Online Master of Legal Studies

Arizona State University’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a unique advanced degree designed for students interested in understanding law, but not practicing it. In this program, you’ll build a foundation in U.S. law, before choosing electives that support your career goals.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


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 Studies (MLS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What is a Master of Legal Studies?

The MLS degree emphasizes a foundation in the law and basic legal concepts. The opportunity to customize this degree with focus areas makes it relevant to many applications. MLS students come from a variety of backgrounds, but share the common goal of obtaining familiarity with legal thought and exploring the relation of law to their targeted fields of work or study.

When you earn your Master of Legal Studies online, you have the option of tailoring your degree to your particular interests with one of 12 potential focus areas:

ASU Online also offers a Master of Human Resources and Employment Law. This program focuses on identifying and analyzing legal issues to solve critical human resources problems.

Is the MLS degree the same as a Juris Doctorate law degree?

 

Earning a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree is a key step toward becoming a practicing attorney, while completing an MLS degree provides an understanding of basic legal concepts that can be applied to various careers. A Master of Legal Studies degree does not allow you to practice law and program courses do not transfer to the Juris Doctor program. Instead, the MLS focuses on specific areas of the law that are relevant to your professional path. Knowledge of concepts ranging from conflict resolution to employment law can offer you valuable context and inform your decision-making.

Is an online master of legal studies worth it?

 

As a generalized degree with many emphasis areas, completing a Master of Legal Studies online can effectively supplement and expand your professional knowledge base.

By earning an MLS degree, you can better understand the law in ways that can positively impact your career by building a broader understanding of the relevant legalities in your field. You’ll also develop broadly applicable skills, such as legal writing and reading, as well as familiarity with legal concepts. Additionally, you’ll become comfortable engaging and communicating with an attorney.

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.

Does my Master of Legal Studies online 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Online master of legal studies courses

The MLS program is made up of one required course and one program core course. The remaining eight courses are composed of emphasis area or elective courses. Featured courses include, but are not limited to:


Core course

US Law and Legal Analysis


Elective

Administrative Agencies and Regulations


Elective

Criminal Law


Elective

Criminal Procedure


Elective

Fundamentals of Contract Law


Elective

Intellectual Property


Elective

Property


Elective

Tort Law


What can I do with a master of legal studies?

The flexibility of the MLS degree means you can specify the courses most relevant to your career, whether through a customized curriculum or one of the focus areas. There are many potential careers graduates can consider, including, but not limited to:

Chief executive officer

Compliance officer

Contract manager

Athletic director

Patent officer

Law enforcement professional

Sustainability manager

Legal specialists focused on effective education

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

Legal specialists focused on effective education

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

Master of legal studies online 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.

FastApp process

Application requirements

Additional admission information

Join one of the best law schools

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation. The college provides personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students have the opportunity to 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.

#12


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

#32


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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