Top ranked schools with Specialized Concentrations

The answer to this problem is the one-year legal master’s degree offered by over 80 ABA-accredited law schools. The variations of the degree name include:

• Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.)
• Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.)
• Master of Science of Law (M.S.L.)
• Juris Master (J.M.)
• Master of Jurisprudence (M.Jur)

This program is offered by law schools to those who wish to understand and apply the law in their careers but do not want to become practicing attorneys.

Many graduate degrees are seeing flat or declining growth while these one year legal masters degrees are increasing 20% or more YOY. Not only is the M.L.S. outpacing J.D. programs, but it is also outpacing M.B.A. growth. An M.L.S. program typically lasts one academic year of full-time study of 24 to 30 credits and puts you through a curriculum similar to first-year J.D. students, tailored to your career and interest areas. In some programs, you’ll learn alongside J.D. students, completing the same coursework in classes such as constitutional law, torts, contracts and civil procedures. Some law schools offer M.L.S. degrees on an online or part-time basis. The M.L.S. is not a precursor to the practice of law but is a primer on U.S. law and how the law and industry intersect. Many programs offer concentrations or areas of study that allow you to tailor your education to your nearly any area of the law, such as healthcare, intellectual property, tax law, business law and much more.

What jobs can I get with an M.L.S.?

Professionals with an M.L.S. exist within the fields of HR, Compliance, health law, entrepreneurship, international law, sports, science and technology, policy, non-profit management as well as government. They are particularly suited for positions in compliance, risk management and auditing as well as research, editing and legal writing. International students may be in the fields of international finance or commercial transactions and students both domestic and abroad in the finance industry abound. Consider the field of Compliance as an example. Ten years ago corporations did not dedicate professional staff solely to the purpose of maintaining compliance. Today however, more and more companies big and small are making the commitment to be compliant. This means that professionals who can write reports regarding financial fraud events and who can surface business insights across the enterprise are more valued and highly sought after. Every division at the corporate level requires professionals who can liaise with compliance advisors. The sky is the limit with an M.L.S. This innovative and forward-reaching degree will allow you the insight you need to understand the regulations of your industry and bring individual skills to bear in a non-legal context. Through the emphasis on writing and briefing you will have the skills and knowledge to have constructive conversations about applicable processes, policies and procedures. Who better than yourself, the subject matter expert, to have these conversations with other compliance professionals?

Why pursue an M.L.S. degree?

The Master of Legal Studies is a great choice if you’re a professional with a bachelor’s degree looking to develop knowledge and skills that are deeply relevant and unique to your field, and not just add more academic credentials. Regardless of your industry and title, the M.L.S. can help you enhance your existing career, reorient your career with your current employer, or pursue a career in an entirely different field. If your career is impacted by legal issues or if you work extensively with lawyers, a one-year M.L.S. degree can help you achieve your goals. You’ll enhance your professional credibility with coworkers, clients, employers, and partners, by learning how to navigate a heavily regulated business environment and work more efficiently with lawyers and other legal practitioners. This degree is also valuable with an outcome of a better understanding of the rules that govern our lives and enriching your life by gaining an understanding of laws and policies. Others who are intellectually curious and looking to explore more about the law for the sake of learning are also ideal candidates.

What are the admissions requirements for an M.L.S.?

Each law school admission process is different, but there are some common elements. Admission into an M.L.S. program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field. It is common for M.L.S. students to have a graduate degree, but it is not required. Some law schools will accept a certain number of graduate transfer credits from qualified candidates. The application process could require in person or video interviews, letters of reference, and/or a personal essay. Standardized test scores (LSAT, GRE, etc.) are generally not required, but current resumes or curriculum vitae are.

Featured M.L.S. Programs

Finding a quality program among the many M.L.S. degrees offered by law schools can be confusing. These featured schools offer a challenging and enlightening education that you can use to meet your personal and professional goals:

• St Mary’s School of Law
• UC Hastings College of the Law
• UCLA Law
• Emory Law
• Wayne State University

How much does an M.L.S. cost?

A quality campus-based or online M.L.S. program can cost up to $2,000 per credit. For a 24-credit program, you should expect to pay about $30,000 for the entire program. Financial aid is available to qualifying students through FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). School financial aid representatives are available to help you navigate your financial aid and loan options. Some employers will invest in employees like you who will bring back legal knowledge that can benefit the company or organization in the future. An investment in your future can return numerous advantages in career advancement, professional reputation, and meeting personal goals.