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### Top Online Master of Legal Studies Programs for 2024

Wouldn’t it be pleasant to acquire some valuable legal knowledge without the hefty investment of a six-figure sum for a law degree? For individuals outside the legal profession who believe that legal insights could benefit their careers, we present the upcoming release of the latest Princeton Review rankings focusing on a unique category tailored for non-lawyers.

The forthcoming Princeton Review rankings highlight law schools offering top-notch online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) or Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programs designed specifically for non-lawyers who seek to leverage legal training in their current roles. Here are the program details, courtesy of the Princeton Review:

Numerous law schools now provide online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) or Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programs tailored for non-lawyers whose professional growth could be enhanced by legal education, even if they are not practicing attorneys. Unlike the Juris Doctor (JD) degree, most MLS programs do not mandate the LSAT or GRE exams, often rendering them optional. These programs typically delve into fundamental legal processes such as contracts, civil procedures, and legal analysis, exploring diverse subjects like administrative law, property law, technology, and health law.

The potential specializations with a master’s in law encompass business, health care compliance, technology, cybersecurity, taxation, and U.S. legislation. Online programs offer a blend of flexibility, affordability, access to cutting-edge technologies, a student cohort representing various career backgrounds, and global learning opportunities. For professionals in fields related to law, including health care, consulting, human resources, finance, research, nonprofit management, or government, pursuing an MLS can be a valuable choice with broad applicability across multiple professions.

Here is a list of the law schools offering online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) or Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programs, arranged alphabetically:

  • Albany Law School – Master of Science in Legal Studies
  • American University – Washington College of Law – Online Master of Legal Studies
  • Arizona State University – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law – Online Master of Legal Studies
  • Cleveland State University – Cleveland-Marshall College of Law – Online Master of Legal Studies
  • Cornell University – Cornell Law School – Online Master of Legal Studies
  • Drexel University – Thomas L. Kline School of Law – Master of Legal Studies Program
  • Fordham University – School of Law – Online Master of Studies in Law in Corporate Compliance
  • Hamline University – College of Liberal Arts – Master in the Study of Law
  • Hofstra University – Maurice A. Deane School of Law – Online Master of Arts in Legal Studies
  • Loyola Marymount University – Loyola Law School – Online Master of Tax Law
  • New York University – School of Law – Master of Studies in Law
  • Northeastern University – School of Law – Master of Legal Studies
  • Northwestern University – Pritzker School of Law – Online Master of Science in Law
  • Nova Southeastern University – Shepard Broad College of Law – Master of Science in Law
  • Pepperdine University – Caruso School of Law – Master of Legal Studies
  • Regent University – School of Law – Master of Arts in Law
  • Samford University – Cumberland School of Law – Master of Studies in Law
  • Seattle University – School of Law – Master of Legal Studies in Compliance and Risk Management
  • Seton Hall University – School of Law – Online Master of Legal Studies
  • Texas A&M University – School of Law – Master of Legal Studies & Master of Legal Studies in Intellectual Property
  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law – Master of Science in Law
  • University of Arizona – James E. Rogers College of Law – Online Master of Legal Studies
  • University of Denver – Sturm College of Law – Master of Science in Legal Administration
  • University of Maryland – Francis King Carey School of Law – Master of Science in Law
  • University of New Hampshire – Franklin Pierce School of Law – Master’s Degree Programs
  • University of Oklahoma – College of Law – Master of Legal Studies
  • University of Southern California – Gould School of Law – Master of Studies in Law
  • University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law – Online Master of Science in Law
  • Vermont Law School – Master’s Degree Programs
  • Wake Forest University – School of Law – Master of Studies in Law
  • Washington University – School of Law – Master of Legal Studies
  • Wayne State University – Master of Studies in Law
  • Western New England University – School of Law – Online Master of Science in Law

It is important to note that this compilation is not a hierarchical ranking but rather an alphabetical listing of available programs. This consolidated resource aims to assist individuals considering an MSL program by providing a comprehensive overview in one convenient location—ideal for busy professionals seeking efficient access to relevant information.

Stay tuned for the unveiling of the 2024 Princeton Review Best Law Schools ranking, expected to be revealed soon.

[Princeton Review]


Tiffany is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she has been a part of the team since 2011. She welcomes your feedback, tips, questions, and comments. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter.