Graduate-level training in legal studies prepares individuals for careers in compliance, regulation, and legal services. Learners can specialize in areas such as corporate law, contract law, and healthcare law. While lawyers must hold a JD degree, a master's in legal studies qualifies holders to work as arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators.
The list below ranks the most affordable online master's in legal studies programs for 2021. Prospective students can use the rankings to identify a program that fits their budget and career goals. This page also introduces common courses and scholarships for legal studies students.
Thinking of Using a Master's in Legal Studies?
What can you do with a master's in legal studies?
Master's in legal studies programs prepare students for careers as compliance officers, arbitrators, and human resources managers. Learners receive specialized legal training.
How many years is a master's degree in law?
A master's degree in law typically takes 1-2 years to earn. Master's students in the field can specialize in areas such as corporate compliance, intellectual property law, and human resources law.
Can you practice law with a master's in legal studies?
No, a master's degree in law or legal studies does not meet the requirements to practice law. Aspiring attorneys must earn a JD degree and pass the bar exam.
Can I earn a master's in law without a law degree?
Graduate students can earn a master's degree in legal studies instead of a JD degree. A legal studies master's degree provides legal training for careers that do not require a JD.
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Why Get a Degree in Legal Studies?
Students earning a master's in legal studies receive advanced training in the field. Several other personal and professional benefits often accompany a master's in legal studies, including specialization options and increased earning potential.
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Specialization
While earning a master's degree in legal studies, graduate students specialize their training. Learners take courses in an area such as conflict resolution, corporate compliance, healthcare law, or contract management. These specializations prepare students for specific legal careers.
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Flexibility
Most online legal studies programs emphasize flexibility. Many schools deliver online courses asynchronously, allowing students to arrange coursework around their work schedule and other responsibilities.
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Career Advancement
Graduate-level training can help professionals secure specialized roles in the legal field. Master's degree-holders often become compliance officers, regulatory affairs managers, and human resources managers.
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Accessibility
Online learning can make graduate studies more accessible. Degree-seekers can enroll in specialized programs in any state without relocating.
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Increase Earning Potential
Advanced education tends to correlate with higher salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a master's degree earn a median weekly salary about $250 higher than bachelor's degree-holders.
Courses in Legal Studies
Master's in legal studies programs train learners to analyze laws and regulations, apply analyses in business contexts, and draft legal documents. Master's students take courses in the U.S. legal system, federal regulations, and legal research. They also study contract law, compliance, and criminal law.
Many programs offer elective options such as human resources law, intellectual property law, and sustainability. These courses help students earning a legal studies master's degree prepare for specialized career paths. While curricula vary by program, many master's in legal studies programs include the following courses.
American Legal System
Students in this class learn about the American legal system, including the relationship between the government and the law. Topics include the court system, civil rights, constitutional law, and the appellate courts. The course provides foundational knowledge that prepares degree-seekers for advanced law classes.Legal Research and Writing
This course helps learners strengthen their analytical, research, and writing skills. Degree-seekers explore case laws, statutes, administrative rulings, and legal analyses. Students prepare to analyze cases and rulings, evaluate statutes, and interpret administrative rulings. Learners also develop legal-writing skills by creating opinions and case briefs. Coursework emphasizes computerized research skills and proper legal citations.Contract Law
Contract law governs public and private entities in multiple sectors. Master's students in this course explore the role of contracts in creating binding agreements. The class covers topics such as damages for breaching contracts and restitution. Graduates can use skills gained during this course to create contracts 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. Learners strengthen their analytical skills by reviewing regulations and their applications.Employment Law
Employment law regulates the hiring process and the relationship between employers and employees. This class explores the legal and regulatory context for hiring and firing employees, wage and hour laws, and workplace discrimination protections. Aspiring human resources professionals can benefit from this class.
Certifications and Licensure for Legal Studies
Graduates of master's in legal studies programs can pursue professional certification to stand out in the job market. For example, individuals pursuing compliance-related careers often earn the certified compliance and ethics professional credential. Fraud examiners and financial examiners can also benefit from specialized certifications. Most professional certifications require candidates to pass an exam.
Professionals with experience in compliance and regulations can pursue this credential. Applicants must meet work experience requirements and pass an examination. The Compliance Certification Board also sets education requirements, which candidates may fulfill through legal studies coursework. The certification remains valid for two years.
This certification demonstrates experience and academic training in fraud detection and anti-fraud activities. Applicants must hold membership with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and pass an examination on financial transactions, fraud schemes, the law, investigation, and fraud detection. Certified professionals complete 20 hours of continuing education annually.
Experienced financial examiners who possess at least three credits of management training can obtain this credential. Candidates also need at least three years of experience in insurance department examination. Candidates must pass a four-part examination on enterprise risk management, financial analysis, and examination methods. Certified professionals complete continuing education credits to qualify for renewal every three years.
Scholarships for Legal Studies Students
Students pursuing a legal studies degree can qualify for several scholarship opportunities. Professional associations, private foundations, and specialized organizations award scholarships to support legal studies degree-seekers. In addition to scholarships reserved for students earning a master's degree in legal studies, learners can apply for general awards based on their state and background.
Scholarships for Legal Studies Students
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship |
$15,000 |
Graduate students pursuing a degree related to wilderness or conservation, including a related master's in legal studies degree, can qualify for this scholarship. Applicants must attend an accredited institution and demonstrate a strong academic record. Amount: $15,000 |
AALL Scholarship |
Varies |
The American Association of Law Libraries awards this scholarship to prospective law librarians and library school graduates pursuing a law-related degree. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and AALL members receive preference. |
John R. Johnson Memorial Scholarship |
Varies |
LexisNexis offers this scholarship in honor of former director of the law library section John R. Johnson. The award supports learners attending accredited law schools. Applicants must aspire to a career in the legal information field. |
Most Affordable Online Master's in Legal Studies Programs
#1 Online Master’s In Legal Studies
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida State University enrolls students in an online legal studies program. The university reports that 16,496 students take online classes. The school's online offerings include a juris master program. The accredited program offers a rigorous course of study valued by employers. The program builds advanced knowledge and skills for careers. The school maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 21-to-1, which gives learners one-on-one attention from instructors.
Prospective students can learn more about online support services at the school's website. The college charges affordable tuition rates and offers financial aid. This makes the program an affordable option for graduate students on a budget. Degree-seekers can expect a graduation rate of 83% at the school.
Florida State University Facts:
Total Online Enrollment: 19,802
Number of Online Master’s Programs: 13
Graduate Tuition: $9,684/year in-state; $24,116/year out-of-state
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,442
Average Net Price: $12,568
Florida State University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Master’s In Legal Studies
Texas A&M University
- College Station, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Texas A&M University educates online graduate degree-seekers from its campus in College Station. Learners throughout the country can pursue an online master of legal studies from the public institution. Working professionals often maintain employment while enrolled in the flexible program.
Faculty advisors help graduate students customize their academic experience and explore issues facing professionals in the field. The legal studies program features a rigorous curriculum that helps enrollees develop transferable skills and specialized knowledge. Along with foundational knowledge, program coursework helps students gain industry-specific analytical and leadership skills.
The school charges online learners affordable tuition rates and offers institutional funding for eligible applicants. The institution's financial aid counselors support graduate degree-seekers as they search for funding options. Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates.
Texas A&M University Numbers:
Online Master's Programs: 121
Total Online Programs: 57
Number of Online Students: 9,451
Graduate Tuition In-State: $6,677
Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $18,700
Grants Transfer Credits: No
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Online Master’s In Legal Studies
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Scottsdale, Arizona State University offers in-person and online graduate programs. The public institution delivers online programs, including master's-level options, that are ideal for busy learners. The school's flexible master of legal studies program helps students earn an affordable degree.
Master's students take core classes to gain foundational knowledge in the legal field. The curriculum also features advanced coursework and elective options. Faculty mentorship, experiential learning opportunities, and electives help graduate students individualize the program.
After finishing the program, master's degree-holders often qualify for raises and promotions. Master's students and alumni can work with faculty advisors and career counselors.
Degree-seekers with financial need can fund their education through federal grants and loans. Learners may qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and employer-sponsored tuition plans. At the school, 86% of students obtain financial aid to pay for their degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Online Master’s In Legal Studies
University of Illinois at Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master's programs at the University of Illinois at Springfield help professionals advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. Students learn from experts during the legal studies master's program, which uses a rigorous curriculum. The curriculum consists of video lectures, assignments, and class discussions. In the online program, master's students earn their degree in about two years. Students can also consider part-time enrollment to complete the degree.
Since the institution is accredited, it can issue federal financial aid. In addition to this online legal studies program, the University of Illinois at Springfield offers 11 other master's degrees.
University of Illinois at Springfield Facts:
Total Online Enrollment: 3,006
Online Master's Programs: 12
Grad School Tuition: $8,270 in-state; $15,240 out-of-state
Average Per-Student Aid : $12,821
Average Price With Financial Aid: $11,534
The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Online Master’s In Legal Studies
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Regent University is a leader in distance learning. This institution offers online and on-campus graduate degree options, including an MA in law. Video lectures, assignments, and class discussions cover advanced topics in law. Students enrolled full time complete their master's degree within two years. The program may offer part-time enrollment for students who require more time to graduate.
To fund their degree, 99% of students at the school obtain financial aid and 72% take out loans. In addition to this online law program, Regent University offers 36 other master's degrees.
Regent University Numbers:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,507
Online Master's Degrees: 37
Tuition for Graduate Students: $15,552 in-state and out-of-state
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Online Master’s In Legal Studies
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California educates graduate degree-seekers through in-person and flexible online programs. The private institution delivers an online master of studies in law, which is ideal for busy learners. Designed with working students in mind, the affordable, accessible MSL program prepares graduates for decision-making roles in the legal field.
Faculty advisors provide graduate students with professional advice and insights into the legal field. The MSL program features a rigorous curriculum that helps enrollees develop transferable skills and specialized knowledge. Master's students develop analytical and leadership skills they can apply to positions in the industry.
Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates, making graduate studies more accessible. Degree-seekers can discuss funding options, including grants and fellowships, with qualified financial aid counselors.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Online Master's Programs: 199
Total Online Programs: 76
Number of Online Students: 8,203
Fee Per Credit: $1,948
Graduate Tuition In-State: $46,272
Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $46,272
Transfer Credits Accepted: No
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#7 Online Master’s In Legal Studies
Samford University
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Samford University, a private institution located in Birmingham, Alabama, offers online undergraduate and graduate programs. The school has a total of eight online master's programs.
The institution's online master of studies in law provides a flexible option for degree-seekers interested in the legal field. Learners currently employed in the field often qualify for career advancement after graduation. The school provides support services, such as academic advising and career counseling, to support master's students' overall success.
Online enrollees benefit from affordable tuition rates and can apply for institutional funding to further reduce their financial burden. The institution holds accreditation, which means students can submit the FAFSA to receive federal grants and loans. Learners who need additional funding can secure private scholarships and institutional fellowships.
Samford University at a Glance:
Students Receiving Aid: 100%
Students Receiving Loans: 32%
Total Master's Programs: 33
Total Online Master's Programs: 33
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Online Master’s In Legal Studies
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, WV
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
West Virginia University, a leader in online learning, offers a comprehensive catalog of programs. This school delivers online and on-campus master's degree options, including an MLS in legal studies program. Test scores may strengthen students’ applications. Like on-campus students, distance learners work with advisors, IT support professionals, and other support staff. Distance learners communicate with faculty and peers in a virtual learning environment.
Graduate students can use financial aid such as loans and scholarships to cover tuition expenses. In addition to the online MLS program, West Virginia University offers 17 other master's degrees.
West Virginia University Numbers:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,196
Online Master's Program Count: 18
Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,134 in-state; $26,154 out-of-state
Average Aid Per Learner: $9,245
Average Price With Financial Aid: $12,743
West Virginia University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Online Master’s In Legal Studies
Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Wake Forest University delivers online and in-person graduate programs from its Winston-Salem campus. Learners located anywhere in the country can enroll in an online master of studies in law from the private institution. After earning the master's degree in law, graduates can apply for new positions in the legal field or advance their current career.
In the law program, faculty advisors work closely with graduate students. Enrollees pursuing the master's degree complete a rigorous curriculum that fosters field-specific knowledge and transferable skills. Coursework emphasizes industry-specific analytical and leadership skills.
Affordable tuition rates and institutional funding make pursuing graduate studies easier for many learners. Financial aid counselors help degree-seekers understand funding options and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. The school charges online learners affordable tuition rates.
Wake Forest University Numbers:
Online Master's Programs: 34
Total Online Programs: 4
Number of Online Students: 579
Average Per-Credit Fee: $1,510
Graduate Tuition In-State: $38,650
Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $38,650
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
7%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Online Master’s In Legal Studies
Washington University in St. Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers can pursue Washington University in St. Louis's programs online or in person. Learners in a variety of fields can earn online graduate degrees from the school. Graduates of the institution's online master of legal studies program can pursue a variety of positions in the legal field.
The legal studies master's program combines rigorous, graduate-level courses with strong faculty and career advising. The online law program's flexible scheduling options can make it easier for busy learners to complete degree requirements. Master's degree-seekers usually earn their degree in law after 1-2 years of full-time study.
The institution holds accreditation, which means students can submit the FAFSA and determine whether they qualify for federal financial aid. Of the student population, 17% take out loans. Additionally, the institution reports that 51% of learners help pay for their degree using financial aid.
Washington University in St. Louis Facts:
Total Programs: 291
Number of Online Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 86
Number of Online Students: 937
Average Per-Credit Price: $2,556
Religious Affiliation: Non-affiliated
Transfer Credits Permitted: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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