Are you someone who has an interest in legal knowledge but does not want to spend a fortune on getting a law degree?
If so, you’ll be happy to know that there are now many law schools that offer online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) or Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programs designed specifically for non-lawyers.
The latest Princeton Review best law school rankings have been released, and they have added a new category that focuses on the best law schools for online MSL and MLS programs for non-lawyers.
If you’re a non-lawyer, these programs can prove to be incredibly useful for your current job or career. These courses offer legal training that can be beneficial for those who are not necessarily practicing attorneys but whose careers would benefit from a deeper understanding of legal matters.
These programs will cover essential legal processes such as contracts, civil procedures, and legal analysis, and will explore topics like administrative law, property law, technology, and health law.
Unlike the JD, which is the degree required to become a practicing attorney, most MLS programs do not require the LSAT or GRE, making them optional.
These programs offer flexibility, affordability, access to innovative technologies, and even provide students with the opportunity to connect with peers from across the world.
You can specialize in a range of fields such as business, health care compliance, technology, cybersecurity, taxation, and U.S. legislation, and there are even online programs available.
The benefits of obtaining a masters in law are numerous, and for professionals in fields related to law, such as health care, consulting, HR, finance, research, nonprofit management, or government, the MLS can be a worthwhile choice with applicability across a range of professions. So, if you’re interested in gaining legal knowledge, but do not want to commit to a law degree, consider enrolling in an online MSL or MLS program.
Check out the Best Online Master of Studies in Law Programs for 2024 by the Princeton Review.
- Albany Law School – Master of Science in Legal Studies
- American University – Washington College of Law – Online Master of Legal Studies
- Arizona State University – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law – Online Master of Legal Studies
- Cleveland State University – Cleveland-Marshall College of Law – Online Master of Legal Studies
- Cornell University – Cornell Law School – Online Master of Legal Studies
- Drexel University – Thomas L. Kline School of Law – Master of Legal Studies Program
- Fordham University – School of Law – Online Master of Studies in Law in Corporate Compliance
- Hamline University – College of Liberal Arts – Master in the Study of Law
- Hofstra University – Maurice A. Deane School of Law – Online Master of Arts in Legal Studies
- Loyola Marymount University – Loyola Law School – Online Master of Tax Law
- New York University – School of Law – Master of Studies in Law
- Northeastern University – School of Law – Master of Legal Studies
- Northwestern University – Pritzker School of Law – Online Master of Science in Law
- Nova Southeastern University – Shepard Broad College of Law – Master of Science in Law
- Pepperdine University – Caruso School of Law – Master of Legal Studies
- Regent University – School of Law – Master of Arts in Law
- Samford University – Cumberland School of Law – Master of Studies in Law
- Seattle University – School of Law – Master of Legal Studies in Compliance and Risk Management
- Seton Hall University – School of Law – Online Master of Legal Studies
- Texas A&M University – School of Law – Master of Legal Studies & Master of Legal Studies in Intellectual Property
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law – Master of Science in Law
- University of Arizona – James E. Rogers College of Law – Online Master of Legal Studies
- University of Denver – Sturm College of Law – Master of Science in Legal Administration
- University of Maryland – Francis King Carey School of Law – Master of Science in Law
- University of New Hampshire – Franklin Pierce School of Law – Master’s Degree Programs
- University of Oklahoma – College of Law – Master of Legal Studies
- University of Southern California – Gould School of Law – Master of Studies in Law
- University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law – Online Master of Science in Law
- Vermont Law School – Master’s Degree Programs
- Wake Forest University – School of Law – Master of Studies in Law
- Washington University – School of Law – Master of Legal Studies
- Wayne State University – Master of Studies in Law
- Western New England University – School of Law – Online Master of Science in Law
It’s important to note that the following list is not a definitive ranking of the “best” programs, but rather an alphabetical compilation of programs that are currently available for those interested in obtaining a Master of Studies in Law (MSL).
This list is intended to be a helpful resource for busy professionals who may not have the time to research each program individually. By having all the programs in one place, individuals can easily compare and contrast the various offerings, and choose the program that best fits their needs and goals.
That being said, it’s worth noting that program rankings can be a helpful factor to consider when choosing a law school. If you’re interested in a more comprehensive ranking of law schools, stay tuned for the release of the 2024 Princeton Review Best Law Schools ranking.
This annual ranking is a highly respected and widely recognized resource for prospective law students, and is expected to be released in the near future.
Courses in Legal Studies
Master’s in Legal Studies programs aim to teach students how to analyze laws and regulations, apply them in business contexts, and draft legal documents. The curriculum of such programs includes courses on the U.S. legal system, federal regulations, and legal research, along with topics like contract law, compliance, and criminal law.
In addition to these core courses, many programs offer electives such as human resources law, intellectual property law, and sustainability. These electives help students to prepare for specialized career paths. While the structure of each program may vary, most Master’s in Legal Studies programs include the following courses:
- American Legal System: In this course, students learn about the relationship between the government and the law in the U.S. legal system. The curriculum covers topics like the court system, civil rights, constitutional law, and the appellate courts, providing foundational knowledge that prepares degree-seekers for advanced law classes.
- Legal Research and Writing: This course helps learners to improve their analytical, research, and writing skills. Students explore case laws, statutes, administrative rulings, and legal analyses, preparing to analyze cases and rulings, evaluate statutes, and interpret administrative rulings. They also develop legal writing skills by creating opinions and case briefs, with coursework emphasizing computerized research skills and proper legal citations.
- Contract Law: This course explores the role of contracts in creating binding agreements for public and private entities across multiple sectors. Students learn about damages for breaching contracts and restitution, and gain skills that they can use to create and analyze proposed contracts.
- Federal Regulations: This course examines the federal regulatory system and its relationship to various administrative agencies and the legal system. Students learn about the limits on administrative authority, routes for redress, and state administrative agencies, strengthening their analytical skills by reviewing regulations and their applications.
- Employment Law: This class explores the legal and regulatory context for hiring and letting go workers, wage and hour laws, and workplace discrimination protections. Aspiring human resources professionals can benefit from this course.
Why Get a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies?
Students who pursue a master’s degree in legal studies receive advanced training in the field of law. Apart from this, there are several other personal and professional benefits associated with this degree, including specialization options and increased earning potential.
One of the major benefits of pursuing a master’s degree in legal studies is that it allows graduate students to specialize in a particular area of law. Learners can choose to specialize in conflict resolution, corporate compliance, healthcare law, or contract management, among others. This specialization prepares students for specific legal careers.
Most online legal studies programs offer flexibility to students. They allow students to take courses asynchronously, which means they can arrange their coursework around their work schedule and other responsibilities.
Graduate-level training can help professionals secure specialized roles in the legal field. Holding a master’s degree in legal studies can lead to career advancement and opportunities such as becoming a compliance officer, regulatory affairs manager, or human resources manager.
Online learning has made it easier for students to pursue graduate studies in legal studies. Degree-seekers can enroll in specialized programs in any state without relocating.
Another significant advantage of pursuing a master’s degree in legal studies is that it has been found to increase earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals with a master’s degree earn a median weekly salary of approximately $250 more than those who hold only a bachelor’s degree in 2020.
Is an Online Master’s of Legal Studies Worth It?
Acquiring a graduate degree can have numerous benefits, including better job prospects, increased earning potential and the opportunity to specialize in a particular industry. A degree in legal studies, in particular, can provide you with the skills and knowledge to pursue specialized roles such as compliance officer, contract manager, and other related positions.
Furthermore, a legal studies degree can be a valuable asset in various industries, including business, human resources, healthcare, and more. It can equip you with the necessary expertise to navigate complex legal regulations and requirements, which can help you advance your career and stand out in today’s competitive job market.
However, before investing your time and money into a graduate program, it is crucial to do some research on job opportunities and earning potential to ensure that you make an informed decision. This can help you determine the best path for your personal and professional goals and make an investment that will pay off in the long run.
