Online Master of Legal Studies – Legal Paraprofessional Emphasis

Considering the Arizona legal paraprofessional licensure exam? Arizona State University’s online Master of Legal Studies with a legal paraprofessional emphasis provides legal practitioners with the knowledge and curricular qualifications needed for exam eligibility. As a licensed legal paraprofessional, you’ll give legal advice, assist clients in permitted practice areas and even represent clients in court — all without needing a JD.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/19/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Legal Paraprofessional (MLS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

* Indicates a required field

Prepare for a career as a legal paraprofessional

A legal paraprofessional performs limited legal actions without a full JD. Arizona certification is a requirement for this role, and this program fulfills the curricular requirements to take the Arizona legal paraprofessional licensure exam.

Your coursework in this program will reflect your chosen legal specialty. The limited practice areas included in this licensure are:

  • Administrative law (as permitted by agencies)
  • Civil law (limited jurisdiction)
  • Criminal law (limited jurisdiction)
  • Family law
  • Juvenile law

Once licensed, you’ll be prepared to provide legal advice and assist clients in the permitted practice areas, including client representation in court.

Paralegal vs. legal paraprofessional: How the two compare

While legal paraprofessionals share specific legal roles with lawyers, paralegals act as legal assistants who support lawyers and law firms with research, administrative tasks, proofreading and other essential tasks. If you’re interested in becoming a paralegal, choosing the MLS program with an emphasis in your desired field is recommended.

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.

Professional licensure and certification

ASU academic programs are designed to prepare students to apply for applicable licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet education requirements for license or certification in another state. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Arizona, it is strongly recommended that you visit our professional licensure page for contact information of the appropriate licensing entity to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements.

cardImage

Professional licensure and certification

ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.

cardImage

Will my diploma 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.” 

Please note your diploma will state the degree you earn: Master of Legal Studies. Your emphasis in legal paraprofessional will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.

Legal paraprofessional emphasis courses

This one-year program is made up of a required course, foundational courses and emphasis courses. Courses include:


The jobs this MLS program prepares you for

This emphasis provides the courses and knowledge needed to be eligible to sit for the Arizona legal paraprofessional licensure exam. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll be equipped to become a:

Learn from top legal practitioners in their fields

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 top legal practitioners in their fields

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 online 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.

Study at one of the best law 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.

You might also be interested in

Conflict Resolution (MLS)

Graduate

Conflict Resolution (MLS)


Starts 05/19/2025

Learn more
Contract Management (MLS)

Graduate

Contract Management (MLS)


Starts 05/19/2025

Learn more
Criminal Law (MLS)

Graduate

Criminal Law (MLS)


Starts 05/19/2025

Learn more
Legal Studies (MLS)

Graduate

Legal Studies (MLS)


Starts 05/19/2025

Learn more