Students who complete a master’s degree in legal studies will learn more about the fields of law and business and the connections between the two, and a postgraduate diploma may help students earn senior-level positions that require their specialized legal knowledge. For example, graduates could choose a job as a compliance officer, = with a median annual wage of $71,690.
These online master’s programs typically require 30-60 credit hours, and full-time students can generally complete all coursework within two years (some accelerated programs even confer a degree within one year). According to U.S. News & World Report, the cost of this graduate degree ranges from $15,000 to $38,000, meaning that it may be either cheaper or more expensive than an undergraduate degree, the average cost of which is $26,000.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Legal Studies Program
Choose your area of study
Most online master’s in legal studies programs have different areas of study in which students may choose to specialize. These areas of study include alternative dispute resolution, intellectual property, law and economics, compliance and legal risk management, and more.
Because most students in these programs have some experience working in the legal field, they may have ideas for what they wish to do with their careers after obtaining this advanced degree. By choosing a specialization specifically designed to prepare them for a particular future career, students can select a program that will help them thrive in their chosen field.
Research schools and programs
There are many different online master’s in legal studies programs available, so students need to decide on how they will narrow down this extensive list to a few prospective schools.
An essential factor to consider is accreditation: degrees from unaccredited schools may not be honored by reputable employers, and students won’t be able to get federal financial aid. Additionally, students should consider cost, as choosing a school within their budget can help graduates avoid accumulating significant student debt.
Finally, it is advisable to find online programs that offer education on a schedule that coordinates with your learning preferences and makes sense with any outside responsibilities you may have. Synchronous learning allows you to connect better with your instructors and fellow students. In contrast, asynchronous learning lets you study at your own pace and gives you maximum flexibility, making taking classes easier and balancing school, work, and home life easier.
Prepare for tests and applications
Students need to carefully review the application requirements for any online master’s in legal studies programs they decide to apply to. These requirements will specify whether students need to submit GRE or GMAT scores; if so, students will need to take time to study (up to three months) and time to receive results (up to 20 days) into account when considering application deadlines.
Additionally, the application should specify what other materials students may need to submit, including a cover letter, application essays, undergraduate transcripts, and letters of recommendation. As with the test scores, students should give thems themselves enough time to gather all documents well ahead of the application deadline.
If you are unsure of any of the information you find on a school’s website or have additional clarifying questions, be sure to contact the school’s admissions office and speak with a representative.
Select your program
With the list of prospective schools picked out, students must narrow everything down further to determine which online program(s) for a master’s in legal studies they will be applying to.
At this point, cost should be one of the primary considerations: if two schools seem equally strong academically, but one is more affordable than the other, it’s wise to choose to reduce or avoid student debt. Students may also wish to contact the different schools’ admissions departments and inquire about the job placement rate for graduates, as this can help them pick schools that best support a future career. Finally, students may wish to focus on schools that offer a robust support system for online learners, as this improves the chances of academic success by allowing students access to help when needed.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
The most reliable way to obtain student financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online each academic year. Filling out the form will qualify students for federal student loans, and the FAFSA may be a prerequisite to specific scholarships and grants. Institutional aid is harder for graduate students to get, but it’s always worth calling a school’s financial aid office to ask. In some cases, the school may be able to point students in the direction of other financial aid available through the state or through the university that most students don’t know about.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Legal Studies Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
Most of the programs on our list grant a Master of Legal Studies (MLS), although some programs offer a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS). The different degree types have their own approaches, so look carefully at their curricula to determine which is right for you.
We only ranked programs offered at regionally accredited institutions to ensure quality and flexibility. Additionally, some of the programs on the list are approved by the American Bar Association.
Our list includes programs offered online, on-campus, or as hybrid plans of study.
Once we narrowed our list of programs, we evaluated them on their reputation, course strength, cost, faculty, and flexibility. We then calculated the Intelligent Score for each on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Legal Studies Program?
When taking an online master’s in legal studies class, students can expect classes that extensively explore legal and business matters. While the courses are not designed to help graduates become lawyers, they offer a wealth of legal information that can be very useful for those hoping to work in specialized fields (like becoming the compliance officer for a business) or those wishing to pursue their own entrepreneurial goals. Regardless of the exact area of study chosen, students can expect coursework that focuses on topics such as contracts, intellectual property, laws and legal procedures, and legal research and writing.
Most of these online graduate programs for legal studies have been designed to be completed within two years by full-time students, and accelerated programs may allow students to graduate in only one year. In most cases, these programs are fully remote and do not require students to complete any on-campus requirements, but it is always worth asking to be sure.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in legal studies degree program
- US Law and Legal Analysis: This course is a beginner-friendly introduction to the United States legal system. Coursework focuses on teaching about the different kinds of legal reasoning and how it is used to determine court cases. Overall, the course is a mix of legal theory and application.
- Criminal Law: Students will learn about burden proof — how it was first established, how it has changed, and how it must now be met. Additionally, students will learn more about the principles of punishment that guide the country’s legal decisions.
- Intellectual Property: This course focuses on all aspects of intellectual property, and the subject matter is more relevant now than ever because so many people view themselves as “content creators.” In the class, students will learn all about copyrights, trademarks, and patents, as well as, the concepts linking these legal concepts together.
- Tort Law: This course closely examines tort law, one of the most important legal fields governing day-to-day business. Students will learn how these laws serve as an essential shield for property and other interests that may constantly be threatened by physical and other forms of harm.
Online Master’s in Legal Studies Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in legal studies degree program?
To apply to an online program for a master’s degree in legal studies, students must navigate the university website and find either a direct link to the application or a link to a third-party application portal. The application page will specify additional documentation students must submit along with the application, likely including GRE or GMAT scores, undergraduate transcripts, application essays, and letters of recommendation.
Students who still have questions about application requirements or just want to verify an application is complete should contact the admissions department for the school in question.
How much does an online master's in legal studies degree program cost?
According to U.S. News & World Report, the cost of an online master’s in legal studies degree ranges from $15,000 to $38,000. There is an extensive cost range because some schools (particularly elite private schools) will always be more expensive than others (like public schools). Additionally, the number of credit hours required may affect the cost, as will expenses for books, technological requirements for online learning, and other fees.
In all cases, the online degree is generally cheaper than an in-person degree from the same institution because the student doesn’t have to pay for things like parking passes, campus student fees, or the cost of relocating to a college town.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in legal studies degree?
Generally, an online master’s in legal studies program can be completed in two years by full-time students.
Those who enroll in an accelerated program can complete coursework in as little as one year. Most universities offer flexible scheduling for these degree programs, and this can be very beneficial for part-time students who are balancing school with other responsibilities, such as a job and a family. Ultimately, students need to pick a program and program schedule that best suits their needs and positions them for academic success.