MSLS

A Master of Science in Legal Studies (MSLS) is a graduate degree program designed to deliver a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and processes to individuals who do not intend to become lawyers. The MSLS equips non-attorneys with the language of law and key concepts that impact everyday business practices.

MSLS programs often are multi-disciplinary and incorporate a variety of fields and topics, ranging from law and politics to economics and social science. Students who earn the MSLS are professionals who have completed bachelor’s degrees and want to pursue legal education for work related to compliance, contract negotiations, risk management, and other business areas.

Whereas a Juris Doctor (JD) is required to practice law in most U.S. states, MSLS programs empower professionals to comprehend and communicate legal concepts related to their non-attorney roles in corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and other organizations. JD programs typically are completed within four years and prepare students to represent clients. MSLS degree holders, in contrast, cannot provide professional legal counsel. Instead, these individuals are more adept as human resources managers, compliance directors, operations analysts, finance managers, and in other specialized careers due to the legal training provided in their master’s degree programs.

Both first-year JD students and MSLS students complete similar coursework and explore foundational topics, including constitutional law, torts, contracts, civil procedure, legal writing, and research. However, the MSLS is a shorter program, often completed within two years in flexible online and part-time formats. Covering a wide range of topics – including legal research and writing, constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, intellectual property law, and international law – MSLS programs enable students to tailor their studies to their needs through a combination of required and elective courses.

Students interested in the MSLS may consider comparable graduate programs of different designations such as the Master of Science of Law (MSL), Juris Master (JM), or Master in Law (ML). Among the U.S. higher education institutions offering these degrees are Arizona State University, Cornell Law School, Drexel University, Fordham University School of Law, Northeastern University School of Law, University of Pennsylvania Law School, West Virginia University, Willamette University College of Law, and Yale Law School.

In addition to holding undergraduate degrees, individuals applying for MSLS programs may need to provide a personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Some programs also require applicants to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.  

Upon completing graduate education in legal studies, students may pursue or advance careers in government agencies, corporations, social sector groups, and colleges or universities. Graduates can also choose to continue their studies to earn the JD or other advanced degrees.