Are you a Bachelor’s degree holder in Kansas who is interested in working in the legal field – without having to attend law school first?
If so, this guide is definitely for you!
Prospective MLS Students – Dive into our guide to learn more about local degree programs and find out which high-paying careers you can begin or enhance by earning a Master’s in Legal Studies degree from an accredited or ABA-approved institution!
Our guide provides detailed information on the Master of Legal Studies degree options for students living in Kansas.
This guide includes a basic introduction to the MLS degree and provides information about local and nearby schools offering online and on-campus instruction for aspiring legal eagles.
Best Masters in Legal Studies Programs in Kansas
Some of the best Master in Legal Studies programs available for Kansas students provide legal trainees with the foundational knowledge of the American legal and justice systems for non-lawyers.
Students who take on-campus or web-based MLS degree courses in Kansas open themselves up to a variety of exciting and high-paying legal careers that don’t require them to earn a Juris Doctorate.
Get an overview of a few area schools offering online and campus-based legal studies degree programs for Kansas students below.
1 University of Missouri - Kansas City
Program Overview
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is one of the best options for Kansas area students seeking to boost their legal career as non-lawyers.
They offer a part-time Master of Legal Studies degree program online where students can expand their legal knowledge in preparation for starting new paying careers or up-leveling their current jobs.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Legal Studies: Students who take courses at the University of Missouri-Kansas City study concepts related to providing legal services as non-lawyers.
This thirty-credit-hour MLS degree program also teaches legal trainees how to interpret and apply the law in business, healthcare, government, and a variety of related industries.
Courses Offered
- Healthcare Compliance
- Legal Methods
- Privacy Regulations
- Professional Ethics
- US Legal Framework
Program Strengths and Advantages
One of the best features of this online MLS degree program is its proximity to Kansas area learners and its comprehensive legal education that helps non-lawyers establish a strong footing in interpreting and applying the concepts of US Law.
Contact Information
- Address: 5000 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO 64110
- Phone: 816-235-1000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 University of Tulsa-College of Law
Program Overview
The University of Tulsa offers a web-based educational pathway to advanced legal education for students living in Kansas and nearby states.
Their online Master of Legal Studies program accepts new applicants on a rolling admissions basis and has three start dates per year.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Legal Studies: UT allows online learners to learn and absorb complex legal knowledge that allows them to function more efficiently as non-lawyers.
This online MLS program features specializations in Energy, Healthcare Law, Indigenous Peoples Law, and Natural Resources.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to the American Legal System
- Regulation of Private Health Insurance – Managed Care
- Native American Natural Resources
- Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country
- Foundations of Contract Law for the Energy Industry
Program Strengths and Advantages
Online MLS students who take classes at the University of Tulsa’s Law School get an introduction to the American Legal System that prepares them to work in a variety of roles and specializations as non-lawyers with high-income-producing legal careers.
Contact Information
- Address: 300 Timberdell Road, Norman, Oklahoma - 73019
- Phone: 405-325-4699
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Washburn University School of Law
Program Overview
The Washington University School of Law in Topeka provides an on-campus route to earning a Master’s level legal education.
Their on-campus program is currently accepting new applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Studies in Law: Washburn’s Master of Studies in Law program readies students to work immediately in their desired field of choice upon graduation.
This program also lays a foundation for non-lawyers who want to continue their legal education and training through law school while working a traditional job and continuing their legal education.
Courses Offered
- Advanced Legal Research
- Antitrust
- Criminal Procedure I and II
- Domestic Violence
- Divorce
- E-Discovery
- Pre-trial Advocacy
Program Strengths and Advantages
The Master of Studies in Law program features a few additional career pathways for students seeking an MLS degree with an added specialization.
This program features a robust catalog that allows students to expand their legal knowledge in US Law, Indigenous People’s Law, Criminal Justice, and a wide variety of concentrations that allow for deep learning and specialization within selected legal areas.
Program trainees gain foundational legal studies education along with options for enrolling in the following concentrations:
- Business and Transactional
- Children and Family Center
- Criminal Justice
- Government
- Natural Resources
- Tax and Estate Planning
Contact Information
- Address: 1700 SW College Avenue, Topeka, Kansas - 66621
- Phone: 785-670-1060
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | University of Missouri - Kansas City |
|
#2 | University of Tulsa-College of Law |
|
#3 | Washburn University School of Law |
Legal Studies Salary Information
Masters in Legal Studies – Salary for Kansas Graduates
One of the best things about earning a Master’s level legal degree in Kansas is the vast number of opportunities for high-paying career growth and expansion.
The following high and low average annual salaries for MLS degree holders in Kansas show potential MLS candidates how much they can increase their earnings potential by graduating with a master’s degree for non-lawyers working within the state.
- Compliance Officer: $73,300 – $110,000
- Contract Administrator: $47,000 – $80,000
- Government Analyst: $83,064 – $109,848
- Health Services Administrator: $76,000 – 120,000
- Paralegal: $51,000 – 82,000.000
- Risk Manager: $96,000 – $150,000
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$79K |
|
$87K |
|
$96K |
Average Salary in Kansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Hutchinson | $85,184 |
| Overland Park | $89,978 |
| Kansas City | $90,162 |
| Salina | $85,184 |
| Lawrence | $87,028 |
| Shawnee | $89,978 |
| Lenexa | $89,978 |
| Topeka | $85,276 |
| Manhattan | $84,354 |
| Wichita | $86,106 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | 100 | $48,910 | $23.51 | $64,430 | $36,020 |
| Manhattan, KS | 50 | $50,360 | $24.21 | $75,020 | $35,630 |
| Topeka, KS | 310 | $49,030 | $23.57 | $67,580 | $35,990 |
| Wichita, KS | 750 | $47,920 | $23.04 | $65,970 | $33,410 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
What Is a Master of Legal Studies Degree?
A Master of Legal Studies degree is typically called an “MLS degree.”
It is a specialized advanced legal degree designed to provide fundamental knowledge of the legal or criminal justice system for bachelor’s degree-holding students and non-lawyers.
The MLS degree offers a faster route to legal education, employment, and career advancement for students who want to work in the legal profession but haven’t attended law school or earned a more advanced degree like a Juris Doctorate.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an MLS Degree in Kansas?
While most legal studies programs take between one and three years to complete, the time it takes Kansas-based legal students to complete a Master of Legal Studies degree can vary depending on a few factors.
For example, part-time students may take longer to complete their program requirements than full-time students.
Students who opt for a legal specialization may also take longer to complete specialized programs or dual degrees.
Who Is Eligible to Earn a Master of Legal Studies Degree in Kansas?
Kansas-based students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution could be eligible for enrollment in an MLS degree program.
Enrollment and eligibility requirements are ultimately up to the program administrators, which means that due diligence is necessary before applying for a new program.
Prospective new degree candidates should research their desired programs of choice to learn more about admission and eligibility requirements before committing to a program.
Can I Earn a Master of Legal Studies Degree Completely Online?
Yes! The good news for local bachelor’s degree holders and working professionals is that you can continue your legal education completely online from schools that offer web-based advanced legal training.
Learn more about full-time and part-time options for completing your MLS degree online in Kansas by reviewing our list of programs below.
What Roles Can I Work in with a Master of Legal Studies Degree in Kansas?
Graduating with a Master’s level degree in legal studies can help skyrocket your career into high-paying roles in Kansas.
The best part about earning this advanced legal degree is that you don’t have to attend law school or earn a JD degree to begin working!
Multidisciplinary legal studies degree holders can find employment opportunities and opportunities for career advancement in a variety of career roles, including the following:
- Contract Administrator
- Healthcare Administrator
- Indigenous People’s Law
- Law Enforcement Agent
- Legal Analyst
- Legal Consultant
- Legal Writer
- Natural Resources Law
- Paralegal
- Public Policy
- State, Federal, or Local Government
Kansas’s Legal Landscape for Master’s Degree Holders
The future of prospective legal professionals in Sunflower State is glaringly bright.
Kansas bachelor’s degree holders can see a substantial increase in their career status and salary when they enroll in a Master of Legal Studies degree program.
There are opportunities for starting a new career or advancing your career in business, government, healthcare, Indigenous People’s Law, public policy, and beyond with an MLS degree.
While some local MLS degree holders continue on their chosen career pathways, others continue their education through law school by earning a Juris Doctorate or similar degree after graduating from an ABA-approved or accredited legal studies program in Kansas.
Prospective students should contact the admissions department or graduate academic advisor of their desired programs to learn more about application deadlines, acceptance rates, tuition, financial aid, and MLS degree specializations.
What Courses Can I Expect to Take in a Master of Legal Studies Degree Program in Kansas?
The best Master in Legal Studies programs in Kansas offers a robust selection of courses that include foundational legal courses, practical education, and specialized legal training.
Kansas students who enroll in one of the programs mentioned above can expect to take some of the following advanced legal training courses depending on their selected program and areas of specialty.
- Advanced Legal Research
- Business and Transactional Law
- Business Law
- Criminal Justice Law
- Children and Family Law
- Healthcare and Compliance Law
- Natural Resources Law
- Indigenous People’s Law
- Tax and Estate Planning
The type and variety of MLS courses you take will depend greatly on your selected program and selected specialization for dual-degree students and those seeking a minor.
Legal Studies Programs by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Leave a Reply