Online Master of Legal Studies – Business Law Emphasis

Legal matters affect businesses at all levels of development. A complex and multifaceted environment, the Master of Legal Studies with a business law emphasis helps you gain key insights into the legal framework and issues all businesses must address. This one-year program is not meant for those intending to practice law, but instead those looking to understand the legal framework in which businesses operate.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


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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What is the business law emphasis?

The business law emphasis provides you with the opportunity to develop critical insights into the complex legal issues facing today’s businesses. Courses cover a wide range of general business topics, as well as relevant laws for entrepreneurship and legal business obligations. Students who choose this emphasis are often looking to gain a deeper understanding of the legal ecosystem in the business environment.

Attend our upcoming webinar to learn more about our Master of Legal Studies programs. Sign up.

What will I learn in the ASU business law emphasis?

In this MLS program with an emphasis in business law, you’ll learn how to support companies and their leaders regarding:

  • Buying and selling businesses.
  • Contractual relationships.
  • Formation.
  • Regulatory compliance.
  • Strategic decision making.

With a broad curriculum, you’ll have the ability to take the courses most relevant to your professional goals. For example, MLS students looking for a more traditional business law pathway may simply choose to study contracts, business organizations and compliance, instead of focusing on issues faced by early stage companies.

Why should I pursue an ASU Online business law emphasis?

The ASU business law emphasis provides a comprehensive overview of the legal ecosystem in the business environment. This emphasis prepares you to take on roles in nearly any industry, but is an especially good fit for those looking to work in a startup environment as a funder, founder or employee.

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

A degree program’s emphasis is similar to a concentration, but there are key differences.

  • A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major. A concentration requires a minimum of 15 credit hours of which at least nine credit hours must be upper division. Your concentration appears on both your ASU diploma and your transcripts.
  • An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major. It’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared. The emphasis will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.

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.

Business law emphasis courses

The ASU business law emphasis covers the fundamentals of U.S. law, including contracts, criminal procedures, administration, property and tort law. In addition to these core MLS courses, you’ll also dive deeper into business law, focusing on topics such as business relationships and employment law. Courses for the MLS business law emphasis include:


What careers does an ASU business law emphasis lead to?

The ASU business law 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 business law from award winning faculty

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 business law from award winning faculty

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.

Business law admission requirements

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.

5


law programs ranked amongst the top 25 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#15


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

#36


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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