If legal careers interest you but you aren't ready to commit to a juris doctor (JD) degree, consider a legal studies master's degree. This educational credential explores the U.S. legal system as well as legal research and writing. Graduates can qualify for non-attorney law careers.
Legal degrees are in demand: For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects overall employment in legal occupations will grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2022 and 2032.
Use our guide to learn about the best affordable online master's in legal studies degrees and what to expect from these programs.
Master's in Legal Studies Programs
2024's Top Affordable Online Master's in Legal Studies
#1 Best Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Legal Studies
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, WV
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $676
Out-of-State | $676
Credits to Graduate: 30
West Virginia University's master of legal studies (MLS) covers U.S. law and the legal system in depth. Enrollees can choose a concentration in healthcare, justice systems, or homeland security. Each concentration requires nine credit hours of specialized courses, or students can forego a concentration and take general electives. Prospective graduates must hold a GPA of at least 3.0 GPA and at least a B- in each class.
The fully online program requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree, a minimum GPA of 2.75-3.0, and work experience in the field.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Legal Studies
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $650
Out-of-State | $650
Credits to Graduate: 30
The University of Arizona offers an MLS program to develop students' understanding of common law, constitutional law, and procedure. The program offers 10 concentrations, including environmental law, human rights, and intellectual property. The curriculum splits classes evenly between foundational and concentration courses.
All courses provide asynchronous learning for full-time and part-time students. Attendees can complete courses at their own pace but must complete the program within four years of enrollment. The program does not require a capstone project, but enrollees have the option to complete a research paper.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Legal Studies
Webster University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $730
Out-of-State | $730
Credits to Graduate: 39
Webster University's MA in legal studies teaches practical applications of legal issues, legal research, and legal knowledge for non-law practicing roles. The program offers in-person and fully online options, with the latter requiring synchronous courses.
The curriculum consists of 12 pre-selected courses, including methods of legal research, criminal actions, and ethics. The school may approve legal courses or a study abroad program as a substitution for some core courses. Enrollees can earn a certificate in paralegal studies without additional courses. However, the certificate requires an additional fee.
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Legal Studies
University of Illinois Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $366
Out-of-State | $366
Credits to Graduate: 36
The University of Illinois Springfield offers an online MA in legal studies with a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Enrollees learn legal theory, individuals' legal rights, and the relationship between law and society through four core courses and five electives. One of the core courses requires the completion of a thesis or graduate seminar.
Learners can enroll in a clinical education program to earn up to four elective credits. Applicable clinical education institutions include courts, agencies, and legal aid offices. Prospective graduates must obtain a B or higher in each course.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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Why Get an Online Master's Degree in Legal Studies?
- Flexible Schedule: Online programs often provide more flexibility than on-campus programs, especially if they offer asynchronous courses with no set class times.
- Accessibility: Online learning can make degrees more accessible to learners nationwide because it does not require students to limit their options to nearby schools or force learners to relocate.
- Lower Costs: Some online schools charge in-state or otherwise lower online-only tuition rates, which can make earning a degree online more affordable. Additionally, you can save money on commuting and relocation costs.
- Career Advancement: Earning your master's degree in legal studies online allows you to further your education and enhance your career opportunities.
- Networking Opportunities: Earning a degree can allow you to build professional networks with faculty and peers.
Curriculum for a Master's Degree in Legal Studies
Course offerings vary by program. Below, we explore common classes for online master's in legal studies programs.
- Fundamentals of Contract Law: This course explores the principles of contract law in the United States. It examines contract law as it applies under the Uniform Commercial Code and common law.
- Criminal Law: Students in this class learn about topics like burden of proof and punishment. Lectures explore conspiracy, mental state, defenses, and criminal acts.
- Introduction to the American Legal System: This course provides a foundational understanding of the U.S. legal system. Learners study the three branches of government, law research, Bluebooking, and drafting legal documents. The course also explores the process of delivering oral arguments in court proceedings.
- The Legal Profession: This career-focused course examines the responsibilities of law jobs, including professional ethics standards and legal services delivery.
How Much Does an Online Legal Studies Degree Cost?
The cost of an online legal studies degree varies by school. Factors that can impact cost include school prestige, institution type (public or private), program length, and student state residency.
Public schools typically offer the lowest tuition rates, especially to in-state students. Some public institutions offer in-state tuition to all online learners, which can make your degree more affordable. Research financial aid options like scholarships and grants, which do not require repayment.
Only you can decide if investing in an online master's degree in legal studies is worth it. Consider the expected total cost of your degree and your potential salary after graduation to calculate your return on investment.
Master's in Legal Studies Programs
What Can I Do With A Master's in Legal Studies Degree?
Paralegals
Paralegals assist lawyers by organizing files, conducting legal research, and writing reports. They also call clients, gather facts for cases, and draft legal documents. Paralegals can specialize in subfields like litigation, corporate law, criminal law, and intellectual property.
Salary Expectation: $59,200
Law Librarians
Law librarians are information professionals who work in law libraries or focus on legal information and resources. Typical work duties include conducting research, organizing information, maintaining collections, and purchasing materials. Some law librarian jobs may require a master's degree in library and information science.
Salary Expectation: $65,820
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators help people and organizations resolve conflicts outside of the legal system. They help disputing parties communicate, interview people relevant to disputes, and use their legal knowledge to help facilitate resolutions.
Salary Expectation: $64,030
Human Resources Managers
Human resources managers help organizations with their administrative operations. This includes hiring and recruiting employees, participating in strategic planning with management, and coordinating compensation and benefits programs. Some HR managers specialize in areas like payroll, recruitment, or employee relations.
Salary Expectation: $130,000
Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
Administrative services and facilities managers help organizations operate successfully. Tasks include supervising staff, making sure that facilities are safe and clean, and ensuring that facilities and equipment work properly.
Salary Expectation: $101,870
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's Degrees in Legal Studies
JD programs don't necessarily prefer applicants with a master's degree. However, earning a master's in legal studies can help you stand out from other law school applicants by demonstrating your legal expertise.
A law degree is a professional degree that prepares you to practice as a lawyer. A legal studies program explores similar topics but prepares you for non-lawyer jobs within and outside the legal field.
Paralegal and legal studies programs both focus on the legal field. However, paralegal programs prepare students to work as paralegals, while legal studies programs often have a broader scope.
A master of legal studies (MLS) and a master of public administration (MPA) are both graduate programs that can prepare you for jobs in the public sphere. However, the two programs cover different topics. MPAs focus on public administration and public policy, while MLS programs focus on the legal system.
Master's degrees in legal studies can help graduates qualify for advanced non-lawyer roles within the legal field. These programs can also let students explore advanced legal studies without committing to a full law degree or help prepare them for law school.
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