Best Online Master of Legal Studies Programs
Are you ready to discover your college program?
As a relative newcomer to the world of graduate education, master of legal studies (MLS) degrees mainly appeal to learners in non-attorney career tracks that still require advanced law knowledge. Examples include compliance officers, human resources directors, contract negotiators, and business operations specialists.
Schools offer MLS programs in face-to-face, online, and blended formats. Explore the features of MLS degrees and connect with the best master of legal studies programs using this degree guide and ranking.
Popular Online Legal Studies Master’s Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
15 Best Online Master’s in Legal Studies Programs
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$57,256
- Out-of-state$57,256
- In-State$46,272
- Out-of-state$46,272
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled48,321
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment17%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,640
- Out-of-state$19,084
- In-State$9,684
- Out-of-state$24,116
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate36%
- Students Enrolled42,450
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Washington University in St. Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,250
- Out-of-state$54,250
- In-State$54,250
- Out-of-state$54,250
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate14%
- Students Enrolled16,191
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A&M University
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,941
- Out-of-state$34,190
- In-State$6,677
- Out-of-state$18,700
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled68,726
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,430
- Out-of-state$54,430
- In-State$38,650
- Out-of-state$38,650
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled8,495
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment7%
- AccreditationYes
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,453
- Out-of-state$54,453
- In-State$31,770
- Out-of-state$31,770
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled27,814
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Pepperdine University
- Malibu, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,640
- Out-of-state$55,640
- In-State$34,900
- Out-of-state$34,900
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate32%
- Students Enrolled8,824
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,867
- Out-of-state$19,282
- In-State$6,384
- Out-of-state$6,384
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled45,073
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
Samford University
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,000
- Out-of-state$32,000
- In-State$17,754
- Out-of-state$17,754
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled5,692
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois at Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,520
- Out-of-state$15,948
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$15,240
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled4,275
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,976
- Out-of-state$25,320
- In-State$10,134
- Out-of-state$26,154
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled26,839
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Hamline University
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$41,734
- Out-of-state$41,734
- In-State$9,596
- Out-of-state$9,596
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled3,404
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$52,146
- Out-of-state$52,146
- In-State$35,181
- Out-of-state$35,181
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled24,205
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,220
- Out-of-state$17,220
- In-State$15,552
- Out-of-state$15,552
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled10,365
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
What Is a Master’s in Legal Studies?
Schools typically design their MLS programs to equip non-lawyers with advanced law knowledge. They mainly appeal to people whose career aspirations or job duties involve issues like regulatory compliance, administration, or negotiation. MLS degrees may also be useful for professionals who interact with lawyers and other legal professionals.
MLS programs are usually offered through law schools or colleges of law within larger institutions. They sometimes go by alternate names, including:
- Master of science (MS) or master of arts (MA) in law or legal studies
- Master of studies in law (MSL)
- Juris master or master of jurisprudence (MJ)
Despite differences in naming conventions, these degrees cover similar subject matter and generally lead to comparable careers.
However, there may be slight variations in focus, depending on the school. For instance, some MJ programs place more emphasis on legal theory and the philosophical underpinnings of legal systems. MLS, MS, and MA programs more directly cover legal knowledge and its practical applications.
Master of Legal Studies vs. Juris Doctor vs. Master of Laws
MLS
- Designed for professionals in non-lawyer career tracks
- Takes 1-2 years
- Concentrations may focus on specific industries, policy areas, or non-attorney career tracks
- Face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats are widely available
JD
- Designed for aspiring lawyers preparing for state bar examinations
- Takes 3 years (full time)
- Concentrations cover specific legal practice areas, such as contract law, family law, or criminal law
- ABA-accredited online JD programs are relatively rare
LL.M.
- Intended for JD degree-holders and practicing lawyers seeking specialized credentials
- Takes 1-2 years
- May be an option for internationally trained lawyers seeking US qualifications
- Some law schools offer dual-degree programs leading to both JD and LL.M. credentials
Why Earn Your Master’s in Legal Studies Online
The benefits of online learning allow you to:
- Take advantage of scheduling flexibility to balance your schooling with full-time employment and other commitments
- Save on relocation, commuting, and parking costs. Some schools also offer discounted tuition rates to their fully online students
- Review complex, technical, and challenging concepts with greater ease and effectiveness
As an online student, you aren’t limited by geography. Thus, you can access a wider selection of schools and specialization options than you could if you committed to a campus-based program.
Master of Legal Studies Degree Concentrations
The best master of legal studies programs offer concentrations in particular law subjects. These specializations allow students to tailor programs to their career goals and interests. Learn more about common MLS concentrations below.
Healthcare Regulations
An MLS in healthcare regulations focuses on complex legal topics in the medical industry. This degree can help prepare students for non-lawyer, legal-related jobs in healthcare.
Entrepreneurship
An MLS entrepreneurship program explores laws and regulations in the business sector, emphasizing their application to individuals looking to launch new enterprises. Graduates with entrepreneurship MLS degrees can use their knowledge to launch their own businesses or advise other companies.
Criminal Law
A master of legal studies with a concentration in criminal law can prepare students for various criminal justice careers. A typical curriculum provides expertise in criminal law-related topics like evidence, criminal justice theory, and criminal procedure.
Environmental Compliance
This degree can provide an understanding of the ins and outs of environmental law and regulations. Students explore energy law, dispute resolution, and property law and transactions.
Sports Management
A sports management MLS degree typically includes classes like gaming law, collegiate athletics policy, and Title IX gender equity in sports. Graduates can apply for jobs in the sports law field.
Family Law
Family law master of legal studies programs can develop expertise in the legal system and the law as it relates to family and juvenile issues. Students can pursue jobs in family and divorce mediation, juvenile advocacy, and social work.
Choosing the Best Master of Legal Studies Program
As you research available master of legal studies degrees, make sure that your prospective school and program meet the following criteria:
School is accredited.
The best master of legal studies programs are offered by schools with recognized accreditation credentials. If you’re unsure about a school’s accreditation status, research it through the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
As of 2024, the American Bar Association (ABA) only accredits JD programs. However, the ABA does formally approve some MLS programs.
Curriculum aligns with your career goals.
Many MLS programs encourage or require students to select concentrations. If you’re interested in a specific legal area, search for a matching specialization.
If your preferred school only offers a generalist curriculum, make sure the topics you study reflect your learning interests and career goals. Pay particular attention to required and elective courses.
Delivery format fits your needs.
Research the delivery format of each prospective program. First, consider your preference for online, campus-based, or hybrid learning. If you’re planning to study partially or entirely online, look at coursework modalities. Asynchronous courses are accessible on a 24/7/365 basis, while synchronous courses meet at specific times.
Program cost is within budget.
MLS program costs vary, sometimes widely. School prestige is a major factor, as is the school type: Public institutions tend to cost less than private schools. If you need help meeting your schooling costs, start by seeking scholarships, fellowships, and grants. Online learning also makes it easier to work while you’re in school, which may also help you manage costs.
Try to use student loans only as a last resort. They create long-term debt, which can hamper your personal finances.
Careers for Legal Studies Graduates
An online master’s in legal studies will not qualify you to practice as a lawyer, but with this degree, you can pursue work in compliance, consulting, and administration. We cover several common careers for MLS graduates below.
Arbitrator
- Annual Median Salary (May 2023): $71,540
- Job Growth (2022-32): +5%
Arbitrators help negotiate conflicts among parties represented in legal matters. In some cases, these professionals can assist parties in mediating their cases outside the courtroom. A deep understanding of the law ensures that potential settlements meet legal compliance standards.
Compliance Officer
- Annual Median Salary (May 2023): $75,670
- Job Growth (2022-32): +5%
A compliance officer typically works for one organization to oversee that it conforms to legal requirements, such as employee contracts and local regulations. These professionals also work closely with other individuals and teams to reduce organizational risk.
Fraud Examiner
- Annual Median Salary (May 2023): $75,050
- Job Growth (2022-32): -3%
Fraud examiners can work within companies or as third-party examiners to evaluate possible fraudulent behavior. These professionals, commonly employed by the insurance and financial industries, must possess a strong understanding of law-abiding financial practices.
Human Resources Manager
- Annual Median Salary (May 2023): $136,350
- Job Growth (2022-32): +5%
Human resources managers handle employee benefits, resolve problems in the workplace, and oversee companies’ management processes. A legal studies degree can help professionals better understand employee and benefits laws necessary for this role.
Paralegal / Legal Assistant
- Annual Median Salary (May 2023): $60,970
- Job Growth (2022-32): +4%
Paralegals and legal assistants help lawyers with various tasks, including organizing paperwork, gathering evidence, and reviewing facts relating to legal cases. Although an associate degree is usually required, continued education in legal studies may help paralegals become more competitive in the job market and increase their pay.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Master of Legal Studies Programs
MLS programs develop your legal knowledge and may enhance your employability — especially if you pair this program with another advanced or professional degree. Ultimately, you’ll have to evaluate whether a particular program positions you for a positive long-term return on investment. To start, compare program costs against your post-graduation salary projections.
