An MLS degree supports candidates’ understanding of specialized and intricate legal issues.
A Master of Studies in Law degree is often geared toward working professionals.
Law schools frequently provide solutions for candidates seeking part-time or online study and the ability to customize elective law courses.
This is a great asset for many professions.
For example, it’s a valuable degree for entrepreneurs who want to handle more of their business’s legal end.
It’s also great for those working with legal professionals or highly regulated industries, such as healthcare.
Or for academics specializing in a law-related discipline to add that gem of an advanced degree to their crown of accomplishments.
A Masters in law can often be completed in one year.
MLS and MSL
At the graduate level, legal studies and law degrees can be earned as Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Science in Law (MSL), which are the same degree with different names depending on the issuing university.
There are also the Juris Masters (JM) and the Masters in Law (LLM), which are intended for lawyers.
Juris Master (J.M.)
The Juris Master (J.M.) is best for candidates who don’t intend to become practicing counselors but want to add the study of law to their portfolio.
So, what’s the difference between a Juris Master (J.M.) and an LL.M degree.?
A J.M. is best for candidates coming to the discipline of law for the first time.
The J.M. program starts with an introduction to law, but students have a range of electives and take classes with students from other law programs.
On the other hand, an LL.M. program accepts both law and non-law graduates.
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
The LL.M., or Master of Laws, is a professional law degree that tracks the J.D. or the LL.B.
One advantage of the LL.M. is that it allows candidates to specialize.
Many law schools offer LL.M. concentrations in Taxation, Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights, and Public International Law.
Candidates pursuing an LL.M. typically plan to specialize in a particular area.
An LL.M. lets lawyers—and non-lawyers—focus on a legal arena, earning expertise, experience, and elevated credentials.
Typically, the LL.M. is a one-year full-time program.
However, some two-year-long LL.M. programs may include additional coursework to help candidates gain control of the technicalities of legal English terminology and the state-of-the-art codified language, legal English.
1 The University of Minnesota / Law School
The University of Minnesota Law School offers three Masters-level law degrees: a Juris Doctor, a Master of Laws, and a Master of Science in Patent Law.
Courses Offered
Master of Science in Patent Law
This innovative law school program unites a traditional analysis of patent law’s complexity with a project-based study of business processes and comprehensive practical training.
Students often move into cutting-edge careers, with many working for top law firms and Fortune 500 companies.
Study topics include Innovation, Patent Portfolio Management, Patent Prosecution, and Technology Transfer.
Typically, a program in patent law is for candidates with technological or scientific backgrounds.
LL.M. Program
Minnesota Law’s LL.M. programs provide internationally trained attorneys with a solid academic background, enabling them to gain diverse legal skills and knowledge.
Minnesota Law offers an LL.M. in Business Law and a general LL.M., with the option to earn one of 11 concentrations.
J.D. Program
The J.D. program provides students with excellent experience through an inventive and innovative curriculum and substantial learning opportunities, making them candidates for the rigors of contemporary legal practice.
This is a scholastically challenging program in a supportive atmosphere.
The concentration is on collaboration, public service, problem-solving, and leadership.
Contact Information
- Address: Walter F. Mondale Hall, 229 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Phone: 612-625-1000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 University of St. Thomas (M.N.)
The University of St. Thomas School of Law earns top rankings and is recognized for offering quality practical training, clinical programs, and externships.
Courses Offered
Joint Degree Programs
St. Thomas Law School lets students select from one dual degree program or three joint degree programs designed to help them enhance their career opportunities.
By incorporating courses from two degrees into one program, candidates can earn two advanced degrees in less time.
- Mentoring: Experience an award-winning Mentor Externship Program teaming every law student each year of law school with a judge or lawyer operating in the student’s arena of interest to aid candidates in legal experience, nurture relationships, and navigate the legal specialization.
- Legal Externships: Off-campus legal externships offer real-life legal experience and support candidates’ understanding and comprehension of the legal system.
- Legal Clinics: Legal clinics support students in addressing and working with clients while performing alongside faculty professionals.
Contact Information
- Address: 2115 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, United States
- Phone: 651-962-4895
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Mitchell Hamline University/ Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Students experience a challenging, practice-based course of study, preparing them to serve their clients and communities.
Candidates can take full-time or part-time classes, attend on-campus classes, or combine them with online study to create their unique academic path.
Courses Offered
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Candidates can apply and start an MSL degree three times a year.
However, to ensure a spot, it’s suggested that they apply at least six weeks before the start of the desired term.
Scholarships and tuition discounts are available, as is further financial assistance.
- Department scholarships – up to $2,000
- 3M scholarships – up to $1,000
- Learning partnership discounts – 10% off tuition
- Alums discounts 10% off tuition
- Service scholarships – 10% off tuition
A degree prepares you for practice by:
- Practice Intensives
- Legal Writing
- Skills Simulations
- Real World Experience
- Externships
- Residencies
- Clinical Program
Contact Information
- Address: 1536 Hewitt Avenue, MS -B1805, Saint Paul, MN 55104
- Phone: 651-227-9171
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Arizona State University / Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Courses Offered
Respected faculty teach at this top-ranked public law school.
Here, candidates engage with a legal program designed to create a foundation in U.S. law.
Experience a Master of Legal Studies program provides several areas of concentration to customize the degree and support candidates in their life and career goals.
Earning a Master of Legal Studies online with Arizona State University lets students customize their degree to align with their unique interests and career aspirations with one of 12 emphases.
Each emphasis consists of 9 to 12 credits; this flexibility lets students enhance their legal foundation with specialized knowledge directly relevant to their professional goals, making an MLS degree beneficial for many different career paths and real-world usage.
Contact Information
- Address: 111 E Taylor St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
- Phone: 855-278-5080
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Texas A&M University / School of Law
Texas A&M University School of Law is a public institution based in fabulous Fort Worth, TX.
The Online Master of Legal Studies program and the Master of Legal Studies in Intellectual Property are often earned in 1 to 2 years.
- Program Type: Public
- Program Length:1-2 years
- Credits Required:30
Contact Information
- Address: 11515 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
- Phone: 651-227-9171
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Seattle University
Master of Legal Studies in Compliance and Risk Management
Candidates take their studies at a private university based in Seattle, WA.
The Master of Legal Studies in Compliance and Risk Management degree is typically earned in 2 years.
Candidates focus on Financial Compliance and Risk Management, Taxation, Financial Services, and Wealth Management.
- Program Type: Private
- Program Length:2 years
- Credits Required:30 Credits
Contact Information
- Address: 901 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
- Phone: 206-398-4269
- Website: Visit School Website
7 University of Southern California / Gould School of Law
Master of Studies in Law
Learn from a private educational institution in Los Angeles, C, that you can access anywhere.
The Master of Studies in Law program usually finishes in 16 months.
Students focus on business law, compliance, entertainment law, industry financial compliance, health care, and human resources law.
- Program Type: Private
- Program Length:16 months
- Credits Required:21 Credit Units
Contact Information
- Address: 699 W Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90089
- Phone: 213-821-5916
- Website: Visit School Website
8 The University of Denver / Sturm College of La
A private academic institution offers a Master of Science in Legal Administration program, typically completed in 1 to 4 years.
Available concentrations allow candidates to focus on Law Firm administration or Court Administration.
- Program type: Private
- Program length: Typically 1–4 years
- Required credits: 30 semester hours
Contact Information
- Address: 2255 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210
- Phone: 303-871-6000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Legal Studies Salary Information
Earning a Master of Legal Studies can open new career opportunities that interact directly and indirectly with attorneys and the law.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, legal career professions are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, with nearly 91,700 openings projected each year from 2022 to 2032.
Here are some jobs commonly held by MLS graduates, plus the average annual salary range.
Career Path Salary Information for careers for Masters in Legal Studies:
Contract Negotiation Manager
Responsible for heading and facilitating negotiations, reviewing contractual texts, providing legal and regulatory compliance, and working internally to assure agreements with the organization’s goals. $86,185–131,352
HR Director/Manager
Oversees an organization’s human resources department.
Responsible for developing and implementing strategies related to recruitment, worker relations, training, and development. $93,892–130,000
Compliance Director
A compliance director establishes compliance procedures and develops organizational strategies to ensure the company complies with all federal, state, and local regulations. $110,337–128,627
Health Services Manager
A health services manager coordinates and oversees the planning, implementation, and administration of healthcare facilities and programs to ensure the effective delivery of quality patient care. $73,949–104,832
Operations Director
An operations director oversees and optimizes a business’s internal structure, ensuring proper talent allocation, alignment with organizational challenges and goals, and adherence to internal policies. $92,136–98,093
Business Analyst, Supervisor or Management Analyst
A business analyst supervisor or management analyst examines business processes, identifies needs, and recommends solutions to help organizations achieve their key priorities. $57,840-172,280.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$85K |
|
$94K |
|
$10K |
Average Salary in Minnesota
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Burnsville | $98,108 |
| Rochester | $93,008 |
| Duluth | $89,577 |
| Saint Cloud | $91,431 |
| Eden Prairie | $98,201 |
| Saint Paul | $98,386 |
| Lakeville | $97,737 |
| Minneapolis | $98,386 |
| Minnetonka | $98,386 |
| Biwabik | $88,742 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 160 | $53,970 | $25.95 | $79,080 | $35,570 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 80 | $60,160 | $28.92 | $75,360 | $44,850 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 4,660 | $70,000 | $33.66 | $98,240 | $39,790 |
| Rochester, MN | 130 | $65,240 | $31.37 | $92,950 | $47,130 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 140 | $61,000 | $29.33 | $86,480 | $41,410 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
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
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