Kara Sears
Yes, you can pursue a master's degree in law online. Online master's in law programmes are designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers by gaining a better understanding of the law without necessarily becoming lawyers. These programmes offer flexibility, allowing students to pursue their degrees on a part-time basis and complete them in as little as 12 to 16 months. They provide a general overview of the legal industry, legal history, ethics, regulatory compliance, and contracts, with some programmes offering specialisations in areas such as business law, criminal justice, and international law. Graduates of these programmes can find employment in various sectors, including business, government, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree Name | Master of Studies in Law (MSL), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Juris Master (JM), Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
| Target Audience | Lawyers, non-lawyers, business professionals, healthcare professionals, church leaders, journalists, missionaries, early-career and seasoned professionals |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, minimum GPA requirements, no GRE/LSAT scores required |
| Curriculum | Legal history, regulatory compliance, contracts, legal research, legal writing, ethics, business law, criminal law, healthcare law, intellectual property law, etc. |
| Career Opportunities | Attorneys, paralegals, educators, estate planners, nonprofit sector, taxation, finance, real estate law, environmental law, international law |
| Institutions | USC Gould School of Law, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, Fordham Law School, Seton Hall Law School, Liberty University, New York University, University of Arizona |
| Duration | 12-24 months, part-time or full-time |
| Benefits | Flexibility, affordability, interactive learning platform, small classes, career advancement, deeper understanding of law |
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What You'll Learn
Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is a master's degree in law offered by some academic institutions to students who wish to study law but do not intend to become lawyers. The MSL degree is designed for non-lawyers who want to gain a deeper understanding of legal principles and their application to various fields. It provides valuable legal knowledge that can be applied in business, government, and other professional settings.
MSL programs typically last one academic year and put students through a curriculum similar to that of first-year Juris Doctor (JD) students, but with the option for further specialisation. Students may study subjects such as constitutional law, torts, contracts, and civil procedure, writing the same papers and taking the same exams as JD students. However, MSL students typically graduate after accumulating two semesters of credit instead of six.
MSL degrees can be earned in as little as 12 to 18 months through online or part-time study, offering flexibility for working professionals. Online MSL programs may incorporate synchronous and asynchronous activities, including interactive modules, message boards, weekly assignments, group work, and virtual office hours. Some universities, like USC Gould School of Law, offer industry-specific certificates that allow students to tailor their curriculum to meet their individual goals and career fields.
It is important to note that MSL degrees do not qualify graduates to practice law or take the bar exam. Instead, the degree enables graduates to advance their careers by applying their enhanced legal understanding within their respective industries and organisations. MSL graduates may pursue leadership roles in a wide variety of settings, including business, government, and other fields where legal knowledge is advantageous.
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Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
The Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a graduate-level degree designed for non-lawyers who want to enhance their professional knowledge and improve their career prospects. The MLS provides students with a solid foundation in the law, acquainting them with the general structure of the U.S. legal system and allowing them to focus on specific areas of law relevant to their interests and goals.
Offered by prestigious institutions such as Stanford Law School, Seton Hall Law School, and USC Gould School of Law, the Online MLS is flexible and customizable, catering to both early-career and seasoned professionals. The curriculum covers various topics, including contracts, legal procedure, workplace law, legal writing, negligence, liability, and business law fundamentals. Students can also specialize in areas such as corporate compliance, business law, conflict resolution, contract management, and intellectual property law, among others.
The online format offers interactive modules, message boards, group work, and virtual office hours, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Students can benefit from small class sizes, facilitating greater interaction with faculty and peers. The degree can be pursued on a part-time basis, allowing working professionals to balance their studies with other commitments.
The MLS is particularly beneficial for individuals working in fields where legal knowledge is advantageous, such as technology, healthcare, media, entertainment, and government. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions, understand and interpret laws, and navigate potential challenges and opportunities.
While the MLS is not intended to train attorneys or prepare for bar exams, it can open doors to leadership roles and provide a competitive edge in the job market. It demonstrates a strong understanding of the legal system and enhances problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
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Online LL.M. for international law graduates
An online Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree is designed for lawyers who want to deepen their knowledge of a particular area of law. It is also suitable for graduates of international law programs who want to expand their understanding of U.S. law and practice law in the U.S.
The LL.M. degree can provide international law graduates with a shorter route to becoming eligible to take the state bar exam compared to pursuing a J.D. in the U.S. For example, LL.M. programs at Albany Law School and the University of Miami offer specializations in international law for graduates interested in recognizing, understanding, and managing problems in the international legal order. Liberty University also offers an online LL.M. program in International Legal Studies, which provides specialized knowledge in international law and policy.
When considering an online LL.M. program, it is important to keep in mind that success on the bar examination can be challenging. International graduates may also be required to provide evidence of English proficiency if English was not the primary language of their prior education. Additionally, while an LL.M. degree can enhance career prospects, it is important to note that it is not required to practice law.
Online LL.M. programs offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to engage in interactive modules, weekly discussions, group work, and virtual office hours. The University of Miami's LL.M. in International Law program, for instance, offers both full-time and part-time study options, with a minimum of 24 credits and a grade point average of 2.30/4.00 required for completion.
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Online Juris Master (JM)
Liberty University's Juris Master (JM) degree is a 100% online program designed for working professionals who want to develop legal expertise relevant to their careers. The degree is not intended for students who want to become attorneys or practice law, as it does not include bar examination preparation. Instead, it offers a customizable, flexible, and fast way to gain master's-level legal studies that complement professional experience with a focused study of the law.
The Juris Master (JM) program is taught by practicing lawyers and covers a range of topics, including research, policy analysis, legal writing, legal ethics, and professional responsibility. Students can also choose from a variety of electives, such as laws related to healthcare, corporate law, intellectual property, administrative law, and risk management. The program has no set login times, allowing students to study anywhere, anytime, and providing a unique level of flexibility.
The degree is designed to help students understand the legal policy and regulations that govern businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies. It provides a broad and in-depth study of legal issues across various industries, combining professional and legal knowledge. Liberty University is a Christian school, and its online Juris Master program is grounded in biblical ethics and professional responsibility, reflecting a Christian worldview.
The program can be completed in as little as one to two years, and students have access to academic advising, campus spaces, and events, lectures, and panels. The university also offers eight different start dates throughout the year, making it convenient for students to begin their studies.
Overall, the Online Juris Master (JM) degree from Liberty University is an excellent option for professionals seeking to enhance their legal knowledge and skills without interrupting their careers, providing a flexible, customizable, and fast-paced legal education.
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Online Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Yes, you can get a master's degree in law online. Online Master of Laws (LL.M.) programmes are offered by several universities and law schools worldwide. An LL.M. is a master's degree in law designed for lawyers who want to deepen their knowledge in a particular area of law. It is also suitable for graduates of international law programs who wish to expand their understanding of the legal system of a specific country, such as the United States.
Online LL.M. Programmes
The University of Miami School of Law, for instance, has offered Master of Laws programs for domestic and foreign lawyers since 1952. The program attracts students from over 30 countries annually and allows students to select courses that meet their professional goals. Similarly, the China-EU School of Law (CESL) in Beijing offers a Double Master Programme, including a Master of Chinese Law and a Master of European and International Law. The Master of European and International Law is taught in English and open to international students. Beijing Foreign Studies University also offers an online LL.M. for international professionals, which takes two years to complete.
Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
In addition to the LL.M., there is also the option of an online Master of Studies in Law (MSL). This degree is designed for non-lawyer professionals and can be completed in as few as 12 to 16 months. The online MSL prepares students for leadership roles and offers specializations in various areas of law to meet different career goals. Notable universities offering the MSL include the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law and Fordham Law School.
Considerations for Online LL.M. Students
When considering an online LL.M. program, it is important to note that the degree is not a requirement to practice law, nor does it make one eligible to do so. However, for international students with a law degree from their home country, an LL.M. can provide a faster route to becoming eligible to take a state bar exam compared to pursuing a J.D. in the U.S. Therefore, anyone interested in taking the bar exam should consult their state's board of law examiners or the National Conference of Bar Examiners for specific requirements. Additionally, online LL.M. students should be prepared to develop strong time management, research, writing, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills to succeed in the demanding program.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several online master's degree programs in law, including the Master of Studies in Law (MSL), the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), the Juris Master (JM), and the Master of Laws (LL.M.). These programs are offered by various universities, including USC Gould School of Law, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, Seton Hall Law School, Fordham Law School, and Liberty University.
The MSL, MLS, and JM degrees are typically designed for non-lawyers or business professionals who want to gain legal expertise to advance their careers. These degrees provide an overview of the legal industry, legal history, ethics, regulatory compliance, and contracts. On the other hand, the LL.M. degree is designed for lawyers who want to deepen their knowledge in a specific area of law or gain expertise in a new area, such as international law for U.S. attorneys or vice versa.
Online master's degree programs in law offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to continue working while studying. They also provide an affordable option for those who cannot attend a residential law school. Additionally, online programs enable students to connect with a diverse group of peers and faculty from around the world.
An online master's degree in law can lead to various career paths, depending on the specific degree and area of specialization. For example, the MSL and MLS degrees can prepare graduates for leadership roles in settings like technology companies, hospitals, media and entertainment firms, or government. The JM degree is suitable for business professionals seeking specialized legal skills without becoming licensed lawyers. The LL.M. degree can give attorneys a competitive edge in the job market, especially in specific areas of law like taxation, finance, and international law.
