Online Master of Legal Studies – Business Law Emphasis

Unlock the legal side of the business world by learning the frameworks that shape policy and influence decision-making. Arizona State University’s online Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in business law offers key insights into the legal issues companies face today. Designed for non-lawyers, this one-year program is ideal if you want to help guide businesses through complex legal environments. 

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/21/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered

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Develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex legal issues businesses face

This program offers a broad overview of how companies operate in the legal landscape today. You’ll explore legal issues related to formation, contracts, compliance and more — equipping you to support organizations in strategic decision-making.

Courses cover general business topics alongside laws relevant to entrepreneurship and corporate obligations. Whether you’re interested in traditional business law or legal challenges facing startups, you can tailor your coursework to match your career goals.

A business law emphasis is valuable across industries but is especially useful if you’re pursuing roles in startups as a founder, funder or employee.

What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?

While an emphasis and concentration are similar, there are key differences.

  • A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours; at least nine must be upper division. The concentration appears on your ASU diploma and transcripts.
  • An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major that’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared.
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Will my MLS degree with a business law emphasis say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Your diploma will state the degree you earn: Master of Legal Studies. Your emphasis in business law will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.

MLS and business law courses

This emphasis covers U.S. law fundamentals, including contracts, criminal procedures, administration, property and tort law. In addition to these core MLS courses, you’ll explore business law, focusing on business relationships and employment law. Courses include: 


The jobs a business law degree prepares you for

This emphasis prepares you to start, grow or move into a business leadership position, operate or finance a business and build relationships with vendors. Common careers for program graduates include, but are not limited to:

Learn from business law experts

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.

Learn from business law experts

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.

How to apply

Applicants to the Master of Legal Studies program must fulfill the requirements of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

U.S.-educated applicants can apply through our FastApp process, which streamlines the application process and may allow for an offer of conditional admission to the MLS program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation. Find more information about the FastApp process here.

Earn a Master of Legal Studies from one of the best business schools in the country

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation, providing personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students can tailor their educational experiences to meet their unique interests. Our bar passage achievements and peer-reviewed U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight our dedication to preparing students for success.

#1


in Arizona for bar passage

7


specialty law programs ranked amongst the top 35 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report

Top 20


best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report

#45


best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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