Whats the difference between an LLM and an MLS degree?
Written by: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Gabriela Pérez Jordán
Published: May 7, 2025
Though they have very different profiles, master of law (LLM) and master of legal studies (MLS) programs can both be valuable to graduate law students. Explore LLM vs. MLS programs as you search for the right law degree.
Explore LLM and MLS programs
LLM vs. MLS degrees
An LLM degree is a graduate-level credential that graduates of a bachelor of laws (LLB) or juris doctor (JD) degree tend to pursue. LLM programs provide students with advanced legal training and help them build expertise in a specialization area.
MLS degrees appeal to professionals who need a strong working knowledge of the law in their careers but do not intend to become attorneys.
Understand key differences
LLM and MLS degrees are both graduate-level law credentials that are designed for specialist professionals. However, they differ in a few important ways:
- Unlike LLM degrees, MLS degrees do not complement LLB or JD degrees. They do not help you pass the bar examination to become a licensed attorney.
- LLM credits can transfer to JD degrees and vice-versa, while MLS credits cannot.
In short: If you are or plan to become a lawyer, an LLM degree makes a better match. Otherwise, the MLS path may be worth considering.
Compare LLM vs. MLS costs
In 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics found that graduate students in law programs paid average tuition fees of $36,707.
If you hold a JD degree and are in an LLM program but have not yet passed your bar exam, your school might offer you a bar preparation course. Some schools include these prep courses as part of your tuition, but others may not.
Online LLM programs and online MLS programs may offer cost advantages. Some schools have reduced tuition fees for fully online programs. Public institutions sometimes extend in-state rates to all online students, including non-residents.
Explore potential careers and salaries
LLM and MLS can lead to very different professional paths.
With an LLM degree, you can enter or advance your career as a specialist lawyer. With experience, you could become a judge or law teacher.
Here's what the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has to say about salaries and growth prospects for these jobs:
| Career | Median annual salary (May 2023) | Projected total job openings (2023–33) | Projected job growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $145,760 | 44,200 | +5% |
| Judge | $132,950 | 1,200 | +3% |
| Law teacher | $127,360 | 400 | +2% |
Some job titles you could pursue with an MLS degree include human resources manager, contract negotiator, or management analyst. The following table offers an overview of relevant BLS data for jobs available to MLS degree holders:
| Career | Median annual salary (May 2023) | Projected total job openings (2023–33) | Projected job growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human resources manager | $136,350 | 13,500 | +6% |
| Labor relations specialist | $89,980 | -200 | 0% |
| Management analyst | $99,410 | 107,900 | +11% |
Review admissions requirements
Admissions requirements are another key difference between LLM vs. MLS degrees. To enroll in an LLM program, you'll usually need an LLB or JD degree.
MLS programs tend to have more flexible and inclusive admissions policies, and schools will usually consider applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
Applicants to both program types should expect to provide:
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Multiple letters of recommendation
- Résumé or CV
LLM admissions are generally more competitive and may require you to submit one or more academic writing samples.
Because most LLM programs require a JD or LLB, admissions officials don't usually ask for test scores since you likely needed them to obtain your initial degree.
MLS programs may or may not require GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores.
Contrast courses and curriculums
LLM and MLS programs feature very different curricula. In general, LLM programs have a much stronger technical emphasis, while MLS programs teach legal fundamentals to professionals in non-law career paths.
The following table offers an at-a-glance comparison of the two paths:
| LLM | MLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical completion time (full-time students) | 12 months | 12 months |
| Credit requirements | 24-30 credits | 30-36 credits |
| Concentration options | Concentrations focus on niche legal specializations, such as:
| Concentrations focus on general topics in law and legal studies, such as:
|
LLM vs. MLS: Which degree is right for you?
Answering these questions can help you choose between LLM vs. MLS degrees:
Do you want to become a lawyer, judge, legal scholar, or practicing legal professional?
If you plan to become (or already are) a lawyer or legal scholar, an LLM degree probably better suits your needs. Judges usually require many years of professional experience as a lawyer, making the LLM path a good option.
Schools mainly design MLS programs for professionals who need a solid working knowledge of legal concepts but aren't involved in things like deep legal research, litigation, or criminal prosecution and defense. If you're entering this type of career path, an MLS degree may be worthwhile.
Does your planned career path require a license, appointment, or election to office?
- If yes, you should strongly favor an LLM over an MLS or other non-licensed law degree.
- If not, an MLS might be a better choice to pair with other degrees, certifications, or experience profiles.
Do you already hold an LLB or JD degree or the international equivalent?
- If yes, the LLM path makes more sense since you probably already possess most of the knowledge taught in MLS programs.
- If not, LLM programs probably aren't an option for you since most require an LLB or JD degree, or the international equivalent, as a core admissions criterion.