Have you ever considered enhancing your career prospects with a Master’s of Legal Studies (MLS) degree? With the complexities and ever-changing landscape of the legal world, professionals from various industries are seeking ways to improve their legal knowledge without committing to a full law degree. In this blog post, we’ll explore the master’s of legal studies degree, its benefits, and how it can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities, regardless of your current profession.
From understanding the key components of a master’s of legal studies program to choosing the right one for your career goals, we’ll guide you through every step of the journey. By the end of this post, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the advantages of earning a master’s of legal studies degree and the diverse career paths it can lead to.
What you’re about to learn in this guide:
A Master’s of Legal Studies (MLS) is a degree designed for non-lawyers to gain legal knowledge and skills tailored to their chosen profession.
Earning an MLS provides enhanced employment opportunities, specialized knowledge in specific industries, and the ability to navigate the legal landscape of their respective fields.
MLS graduates can pursue competitive careers with salaries ranging from $40K – $73K per year on average and positive job growth prospects across multiple industries.
What is a Master’s of Legal Studies (MLS)?
The Master’s of Legal Studies (MLS) is a degree designed for non-lawyers who wish to gain legal knowledge and skills without engaging in the practice of law. This legal studies program offers an appreciation of fundamental legal principles that can be applied to a variety of professions, setting it apart from the Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is an essential step towards becoming a practicing lawyer. With the availability of legal studies online, individuals can now conveniently access and benefit from these programs.
The MLS program is ideal for professionals in fields like:
Business
Healthcare
Education
Government
For those who frequently encounter legal matters, such as criminal law and tax law, and want to navigate them with confidence.
MLS programs, also known as legal studies programs, focus on providing a solid foundation in legal concepts, principles, and procedures, with options for specialization tailored to specific industries. For instance, the MLS program at American University College of Law offers the following specializations:
General MLS
Business
Health Care Compliance
Technology
Cybersecurity
Intellectual Property Law
The program is offered fully online, with an optional in-person immersion on the Washington, D.C., campus.
Target Audience for MLS Degree
The versatility of the MLS degree makes it particularly advantageous for professionals in various realms, such as:
Business: Executives can become more familiar with legal terminology and regulations, ensuring smoother negotiations and transactions.
Healthcare: Compliance managers may develop an understanding of complex healthcare laws and regulations.
Education: Teachers and administrators can gain knowledge of policies and legal regulations.
Government: Employees can gain knowledge of policies and legal regulations.
Paralegals: Can acquire specialized legal knowledge to advance their careers.
Software engineers: May enhance their understanding of intellectual property and regulations.
Professionals from various industries can strengthen their ability to navigate the legal landscape in their respective fields with an MLS degree, contributing to the success of their organizations and advancing their own careers. Non-lawyers can gain valuable legal knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen industries through an MLS degree, making it a worthwhile investment for professionals who often encounter legal issues in their work.
Key Components of an MLS Program
An MLS program is designed to furnish a comprehensive comprehension of legal concepts, principles, and procedures, with the possibility of focusing on a particular area depending on the student’s interests and career goals. For example, the online MLS program at American University offers specializations in:
General MLS
Business
Health Care Compliance
Technology
Cybersecurity
MLS tracks entail a set of courses such as foundational, specialization, and elective. To complete the track, one has to attend the in-person immersion on the Washington, D.C. campus.
The key components of an MLS program, encompassing its curriculum and specializations, aim to equip non-lawyers with the legal knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen fields. Students can customize their education to their unique career goals by selecting the appropriate specialization, thus gaining an edge in the job market and enhancing their potential for success.
Advantages of Earning a Master’s of Legal Studies Degree
Obtaining an MLS degree can potentially provide increased employment opportunities, professional development, and in-depth understanding of certain industries. MLS graduates can excel in various career paths, such as compliance, government, and management roles, which typically demand a strong foundation in legal concepts and principles. Furthermore, MLS programs offer specializations tailored to specific industries, such as business law or health law, enabling graduates to acquire specialized knowledge that can be applied directly to their chosen fields.
The advantages of earning an MLS degree are:
Enhanced career opportunities
Specialized knowledge in specific industries
Ability to adeptly navigate the intricate legal landscape of their respective fields
Enhancing both their organizations’ success and their own career growth.
Enhanced Career Opportunities
MLS graduates are well-positioned to pursue a variety of career paths, such as:
Compliance
Government
Management roles
HR Managers or Directors
Senior Compliance Officers or Directors
Senior Contract Negotiators
Legal Analysts
Law Librarians
Chief Executives
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Business Analysts
The diverse career opportunities available for MLS graduates are a testament to the versatility and value of the degree.
An MLS degree enables professionals to adeptly navigate the complex legal landscape of their respective industries, thereby enhancing their organizations’ success and their own career progression. Specializing in a particular area of law allows MLS graduates to acquire the requisite legal knowledge and skills to thrive in their chosen fields, thereby enhancing their career prospects and opening avenues for new opportunities.
Specialized Knowledge for Specific Industries
MLS programs offer specializations tailored to specific industries, such as business law or health law, enabling graduates to acquire specialized knowledge that can be applied directly to their chosen fields. For example, the business law concentration focuses on legal issues related to corporate governance, contracts, and intellectual property, equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills required to make more effective business decisions and ensure compliance with the law.
Similarly, the health law specialization covers topics like healthcare compliance, patient rights, and medical malpractice, providing professionals in the healthcare industry with a deeper understanding of the complex laws and regulations governing their field. Professionals who pursue an MLS degree with a specialization tailored to their industry can secure a competitive edge in the job market and enhance their potential for success.
How to Choose the Right MLS Program
Choosing the right MLS program involves considering factors like accreditation, reputation, and program format. It’s essential to evaluate the program’s reputation and accreditation, as these factors can influence the perception of the program by employers and the legal community, thereby increasing the value of the degree in the job market. Additionally, the program format, whether online or in-person, should align with your needs and schedule, as each mode of delivery has its pros and cons.
Taking these factors into account enables you to select an MLS program that aligns with your career goals and personal preferences. A carefully chosen program provides a robust foundation in legal concepts, principles, and procedures, along with the option to specialize in a specific area of law, thereby helping you reach your desired career outcomes.
Accreditation and Reputation
Accreditation and reputation are essential factors to consider when choosing the right MLS program. Here’s why:
Accreditation ensures that the program meets the quality and standards prescribed by accrediting bodies. Employers may prioritize degrees from accredited programs, and some may even require proof of accreditation for tuition reimbursement.
Only accredited programs are eligible for federal financial aid, grants, or loans. This can make a significant difference in the affordability of your education.
A program with a strong reputation is more likely to be recognized and respected by employers. This can increase the value of your degree in the job market and improve your career prospects.
Considering these factors will help you make an informed decision and choose an MLS program that will provide you with a quality education and enhance your career opportunities.
Seeking out accredited programs with a positive standing within the legal community is fundamental to ensuring a quality education and enhancing career prospects. Choosing such a program ensures the education received holds value and is respected in the chosen field.
Online vs. In-Person Programs
When choosing an online master in MLS program, it’s important to consider whether an online or in-person program best suits your needs and schedule. Online programs offer increased flexibility in terms of location and schedule, as well as potentially reduced tuition rates. However, they may not offer the same degree of interaction with faculty and peers as in-person programs.
On the other hand, in-person programs offer a comprehensive legal foundation and sophisticated legal expertise, but may incur higher costs and necessitate a more considerable time commitment. Weighing the pros and cons of each program format allows you to make an informed decision that aligns with your personal preferences, learning style, and schedule limitations.
Popular Concentrations and Specializations in MLS Programs
MLS programs provide multiple concentrations and specializations to accommodate students’ interests and career aspirations. These specializations are tailored to particular industries, such as business law or health law, allowing students to focus on a specific area of law that aligns with their career goals. MLS students can customize their education to their distinct career goals by selecting an appropriate specialization, thereby gaining a competitive edge in the job market and enhancing their potential for success.
Whether you’re interested in corporate governance, healthcare compliance, or international law, there’s likely an MLS program out there that caters to your interests and career aspirations. By exploring the various concentrations and specializations available, you can find the perfect fit for your unique goals and set yourself up for success in your chosen industry.
Business Law
The business law concentration in MLS programs focuses on legal issues pertaining to corporate governance, contracts, and intellectual property. This specialization is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to make more effective business decisions and ensure compliance with the law. Business, finance, and government professionals could benefit greatly from having a deeper understanding of legal concepts. This is especially true when dealing with contracts, negotiations, transactions, or other business procedures..
Pursuing a concentration in business law, with a focus on environmental law, provides professionals a competitive edge in their careers, as they gain the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complex legal environment of business operations. This specialized knowledge can be invaluable for professionals working in a variety of disciplines, including:
Business analysis
Compliance
Human resources administration
Contract negotiation
Risk management
By specializing in business law, professionals can enhance their expertise in employment law and contribute to the success of their organizations while being able to practice law effectively.
Health Law
The health law specialization in MLS programs covers topics such as healthcare compliance, patient rights, and medical malpractice. This concentration is particularly beneficial for healthcare professionals who must negotiate intricate legal matters in the healthcare industry. It permits professionals to comprehend the laws and regulations that oversee healthcare administration, medicine, and hospital operations, allowing them to protect their organizations and patients from potential legal issues.
Pursuing a concentration in health law allows professionals in the healthcare industry to:
Gain a more in-depth understanding of the complex laws and regulations governing their field
Enhance their organizations’ success
Advance their own career progression
With the correct experience and qualifications, MLS degree holders with a specialization in health law can ascend the career ladder and assume more advanced roles within their chosen industry.
Admissions Requirements and Process for MLS Programs
MLS programs possess distinct admissions processes, inclusive of application components and advice for success. Typically, applicants must fulfill the requirements of the respective law school, such as the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, and U.S.-educated applicants can apply through the FastApp process. Understanding the admissions requirements and processes for MLS programs enables prospective students to prepare effectively for a successful application and enhances their chances of gaining admission into their desired program.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the typical application components for MLS programs and provide tips for a successful application, ensuring that you’re well-equipped to navigate the admissions process and secure your place in the MLS program of your choice.
Application Components
The customary application components for MLS programs include:
A bachelor’s degree
Transcripts
Personal statement
Letters of recommendation
A bachelor’s degree serves as a demonstration of a fundamental comprehension of the legal system and is essential for admission to an MLS program. Transcripts provide evidence of a student’s academic accomplishments and are utilized to evaluate their qualification for admission.
A personal statement is an important component of the application process, as it offers applicants the chance to showcase their dedication to the field of legal studies and explain why they are a suitable candidate for the program. Letters of recommendation provide insights into an applicant’s character and capabilities, helping to demonstrate their capacity for success in the MLS program.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of acceptance into an MLS program, it is important to emphasize pertinent work experience, scholastic accomplishments, and extracurricular activities in your application. In addition, honing your writing and research skills, as well as developing communication and negotiation abilities, can be advantageous when applying for an MLS program.
Another essential tip for a successful application is to construct an application that is specifically adapted to the desired MLS program. To this end, it is recommended to explore the program and its faculty, familiarize oneself with the program’s objectives and aims, and display comprehension and enthusiasm in the field. Following these tips can enhance your chances of gaining admission into the MLS program of your choice and set the foundation for a successful legal studies journey.
Career Paths for MLS Graduates
MLS graduates can pursue diverse career paths in various industries, such as:
Compliance
Government
Healthcare
Education
The career opportunities available to MLS graduates are vast and varied, reflecting the versatility and value of the degree. Earning an MLS degree empowers professionals to adeptly navigate the complex legal landscape of their respective industries, thereby enhancing both their organizations’ success and their own career growth.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the common industries for MLS degree holders and provide information on expected salary and job growth prospects. This information will help you gain a better understanding of the potential career paths and opportunities available to MLS graduates, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether pursuing an MLS degree is the right choice for you.
Common Industries for MLS Degree Holders
Individuals with an MLS degree typically pursue careers in the following industries:
Compliance
Government
Healthcare
Education
These industries are popular for MLS degree holders due to the need for a comprehensive comprehension of the law and the capability to interpret and apply it in multiple situations. MLS degree holders possess the knowledge and abilities to effectively manage the intricacies of the law, making them valuable assets in these industries.
Some examples of job roles for individuals with a Master of Legal Studies degree in these industries include:
Compliance officers
Government lawyers
Healthcare lawyers
Education lawyers
With the correct experience and qualifications, MLS degree holders can assume more advanced roles in these industries, providing ample opportunity for career growth and success.
Expected Salary and Job Growth
Salaries for MLS graduates vary, with some earning up to $152,000 as a compliance director, depending on the industry and experience. According to PayScale, the average salary for MLS degree holders ranges from $40,000 to $73,000 per year, with an average of $54,317. However, certain job titles may command higher salaries, such as compliance managers who earn an average of $55,000 or higher. It is noteworthy that salaries can also be contingent upon factors such as experience and location.
The precise data for MLS degree holders’ job growth outlook is not easily obtainable, but the employment of paralegals and legal assistants, which are commonly encountered career paths for MLS graduates, is forecasted to increase 10 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is swifter than the average for all occupations. This implies a favorable job outlook for MLS degree holders in related fields.
Summary
In conclusion, the Master’s of Legal Studies degree offers a wealth of benefits for professionals who wish to enhance their legal knowledge and skills without engaging in the practice of law. From diverse career paths to specialized knowledge in specific industries, MLS graduates are well-positioned to excel in their chosen fields and contribute to their organizations’ success.
If you’re considering pursuing an MLS degree, take the time to explore various programs, concentrations, and specializations to find the perfect fit for your unique career goals and interests. By doing so, you’ll set yourself up for success and open the door to a world of opportunities in the ever-evolving legal landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of a masters in legal studies?
A Master’s in Legal Studies allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. legal system, providing you with the skills and knowledge to excel in a related legal field.
Is a Masters of Legal Studies worth it?
Earning a Master of Legal Studies from Northeastern University can offer significant advantages, such as career advancement, higher salaries and improved job retention. It is especially useful for those who work in areas that overlap with the law, including health care, consulting, HR, finance, research, nonprofit management, and government. If these benefits are important to you, then the MSL may be worth pursuing.
What is the difference between a Masters of law and a Masters of Legal Studies?
A Master of Law (LL.M.) is intended for those who already hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.), while a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is designed for non-lawyers who require legal knowledge in their work.
Is a JD higher than a Masters?
A JD degree is the highest academic qualification one can obtain in law and does not require a master’s degree for enrollment. Additionally, Master of Laws (L.L.M.) degrees are typically pursued after obtaining a J.D. to specialize in a specific area of law. Therefore, it can be concluded that a JD is higher than a master’s.
Can I pursue an MLS program online?
Yes, you can pursue an MLS program online, as some institutions, such as American University College of Law, offer fully online programs with optional in-person immersions.