Master of Legal Studies, MLS (For Non-Lawyers)

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a part-time, online program for non-lawyers. Because law touches so many industries, individuals seeking management roles or career advancement can benefit greatly from a legal education. In today’s increasingly complex regulatory environment, non-lawyer professionals across various industries need legal knowledge to achieve career success.

The MLS program serves students who work in a highly regulated industry, want to be more comfortable with legal aspects of their job or want to communicate effectively with lawyers. Likewise, students who want to represent athletes as a sports agent, or who want to advance their criminal justice career will benefit from an MLS degree.

The online Master of Legal Studies will help students understand the legal system, improve their negotiation and communication skills and enhance their ability to navigate complex regulatory issues. This program focuses on relevant skills that are needed for high-level positions that deal with legal issues.

Admission Criteria

MLS applicants must have graduated from an accredited undergraduate institution. No standardized tests are required for admission to the MLS program. An applicant’s undergraduate grades will be considered in determining admission, as well as the quality of their personal statement and recommendations. Because the MLS program is a professional degree, an applicant’s work history is also an important component for admission into the program.

Application Procedure

Applicants must provide the following: 1) official undergraduate transcript/s; 2) a personal statement, 3) two letters of recommendation, 4) a reference and 5) the application fee (if applicable). Students can apply for admission to the program starting in the Fall and Spring terms, and they are admitted on a rolling basis. 

Degree Requirements

1. Students in the MLS program may begin their studies in the fall or spring terms. In addition, they must participate in an online orientation program held before the start of classes.
2. Students pursuing the MLS degree must complete a total of 30 credit hours. All MLS students must take the following 4 Core courses: American Law and Regulation, Contracts, Litigation and Discovery and Capstone. Capstone must be completed during a student’s last two terms in the MLS program. Additionally, all MLS students must take at least one of the following Foundational courses: Negotiation and Effective Communication and Business Association. Students may select their remaining courses from the options offered. 
3. MLS students may choose a General degree path, or they may chose from one of the following Concentrations: Business, Compliance, Sports, Human Resources and Employment and Criminal Justice.

The Dedman School of Law awards the MLS degree to those students who complete their coursework with an average grade in all courses equivalent to a grade B, or 3.00. A student will not receive credit for a course or seminar in which their grade is below a C-. Students for whom English is a second language are allowed additional time to complete written examinations.