Online master of legal studies

Earning a master of legal studies online can be a convenient, flexible, and affordable way for you to enter the legal field. Find the right program for you and learn what it takes to earn this degree.

Types of law degrees you can pursue

You can pursue several master's degrees in the legal field:

What can you do with a master's degree in legal studies?

A master of legal studies degree can prepare you for various lucrative roles, not only in the legal field but also in the business, education, nonprofit, and government sectors. Business owners, human resources managers, or anyone who works frequently with lawyers and other legal professionals may benefit from a master of legal studies.

Below are some potential careers you can pursue with a legal studies master's degree.

Explore salary expectations and career outlooks for legal studies graduates

Graduates with a master of legal studies can pursue various career paths that pay higher-than-average salaries.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that human resources managers earned a median annual salary of $136,350 as of May 2023, while medical and health services managers earned an average of $110,680 during the same period.

Earning potential is influenced by geographic location, experience level, certifications, and specialization.

The BLS projected that the employment of human resources managers will grow by 5% from 2022-32, while the employment of medical and health services managers will grow by 28% over the decade. These projections are much higher than the average 3% growth across all occupations.

How much does an online master of legal studies cost?

The cost of a master of legal studies degree varies by program. Factors that can impact price include:

• In-state or out-of-state tuition
• Public or private college
• Housing
• Textbooks
• Transportation

The average cost of one year of graduate tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year was $20,513, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Financing options to help pay for your degree include:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Federal student loans
• Fellowships
• The federal work-study program
• Employee assistance/reimbursement

What can you learn in an online master of legal studies program?

In an online master of legal studies program, you can learn advanced legal skills and how to think like a legal professional. If you're interested in the law but don't want to become a lawyer, this degree might be a good fit.

These programs don't prepare you to practice law, but they do give you the skills you need to work with other legal professionals or to focus on legal issues. In an online master of legal studies program, you may learn about:

• Legal research, analysis, and writing
• Foundational knowledge of the U.S. court and legal systems
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills

Some online legal studies master's programs offer specialized tracks in areas like:

• Business law
• Legal paraprofessional
• Conflict resolution
• Contract law
• Healthcare law and administration

Understand admissions requirements

Each online master of legal studies program has its own admissions requirements. Many programs require legal studies master's applicants to have or submit:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
• Official college transcripts
• A résumé or CV
• A personal statement
• An application fee
• Letters of recommendation

Some schools may require you to submit GMAT or GRE test scores. Generally, master of legal studies programs don't require a specific bachelor's degree and may accept applicants from diverse undergraduate backgrounds.

Explore the master of legal studies curriculum

A typical master of legal studies program offers core and elective courses. Some programs may require you to complete a capstone course. Popular courses in master of legal studies programs include:

• American public law: Explore public law, or the relationship between the U.S. citizens and the government, through topics like executive power, civil liberties, and constitutional law.
• Legal analysis, writing, and research: Learn to perform legal research, legal analysis, and legal writing. The class develops communication skills and enhances writing and editing acumen.
• Introduction to the american legal system: Develop a foundation in the theory and practices behind the U.S. legal system.