programs you’re considering.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law offers a 30-credit Master of Legal Studies online that develops professional foundations in U.S. law. Designed for students and working professionals not planning to pursue a full law degree, the program can be completed in under 12 months. It includes 10 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks. All course material is entirely online using interactive learning tools that combine self-paced study with structured experiences.
The curriculum for this online Master of Legal Studies covers a range of legal applications, including tort and property law, criminal law, intellectual property, and administrative regulations. Students can also choose from 11 areas of concentration, including conflict resolution, contract management, sports law, sustainability, human resource law, and corporate regulation. Foundational coursework builds competency in U.S. legal structures, decision-making procedures, and methods of legal analysis.
American University
At American University in Washington, D.C., students earn a Master of Legal Studies online in approximately one year. The 30-credit program accepts part-time and full-time students and cultivates skills in contract negotiation, policy, and legal compliance. It offers a standard generalist track along with specializations in cybersecurity, business, technology, and healthcare compliance. Each concentration builds industry-specific knowledge and brings that knowledge into legal focus to help future professionals make informed legal and administrative decisions.
This fully online MLS program blends synchronous and asynchronous experiences to foster a flexible and accommodating learning environment. The school also extends optional, in-person immersion sessions where students further skills, network with experts, and tour the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, all students have access to American University’s student support and career services resources. This online MLS program accepts applications continuously and admits new students in January and April.
Washington University in St. Louis
Housed within its School of Law, Washington University in St. Louis’ online Master of Legal Studies holds acquiescence from the American Bar Association. It requires 24 credits and prepares students for work as paralegals, business executives, and human resource professionals. A skills-based curriculum builds proficiency in legal analysis and drafting legal documents. It includes two core courses and six electives covering topics like health law, corporate regulation, intellectual property, and civil procedures. Most full-time students graduate in one year or less.
Students receive all course material through online technologies accessible 24/7. The program also offers specializations in conflict resolution, business law, litigation, employment law, and regulatory compliance. The same expert faculty administering the school’s on-campus program facilitate all online learning. Interested online students can also participate in optional in-person learning each fall and spring. Qualified applicants must complete an online interview before admission.
Key Benefits of Earning Your Master’s Degree in Legal Studies Online
Pursuing a master’s degree in legal studies online offers several advantages. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that professionals with graduate-level credentials enjoy higher earnings and lower unemployment rates than those with bachelor’s degrees alone. Online MLS programs also allow you to develop expertise in areas that even practicing lawyers may not have. Below are a few additional benefits of earning an online master’s degree in legal studies.
Career advancement
One of the great aspects of online MLS programs is the opportunity to specialize. Areas of concentration like those listed later in this guide expand your professional profile by cultivating competency in new and emerging areas.
Flexibility
Earning an online master’s degree in legal studies is easier and more flexible than ever thanks to innovative and interactive learning tools. The delivery methods and pace of study are incredibly accommodating, especially for working professionals and those enrolling part-time.
Affordability
Online MLS programs tend to be less expensive than in-person alternatives in the long run. Financial aid is discussed fully later, and there are many affordable options to meet your needs.
What You’ll Learn in Online Master of Legal Studies Programs
The curricula for these Master of Legal Studies online programs introduces you to the concepts, processes, and research methods supporting the legal profession across industry sectors. Students receive a high-level survey of the U.S. legal system that includes its history, development, and impact on business. They also build core skills in critical thinking, qualitative analysis, and written and oral communication.
Most online MLS programs conclude with a capstone or thesis component designed to integrate gained skills and knowledge. For some, this is a comprehensive exam. Others take a research-based approach. Each program provides a different array of course offerings, but the classes below give a good idea of what is generally available.
Common Courses
Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Analysis
A core offering in most programs, this course provides a working overview of the U.S. legal system and examines the modes of reasoning and inquiry associated with it. Students learn to read and evaluate cases, legal statutes, and public policy documents. Additional topics include common law, constitutional and case law, trial procedures, and case briefings.
Legal Research Methods
This class develops a knowledge base in legal research methods. It considers different applications of those methods and builds proficiency in the research tools and databases necessary for work in the legal profession. Students write case briefs, demonstrate competency of key legal concepts, and learn how to properly cite legal materials.
Policy, Regulation, and Process
Aspiring professionals in this class receive instruction in the basic laws and regulatory processes affecting business and commerce in the U.S. The course details the legal consequences of those processes and looks at how regulatory policy has evolved. It also examines contemporary challenges to regulation and how recent policy measures interact with emerging concerns.
Contract Law Fundamentals
This course offers a history of contract agreements with special attention given to its codification under statutory provisions like the Uniform Commercial Code. Students focus on contract formation and interpretation, enforcement, and warranty. They also look at common conditions and remedies for a breach of contract.
Public Advocacy
Learners in this class rely on their written and oral communication skills to explore strategies of institutional advocacy in the public square. They assess available techniques and develop their own based on current events, research interests, and long-term professional goals. The course also considers provisions and statutes that protect public advocacy efforts under U.S. law.
Specialization Tracks
Most schools offering an online Master in Legal Studies degree also extend specialization opportunities. The areas of concentration like those listed below are a great way to focus your study and drill down even further in a subfield that interests you.
The legal profession is vast, wide-ranging, and touches virtually every industry. Building additional skills in your career area solidifies your qualifications and could give you a leg up on other job candidates.
Compliance and Risk Management
This specialization prepares students for work in compliance enforcement and training. In addition to core coursework, it provides instruction in the regulations affecting a variety of sectors like banking, health care, government, and environmental protection. Courses likely include common law, corporate compliance, and risk management.
Human Resources
Students in this specialization graduate with additional expertise in applying legal principles in worker training, employee law, and workplace regulation. They also develop competency in the laws and legal frameworks that impact hiring, recruitment, and use of independent contractors. Skills in analytical problem-solving and organizational management are also developed.
Dispute and Conflict Resolution
This specialization focuses on the competencies needed to facilitate arbitration and dispute resolution. It cultivates additional skills in counseling, conciliation, and other non-litigation techniques often used to resolve conflict between stakeholders and other parties. Courses include advanced negotiation, workplace conflict, and professional interviewing.
Contract Management
Students choosing this track learn how to draw up, enforce, and manage contracts based on mutual agreements between two parties. It supports further mastery of contract law, including terms of breach, exit, and other legal provisions. Students analyze influential contracts alongside common disputes that arise due to ambiguities and loopholes.
Intellectual Property
A specialization in intellectual property offers the knowledge required to understand and analyze legal issues stemming from patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. It qualifies students for work as patent agents and includes instruction in antitrust law, cyber law, unfair competition, and intellectual property transactions.
Accreditation for Online Master of Legal Studies Programs
Before applying, make sure the school you plan to attend is properly accredited. Accreditation acts as quality assurance and verifies the rigor of schools and online Master of Legal Studies programs. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) establish guidelines and recognize independent agencies that provide institutional accreditation.
Institutional accreditation comes in two forms: regional and national. Nonprofit schools generally receive regional accreditation. Technical, vocational, and for-profit institutions normally obtain national accreditation.
Programs within institutionally accredited schools sometimes receive an additional credential called programmatic accreditation. Programmatic accreditation is not a substitute for institutional accreditation but can provide additional, field-specific backing. Not all online MLS programs have programmatic accreditation, but those that do receive it from the American Bar Association.
What You Can Do with a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies
Most businesses and organizations need legal professionals with additional expertise beyond that of a practicing attorney. Graduates with an online Master of Legal Studies use their skills in a variety of ways by providing operational support and analytical insights that ensure the integrity and liability of employers.
The careers detailed below rank among the most popular for professionals in this field. Each job listed logs median earnings much higher than the national average, and most are projected to grow.
Compliance Officer
These legal studies professionals ensure that their organizations remain compliant with the laws and regulations applicable to their industry. They assess products and services in light of those concerns and often develop risk management strategies. They work with other high-level executives to conduct internal investigations of compliance issues when they arise.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$45,000 | $71,000 | $112,000 |
Source: PayScale, 2021
Arbitrator/Mediator
Sometimes called conciliators or contract negotiators, arbitrators and mediators resolve legal issues outside the court system. They facilitate productive dialogue between disputing parties to reach a mutual agreement, and they do so by interviewing claimants, scheduling appointments, clarifying issues, and performing conflict resolution.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$37,420 | $63,930 | $123,730 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee and maintain the financial health of clients and organizations. They develop reports, manage investment activities, and prepare financial statements. Many use their legal studies expertise to assure that employers remain compliant with current laws and regulations. They may also work closely with analysts to examine market trends and forecast new areas for revenue.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$68,370 | $129,890 | $208,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Legal Assistant
Paralegals and legal assistants support practicing attorneys and large law firms. They conduct case research, including previous judgments and legal precedent, and gather evidence to help support upcoming cases. They often write reports for lawyers and draft contracts, formal statements, and other legal documentation.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$32,160 | $51,740 | $82,500 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers coordinate and direct all the administrative functions required of their employers. Common tasks include staffing and talent acquisition, employee management, onboarding, and workforce development. Many professionals in this area act as in-house mediators. They resolve disputes, defuse conflict, and implement disciplinary measures when needed.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$68,300 | $116,720 | $205,720 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Legal Studies
As the table below indicates, tuition rates for online MLS programs vary quite a bit. Factors to consider include the type of school and a student’s enrollment and residency status. Private schools are generally more expensive, but public institutions sometimes charge higher rates for out-of-state residents.
A number of financial aid opportunities can help offset the costs. Many schools with an online Master of Legal Studies extend need or merit-based scholarships to students. Some even offer research fellowships. Relevant businesses and other organizations sometimes award private scholarships to students as well.
How Affordable Your Online Master’s in Legal Studies Could Be
As the table below indicates, tuition rates for online MLS programs vary quite a bit. Factors to consider include the type of school and a student’s enrollment and residency status. Private schools are generally more expensive, but public institutions sometimes charge higher rates for out-of-state residents.
A number of financial aid opportunities can help offset the costs. Many schools with an online Master of Legal Studies extend need or merit-based scholarships to students. Some even offer research fellowships. Relevant businesses and other organizations sometimes award private scholarships to students as well.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
30 | $1,094/credit | $32,820 | |
30 | $650/credit | $19,500 | |
30 | $516/credit (in-state) $774/credit (out-of-state) | $15,480 (in-state) $23,220 (out-of-state) |
Q&A with a Legal Studies Program Administrator
Q. When it comes to studying the legal profession, most people probably think of law school or becoming a practicing attorney. Earning a Master of Legal Studies online offers a different approach. How does this opportunity differ from a traditional path, and why would someone want to pursue it?
A: Earning a master’s degree in legal studies allows people to work in a career that intersects with the law. They have many more opportunities than strictly being lawyers or judges; for example, they can work in human resources, government positions, or legal patenting.
Q. Given your experience and expertise, where do you think professionals with this degree will be most needed in the future? Are there any industries or job sectors that new students and recent graduates should keep an eye on?
A: As companies shift over to long-term remote work, this opens a new legal grey area. Regarding virtual onboarding, hiring, and recruiting, companies must avoid certain legal pitfalls. These companies will need legal experts in remote hiring laws, which could be learned with an online Master of Legal Studies.
Some tangential careers can be enriched with an MLS. For example, someone could be a journalist or freelance writer specializing in legal matters and human resources. Having expert knowledge about legal issues could significantly further one’s career.
Q. Online education has a lot of perks and ultimately increases access to learning opportunities for those who need extra flexibility and accommodation. But those perks come with their own unique challenges and demands. What advice would you offer to prospective students interested in online MLS programs?
A: Students interested in an online MLS should be aware of the time commitment required to succeed. They might have to make certain sacrifices, such as waking up early to start studying. They should also understand that a large component of the degree will be self-study, such as reading and listening to pre-recorded lectures. People who undertake this degree need to have a high level of independence and self-discipline.
FAQs About Earning Your Master’s Degree in Legal Studies Online
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in legal studies?
Always consult with individual online MLS programs and admission departments to gain a better understanding of criteria, requirements, and deadlines. That said, most schools follow a similar process and usually ask for an application package that includes:
- An application form with biographical information
- A professional resume or CV outlining qualifications and relevant professional experience
- Official academic transcripts verifying successful reception of an accredited bachelor’s degree with a competitive GPA
- Letters of recommendation from previous mentors or supervisors who can speak to an individual’s abilities
- A written statement of purpose detailing background and intent to study
- Recent GRE, LSAT, or GMAT scores (optional in some cases)
Some schools also want to interview qualified candidates. These interviews usually take place via video conference or over the phone.
How long will it take to finish my master’s in legal studies online?
The online Master of Legal Studies programs highlighted at the beginning of this guide gives a good sense of how long your studies will take, and each program projects that full-time students can complete their studies in one year. Several factors impact your path to completion, though. For example, part-time students and working professionals can expect to take longer but usually finish in a few years. If you carry qualified transfer credit, that may reduce your timeframe.
Can I earn a master’s in legal studies 100% online?
Most schools administering a Master of Legal Studies extend fully online options. Unlike other fields requiring in-person capstones or practicum components, these programs deliver all material and learning experiences using innovative and interactive tools optimized for flexibility and accommodation.
For those interested in face-to-face opportunities, many online MLS programs offer on-campus sessions to enhance online learning. These optional programs usually happen once a term across a single weekend.