One-Year Legal Master's Degrees
Top ranked schools with specialized concentrations
Find the right program for you. Build the legal knowledge that moves your career forward — without going to law school.
The Degree
What is a one-year legal master's degree?
The law is anything but simple. Most of us must turn to attorneys to decipher, analyze, and effectively decode the law. Yet in many professions outside the practice of law, you may routinely have to work within state and federal regulations. A lack of legal knowledge can stand in the way of your job performance and career advancement.
The answer is the one-year legal master's degree, offered by over 80 ABA-accredited law schools for people who want to understand and apply the law in their careers without becoming practicing attorneys.
A typical program lasts one academic year of full-time study — 24 to 30 credits — and puts you through a curriculum similar to first-year J.D. students, tailored to your career and interests. In some programs you'll learn alongside J.D. students in courses like constitutional law, torts, contracts, and civil procedure. Many law schools offer the degree online or part-time, with concentrations in areas such as healthcare, intellectual property, tax, and business law.
The Payoff
Where an M.L.S. takes you
What jobs can I get with an M.L.S.?
Graduates work across HR, compliance, health law, entrepreneurship, international law, policy, non-profit management, and government. The degree is especially suited to compliance, risk management, and auditing, as well as research, editing, and legal writing. As more companies commit to compliance, professionals who can navigate regulation and liaise with legal advisors are increasingly sought after — the sky is the limit.
Why pursue an M.L.S. degree?
If you already hold a bachelor's and your work is shaped by legal issues, an M.L.S. helps you develop knowledge that's directly relevant to your field — not just another credential. It can enhance your current career, reorient it, or open an entirely new path, building your credibility with coworkers, clients, and employers as you learn to work efficiently within a regulated environment.
Getting In
Admissions requirements
Every law school's process differs, but most share the same core elements.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in any field.
A current résumé or CV — generally required as part of your application.
Application materials such as an interview, letters of reference, and/or a personal essay.
No LSAT or GRE required in most cases — standardized test scores are generally optional.
Transfer credits may be accepted; some schools take a number of qualifying graduate credits.
A graduate degree is common among applicants, but it is not a prerequisite.
Featured M.L.S. Programs
Where to earn your degree
Finding a quality program among the many M.L.S. degrees offered can be confusing. These featured schools offer a challenging, enlightening education to help you meet your goals.
Tuition & Aid
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, expect to pay about $30,000 for the entire degree.
Financial aid is available to qualifying students through FAFSA, and school financial aid representatives can help you navigate your loan options. Many employers will also invest in employees who bring legal knowledge back to the organization — an investment that can return real advantages in advancement, reputation, and reaching your personal goals.
Guides & Resources
Everything you need to choose and apply
From application steps to program comparisons and career outcomes, our library of MLS guides walks you through every stage of the decision — written for working professionals, not law students.
Next Steps
Why wait? Let our MLS experience be your guide.
Get started on a new career in law today. Tell us a little about your goals and we'll help you find the program that fits.
Prefer email? Reach us at mastersdegreeprograms@gmail.com
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