Edited By Christine Skopec
Review & Contribution By Dr. Julia Carter
Broaden your horizons with a Master’s in Legal Studies Online. Explore legal concepts, policy analysis, and research, perfect for diverse career paths.
A master’s in legal studies online is designed for students who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of legal concepts and principles, without pursuing a career as a practicing attorney. This degree covers various aspects of law, such as policy analysis, legal research, and theory, and is suitable for individuals who wish to gain legal knowledge but want to pursue diverse career paths in areas such as public administration, healthcare, business, and non-profit organizations. Graduates of online master’s in legal studies programs will acquire versatile skills that apply to multiple industries, providing opportunities for success in various sectors beyond traditional legal practice.
Table Of Contents
Featured Online Programs
www.findbestdegrees.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Find Best Degree
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
www.findbestdegrees.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
National University
PROGRAM: Find Best Degree
National University, headquartered in San Diego, California, was founded in 1971 to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and working professionals. It offers over 190 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with flexible online and on-campus courses. Serving around 40,000 students and over 240,000 alumni, the university is recognized for its support of U.S. military members. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University is committed to accessible and transformative higher education.
Find the Best Master’s in Legal Studies Online Programs
Choosing the right master’s program in legal studies is crucial for students as it can provide them with numerous opportunities within the field. When evaluating different programs, students should carefully consider various factors such as the depth of the curriculum, faculty expertise, research prospects, program costs, availability of scholarships, and other relevant aspects. Our FBD teams have conducted comprehensive assessments of colleges and degree programs nationwide, using a proprietary methodology to identify institutions that offer top-tier master’s degrees in legal studies.
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Texas A & M University | 1246 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,885 | 84% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online Master’s Degree in Legal Studies
An online master’s degree in legal studies provides a comprehensive knowledge of legal theories, principles, and practices. Through the curriculum of this program, students learn about different topics like criminal law, contract law, constitutional law, administrative law, and more. The program ranges from 30-45 credits, which can be finished over two years on average. It helps students develop strong research skills to analyze legal issues, case laws, and statutes effectively. Most colleges offering this program offer online, offline, and hybrid learning modes. Many curriculums include a capstone that allows graduates in their final semester to engage with challenges relevant to their field of interest within legal studies. After completing the degree, graduates can pursue professional roles in risk management, government relations, human resources, compliance, non-profit organizations, consulting, and more.
Curriculum and Coursework
A master’s legal studies online takes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating components from related domains such as sociology, ethics, public policy, and political science. The curriculum enhances students’ writing skills to draft legal documents, memos, briefs, and other forms of professional legal communications.
Most students are expected to complete a seminar or capstone project that serves as the program’s culmination. It could involve a thesis, independent research, and a comprehensive examination of particular legal challenges. The curriculum of a master’s in legal studies can vary from institution to institution and the unique concentration individuals take up. However, some standard courses that individuals find across coursework include
Legal Research and Writing
This course equips students with the necessary skills to conduct legal research and efficiently communicate their findings in writing. They learn to navigate various legal research databases like Westlaw, LexisNexis, or other legal sources. They also understand how to use search filters, terms, and other advanced techniques to locate regulations, secondary legal materials, case laws, and more.
Legal Theory
This legal theory course helps students focus on the nature of laws and their specific purposes. They also explore fundamental principles about the sources of legal authority, the role of law in society, the nature of laws, and more. This course also helps students learn about conceptual frameworks and understand various laws and their relationship to social order, morality, and justice. They explore Natural Law Theory, Legal Positivism, Legal Realism, etc.
Constitutional Law
This course focuses on legal rights, principles, and structures governing citizens’ and government relationships. Students learn to analyze constitutional provisions, legal doctrines, and court decisions to determine government actions and the constitutionality of laws. Some critical aspects of constitutional law courses include learning about constitutional interpretation, separation of powers, fundamental rights, judicial review, etc.
Contract Law
This course helps students learn about the rules and principles determining the interpretation, performance, and formation of enforcing contracts. It addresses the requirements of valid contracts involving elements of acceptance, offer, intention to create legal relations, the legal capacity of the parties, and consideration.
Administrative Law
This course helps students govern the operations and activities of administrative organizations and the relationship between the general public and agencies. They learn about agencies, such as commissions, boards, and regulatory bodies responsible for administering and overseeing different industries and sectors.
Some other standard courses that students can find across different degrees include
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Private Law
- Public Law
- Business Law and Non-Lawyers
- Legal Communication and Analysis
- American Dispute Resolution System
- Entertainment and Media Law
- Advanced communication
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Appellate Advocacy
- Business Associations
- Civil Litigation-Pretrial Phase
- Civil Procedure
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
A legal studies online master’s degree helps students understand the foundations of U.S. laws and principles, gain solid legal analysis skills, apply legal authority to facts, write documents in U.S. format and appropriate citations, perform efficient legal research, etc. After graduating, they will be prepared to work in various fields, from criminal justice to data privacy professionals.
By the time students graduate from this program, they will gain the necessary skills, including the ability to:
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of legal concepts, theories, and principles across different areas of law.
- Demonstrate knowledge of contract law, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, and other necessary legal subjects.
- Locate and evaluate primary and secondary legal sources.
- Analyze legal issues, apply legal principles, and efficiently communicate research in oral and written formats.
- Understand the ethical obligations of legal occupations, including challenges of conflicts of interest, maintaining professional integrity, and confidentiality.
- Analyze complex legal challenges, develop logical and persuasive arguments, and evaluate ideas.
- Refine legal writing and communication skills and draft clear, persuasive, and concise legal documents.
- Understand the delegation of authority by the legislature to enforce and implement specific regulations and laws.
- Understand the powers that government action and laws hold in alignment with protecting individual and constitutional rights.
Types of Master’s Degrees Legal Studies Students Can Obtain
An online master’s in legal studies degree helps students enhance career prospects in industries requiring legal expertise. This program teaches students to analyze complex legal challenges, develop persuasive and logical arguments, and evaluate ideas. While the specific degrees may vary among colleges, some common types of Master’s degrees in Legal Studies across the United States include a Master of Laws or LLM and a Master of Legal Studies or MLS.
Master of Laws or LLM
A Master of Laws or LLM helps professionals with a law degree, like a Juris Doctor or its equivalent, to deepen their knowledge in specific domains of law. Individuals learn about international, property, environmental, human rights, and corporate law.
Master of Legal Studies or MLS
A Master of Legal Studies or MLS helps students understand legal principles and their application to various professions or industries. Students also gain comprehensive knowledge of the law, which allows them to specialize in compliance, healthcare, business, or intellectual property law.
Areas of Specialization for Legal Studies Students
A specialization provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills tailored to specific legal fields. This focused expertise enhances students’ employability and career prospects, enabling them to confidently and competently pursue roles in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.Some specializations students with a master’s degree in legal studies online can take up include:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Employment & Human Resources Law | This specialization focuses on labor laws, workplace regulations, and employee relations. Students explore areas such as discrimination, wage and hour laws, and employment contracts. This specialization equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex legal issues within organizational settings. | • Labor Relations Specialist • Union Organizer • Labor Compliance Officer • Labor Policy Analyst |
| Business Law | This specialization explores commercial transactions, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. Students explore topics such as contracts, intellectual property rights, and mergers and acquisitions. This specialization equips graduates with the expertise to navigate legal challenges in corporate environments and provides a foundation for careers in business law. | • Corporate Lawyer • Compliance Officer • Legal Consultant • Business Risk Analyst |
| Law office management | This specialization teaches ethical considerations in conflicts of interest, law office management, client trust accounts, and confidentiality. Students also understand different financial management principles. | • Law Office Administrator • Law Firm Administrator • Legal Department Manager • Legal Practice Consultant |
| Contract Law | This specialization focuses on forming, interpreting, and enforcing legal agreements. Students examine principles governing contracts, including offer and acceptance, consideration, and breach of contract. This specialization prepares graduates to analyze complex contractual issues and negotiate favorable terms in various legal contexts, from business transactions to civil disputes. | • Paralegal • Legal Assistant • Contract Administrator • Contract Specialist |
| Corporate Law | This specialization explores the legal framework governing corporations and business entities. Students delve into topics such as corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities regulation. This specialization equips graduates with the expertise to advise businesses on compliance, transactions, and strategic decision-making, playing a vital role in corporate legal affairs. | • Legal Consultant • Corporate Attorney • In-house Counsel • Compliance Officer |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
The timeline to complete master’s in legal studies online programs can depend on various factors, including the structure of the program, individual circumstances, and courseload. However, studying full-time generally takes around two years to finish the curriculum. Part-time options may be available in some schools that extend the duration of the degree. Completion of the core coursework can take around two to three semesters, including students attending lectures, completing assignments, participating in discussions, taking exams, and more. Some master’s degrees require students to complete a thesis, comprehensive examination, or capstone project; the duration of this stage can differ according to the program requirements.
Accelerated Legal Studies Programs
Accelerated legal studies degrees are designed to provide a comprehensive curriculum for students to earn their legal degrees faster than traditional programs. Such programs are typically intensive and require a significant amount of time commitment, and the exact length of the degree can vary, but it can typically be one year. Students can take courses during the summer or online classes to finish such programs. Some colleges that provide an accelerated master’s in legal studies online include:
Requirements for Getting into a Master’s in Legal Studies Online Program
The requirements for getting into a Master’s in Legal Studies can vary from college to college. However, there are some standard online master’s in legal studies admission requirements, including:
- Application form and fee
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited organization with a background in law, social science, or related domains
- Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 or more is typically required
- Personal statement explaining reasons to pursue a master in legal studies
- Two to three Letters of Recommendation from individuals who can attest to academic abilities and work ethics
- Resume
- Standardized test scores, like the GRE
- Writing sample demonstrating the ability to analyze legal challenges, conduct research, and effectively communicate in writing
No GRE Master’s in Legal Studies Online Programs
Most Master’s in legal studies degrees require candidates to submit Graduate Record Examinations or GRE scores as part of their application process. However, many programs do not have a GRE requirement. The decision to waive the GRE score depends on the program and institution individuals apply. Some graduate programs prioritize professional experiences, letters of recommendation, academic backgrounds, personal statements, and other application materials to decide the GRE score. Here are Some colleges providing a master’s in legal studies online no GRE:
How to Ensure a Master’s in Legal Studies Online Program Is Accredited
Accreditation ensures the quality and credibility of academic programs. When considering a Master’s in Legal Studies, students should research universities with proper accreditation. This ensures the program meets established standards and enhances the degree’s value. Thorough research into accredited institutions helps students make informed decisions about their education and future career prospects. Generally, some law schools in the United States provide a master’s program accredited by the American Bar Association[5]. However, most universities offering accredited master’s in legal studies online are accredited by regional organizations.
Universities can also be accredited nationally or by one of six regional accrediting agencies:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Legal Studies Master’s Students
Students pursuing a Master’s in Legal Studies can access free online courses to complement their studies. While these courses offer valuable knowledge and insights, it’s important to note they’re typically not accredited. However, they provide flexibility and convenience, allowing students to explore various legal topics at their own pace. Additionally, they can serve as useful resources for research and professional development. Some free legal studies courses that master’s students can pursue include:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Justice[6] | This free course helps students better understand philosophy underlining modern challenges like same-sex marriage, equality, and affirmative action. Students learn to evaluate philosophical arguments and articulate philosophical questions. | Harvard University |
| A Law Student’s Toolkit [7] | This course helps students learn about the interactions between academic and law disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, and economics. It also provides fundamental frameworks for legal procedure and analysis. Some tools students need the most in law school are also discussed throughout the course. | Coursera |
| Civil Liberties[8] | In this course, students learn the historical foundations of civil liberties and rights in the United States. They also learn to critically analyze controversial civil liberties and rights claims and understand and respect those with differing perspectives. They study discussions by thinkers like John Stuart Mill, Martin Luther King Jr, etc. | edX |
Ways to Pay for a Master’s in Legal Studies Online
As tuition costs continue to rise and student debt increases, it’s becoming more important to find ways to pay for a master’s in legal studies online. Scholarships, grants, and federal loans can provide financial support to help alleviate the high expenses. However, meeting the requirements of donors or lenders is crucial to be eligible. Exploring these options can help ease the financial burden of pursuing advanced education in legal studies, especially as educational costs continue to escalate. Here is a brief on how students can fund their legal studies programs:
Scholarships are financial awards granted to students based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. They are designed to assist students in paying for tuition, fees, and sometimes even living expenses, easing the financial burden of higher education. Universities, organizations, or government entities can offer scholarships, allowing students to pursue their educational goals.
Grants offer financial aid to cover various educational expenses such as tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. These grants are accessible through government entities, private institutions, and nonprofit organizations. They are awarded based on criteria such as financial need, academic performance, or specific program requirements. By availing themselves of grants, students can pursue their educational aspirations without being burdened by accumulating debt.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are a great opportunity for students to receive financial support and gain practical experience in their field of study. Typically provided by universities, these positions involve assisting professors with research, teaching, or administrative tasks. In exchange, students receive a stipend and may be eligible for benefits such as tuition waivers or other perks. This opportunity allows students to gain practical skills while alleviating some of the financial burdens of their education.
FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form completed annually by students seeking financial assistance for higher education. It determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs based on income and other factors.
Scholarships for Master’s in Legal Studies Online Degree Students
Scholarships are a type of financial aid that does not require repayment. Many organizations offer them, including the government, trade associations, law firms, and universities. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and, sometimes, the applicant’s background. These awards help alleviate financial pressures and enable deserving students to pursue higher education, promoting academic excellence and career advancement in legal studies. Here are a few online master’s in legal studies scholarships students can explore:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nofer Scholarship [9] | This scholarship is for full-time master’s students attending accredited law schools with moderately severe to profound pre-lingual bilateral hearing loss. Three awards are awarded annually to those aiming to further the field of law, policy, or public administration. | $5,000 | Varies |
| Education Accessibility Scholarship [10] | This scholarship is awarded to deserving candidates who produce an excellent essay stipulating how their local and national governments can do more to improve the public education system. Applicants should be studying at an accredited college and intend to finish either a four—or two-year program at the graduate, undergraduate, or other levels. | $1,000 | December annually |
| Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Law School Diversity Scholarship [11] | This scholarship is provided by the Buckfire Law Scholarship committee to help law students who need financial assistance achieve their professional and academic dreams. Applicants must be members of a racial, ethnic, or other minority and demonstrate a commitment to diversity challenges within their communities. | $2,000 | October annually |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating
An online master’s degree in legal studies can lead to diverse careers in legal domains and related industries. While some jobs need additional academic requirements like a doctorate and so on. However, typically master’s program is enough for graduates to gain high-paying managerial roles. Some standard career options for graduates with legal studies degrees include
- Paralegal
- Mediator or Arbitrator
- Legal Researcher
- Legal Editor or Writer
- Legal Consultant
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Administrator
- Insurance Claims Adjuster
- Government or Nonprofit roles
- Court Clerk
- Compliance Officer
Some of these job roles are elaborated below:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators[12] | Critical thinking, decision-making, interpersonal, listening, reading, and writing skills. | $64,030 | 5% (Faster than average) | Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators interview claimants, witnesses, or agents to obtain information about disputed challenges. These professionals also prepare settlement agreements for different disputants to sign. |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants[13] | Communication, computer, interpersonal, organizational, and research skills. | $59,200 | 4% (As fast as average) | Paralegals and Legal Assistants write and summarize reports to aid lawyers or professionals in trial preparation. They gather and organize evidence and legal information for case presentations or attorney review. Additionally, they draft legal documents and correspondence, including mortgages and contracts. |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants[14] | Decision-making, interpersonal, organizational, and writing skills. | $44,080 | -10% (Decline) | These professionals typically need to arrange staff meetings, prepare memos and invoices, edit documents, maintain databases and fill systems, and perform basic bookkeeping. They must negotiate with vendors, manage stockrooms or corporate libraries, and buy supplies. |
| Property Appraisers and Assessors[15] | Analytical, customer-service, math, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills. | $61,560 | 5% (Faster than average) | Property Appraisers and Assessors generally analyze comparable or similar properties or items to understand their values. These professionals prepare written reports of property values and maintain the necessary data on tangible or real estate property. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Master’s Students in Legal Studies
Certifications for online Master’s students in Legal Studies validate practical and theoretical knowledge, bolstering professional experience. Though formal licensing in legal studies professions is uncommon in the United States, certifications can still demonstrate expertise in a particular area. While a certification alone may not guarantee employment, it can significantly enhance job prospects and potential compensation. Therefore, researching employers’ credential requirements is crucial for career advancement. Some certifications that students of a master’s in legal studies online can take up include:
Certified Paralegal (CP) Certification[16]
The Certified Paralegal (CP) designation is given to those who pass the examination, which tests a candidate’s knowledge across different areas of paralegal or law skills. The CP certification is widely recognized within the legal industry and demonstrates a paralegal’s commitment to professionalism and competence. This certification enhances job prospects within law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and other legal settings.
Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) certification[17]
This certification demonstrates individuals’ ability to perform business communications tasks and increases their documentation skills. It measures understanding of computer terminology, office equipment, and related components. This certification also appraises their knowledge of law office protocol as determined by ethical values and codes.
Professional Legal Secretary / Certified Legal Professional[18]
The certification is granted upon successfully passing the PLS exam, which tests candidates’ knowledge in various areas relevant to legal secretaries. The exam typically covers legal terminology, procedures, research, ethics, document preparation, and communication skills. It provides access to a network of legal professionals, educational resources, and professional development opportunities.
Additional Resources for Master’s Students in Legal Studies Degree
Students pursuing a Master of Legal Studies online benefit greatly from association and social membership. Alongside faculty and university law libraries, access to legal journals, networking resources, and professional organizations adds value. These resources offer continuing education, academic research support, and preparation for certification tests, enriching the scholarly experience and facilitating professional growth. Some resources that students of a master’s degree in legal studies online can consider:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Academy of Legal Studies in Business (International) | Founded in 1924, the Academy of Legal Studies in Business (International) is a professional association for teachers and scholars in business law and legal studies outside of professional law schools. With nearly 1,000 members from various countries, it provides a platform for exchanging ideas, supporting research, and publishing top-tier journals like the American Business Law Journal and the Journal of Legal Studies Education. |
| Federal Judicial Center | The Federal Judicial Center conducts research, provides educational programs, and assists federal judges and court personnel. It also maintains a comprehensive collection of resources and publications related to federal judicial administration. |
| Integrated Database (IDB) | The Integrated Database maintains a comprehensive collection of resources and publications related to federal judicial administration. Its library and information services support research, training, and educational activities for court personnel, judges, and the public. |
| National Association of Certified Mediators | The National Association of Certified Mediators (NACM) is the world’s largest professional certification association for mediators. It supports seasoned mediators and those aspiring to enter the field by offering certification exams, training, continuing education, and industry news. NACM prioritizes improving communication within the mediation community and providing resources for industry advancement. |
| National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) | The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers membership to individuals working as paralegals or in related legal support roles and students pursuing a paralegal education. It also provides certifications, webinars, conferences, and online courses to expand academic opportunities. |
FAQs About Master’s in Legal Studies Online Programs
Why should you do a master’s in legal studies degree online?
Online master’s in legal studies programs help students access course materials and participate in classroom activities from any geographic location, allowing them to balance their studies with other commitments. Such programs are cost-effective, and students can save on expenses related to relocation or commuting.
Is it safe to pursue a master’s in legal studies degree online?
What can you do with an online master’s legal studies degree?
Is an online master’s in legal studies worth it?
How long does it take to complete a Master of Legal Studies?
Is it necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in legal studies to pursue a master’s?
Citations:
University of Illinois Springfield
American University Washington DC
A Law Student’s Toolkit-Coursera
Education Accessibility Scholarship
Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Law School Diversity Scholarship
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Property Appraisers and Assessors
Certified Paralegal (CP) certification
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.