Professionals looking to further their education in the legal field without becoming a lawyer opt for a Master’s in Legal Studies (MLS).
An MLS degree furthers a professional’s understanding of laws and legal regulations.
It prepares them to work in a wide array of industries.
If you’re in Nevada, you’ll want to know about the best MLS programs in the state.
Schools
Nevada doesn’t have any dedicated MLS programs.
However, a few legal programs are offered, such as a Juris Doctor (JD), a Masters of Judicial Studies (MJS), and a Master of Law (LLM).
While these overlap with what is learned in an MLS program, they are different.
If you’re interested in pursuing an MLS program, you may want to explore other options, such as state or online programs.
Below, we’ll list a few alternatives located inside the state and some of the best online MLS programs.
1 University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields.
The school is mainly known for its engineering and business programs, but it also offers a limited number of law degrees.
Courses Offered/Program Name
UNR offers two programs: a Masters of Judicial Studies (MJS) and a Juris Doctor (JD) program.
The MJS is a specialized degree designed for practicing judges to improve their legal knowledge.
On the other hand, the JD program is a three-year degree that prepares students to work in multiple legal careers.
The MJS program is impeccable because it is partnered with judicial organizations.
Students must attend 30 credit hours, which can be completed in one to two years, depending on pacing. Full-time students can complete it within a year.
Students can expect to learn advanced concepts in judicial theory, ethics, and further their practice.
Most of the courses focus on trial court judges and juvenile and family court judge training.
On the other hand, the JD program is a useful degree required for anyone practicing law.
Similar to an MLS, JD programs focus heavily on civil procedure, criminal law, torts, and constitutional laws. Students must complete 90 credits, which will take a minimum of three years.
Financial aid is available, but students will need to apply for their scheduled school year.
Those who don’t qualify for a loan can alternatively use one of the university’s payment plans.
For exact pricing for tuition, students will need to contact the school directly.
Contact Information
- Address: 1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557
- Phone: (775) 784-1110
- Website: Visit School Website
2 University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
The UNLV is located in Paradise, NV, and features a wide array of different programs.
Attending students will enjoy taking business, fine arts, health sciences, and more courses.
The university is mainly known for its hospitality management, gaming law, and exemplary arts programs.
Courses Offered/Program Name
UNLV offers two law degrees that closely relate to MLS: a Master of Law (LLM) in Gaming Law and a JD program.
The university is mainly known for its gaming law program, as it’s a niche field gaining traction.
The LLM program takes a year and is designed for professionals who want to work in gaming law.
Students learn about regulatory issues unique to the gaming industry.
Some program topics include advanced gaming regulations, gaming policy, and litigation.
For the JD program, students must attend for three years and study for a career in law.
The program focuses heavily on core law concepts.
Contact Information
- Address: 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154
- Phone: (702) 774-8658
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, located in Tempe, AZ, has a prominent online MLS program.
The university is ranked 36th among 196 law schools in the United States.
As part of the university’s commitment to innovative online education, the programs provide students with a flexible and easy way to complete their degree.
Established in 1964 and accredited by the American Bar Association in 1967, the college has a history of legal scholarship.
Courses Offered/Program Name
ASU’s MLS program offers an entirely remote learning experience to accommodate remote learners.
By attending online courses taught by seasoned legal professionals, students can deeply understand core legal concepts while choosing a specific law concentration.
Though not self-paced, ASU’s MLS curriculum provides a structured learning environment with scheduled courses.
This approach ensures that students receive excellent guidance and support from their professors.
ASU’s strong support system, including academic advice and career services, further empowers students to flourish.
Although the MLS degree does not grant students the right to practice law, it provides them with the information and abilities necessary to succeed in various legal fields.
Students can select from a wide range of elective courses to customize their education to meet professional objectives.
Available concentrations include:
- Business law
- Conflict resolution
- Contract management
- Construction law
- Corporate and healthcare compliance
- Criminal law
- Etc.
For a complete list of concentrations, please visit their site.
ASU’s MLS program emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in addition to legal subject mastery.
These fundamental skills will equip students for a prosperous legal profession.
The MLS program is expected to cost $35,160 in tuition, or $1,172 per credit.
ASU provides a range of financial aid choices, such as scholarships and payment plans.
Private loans could be an option for students who can’t pay for their entire tuition.
Contact Information
- Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ
- Phone: (855) 278-5080
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Northeastern University School of Law
Another authorized online law school with an MLS program is Northeastern University.
Because of certain areas of study, only 35% of applicants are accepted into the law degree program at this highly competitive university.
Since its founding in 1928, the institution has come to be known as Northeastern University.
Courses Offered/Program Name
For those who prefer an alternative to traditional methods for expanding their legal studies expertise, the institution offers an online Master of Legal Studies degree.
Students will acquire fundamental legal knowledge that will equip them for careers in related sectors.
Students can focus on a particular subject by selecting electives.
The following are the concentrations available for the MLS program:
- Commercial law
- Health Legislation
- Human Resources Statute
- Law of Intellectual Property
- Public Policies and Laws
A thorough understanding of legal matters and a focus on analysis and research are among the results for students.
The program enhances professional communication, legal decision-making, and career progression.
Students should have mastered written and spoken communication techniques by the end of the program and comprehended all the fundamental ideas in their area of focus.
Tuition costs average $1,172 per credit hour.
The MLS degree is a 30-credit program, which equates to $35,160.
Students must also pay a $100 technology fee and budget for course materials, textbooks, and more.
Financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans are available.
Contact Information
- Address: 416 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
- Phone: (617) 373-2395
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Purdue University Global
One of the best online colleges in the US is Purdue University Global, an approved online institution with various programs.
Advanced flexible learning allows students to study remotely without sacrificing the caliber of the program.
Courses Offered/Program Name
An online MLS program is available from Purdue University Global that aims to show a thorough comprehension of the legal system.
Professionals from the sector instruct students in legal writing and research as the program’s primary focus.
It also places a strong emphasis on fundamental ideas and legal analysis.
Purdue University provides four concentrations for students who may like to pursue one:
- Industry, Medical, Environmental, and Criminal Justice
One of the benefits of participating in the MLS program is developing a solid grasp of moral and ethical ramifications.
Additionally, students will be taught leadership skills which will aid them in the job.
Students will also be able to examine and resolve issues within their area of focus.
Students will possess more advanced knowledge and be ready for job growth compared to undergraduates.
The online MLS curriculum includes eleven courses, which may be completed in only one year.
Students must complete 55 quarter credits to graduate from the program.
The expected cost of tuition is $420 per credit or $23,100 on average.
However, as tuition rates might vary, students should speak with the financial aid office for further details.
There are ways to save costs, such as through grant or financial assistance applications and credit transfers.
In addition, students can enroll in associated organizations because they pay less in tuition.
Finally, students in the armed forces and veterans may also be eligible for financial aid.
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100. West Lafayette, IN 47906.
- Phone: 866-522-7747
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University, a private Christian research university, offers online legal programs.
Although students can attend virtually, the primary campus is in Los Angeles, California.
In addition, Pepperdine bought Orange University College of Law in 1969, after it was founded in 1937.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Pepperdine’s online MLS program is entirely remote and may be finished in 24 months, 16 if taken full-time.
The curriculum strongly emphasizes fundamental legal ideas, including contract, tort, and constitutional law.
Additionally, students can select a concentration, which will increase their level of skill.
The following are the concentrations available for the MLS program:
- Dispute Settlement
- Human Resources
- General Law
The curriculum consists of eight core component courses that teach fundamental legal concepts and practices.
Eight optional courses are then available for students to select from, allowing them to concentrate on a particular specialty.
Students who plan to attend must apply in person for two-weekend excursions to the main campus in Malibu, California.
During these excursions, pupils can improve their networking abilities and meet professionals.
Pepperdine’s dual degree program is another feature of its online curriculum.
Students can take 20 more credits to get a dual degree if they choose to pursue a Master of Dispute Resolution.
This isn’t required, but it might be useful for those who wish to pursue negotiation careers.
Finally, the anticipated cost of tuition for the MLS degree is $66,820.
Each unit costs $2,570, but students also need to plan for other expenses like supplies and textbooks.
Fortunately, financial aid is accepted at Pepperdine University.
Contact Information
- Address: 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263
- Phone: (310) 506-4000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Legal Studies Salary Information
The pay of an MLS program graduate varies based on emphasis.
In Nevada, professionals can anticipate earning an average salary of $70,000-$90,000.
However, much of this will depend on the area, years of experience, level of competence, and other factors.
The salary for an MLS program graduate varies according to focus.
In Nevada, professionals can anticipate earning an average salary of $47,170.
However, this will depend heavily on the area, years of experience, level of competence, and other factors.
The projected earnings for an MLS degree holder broken down by job type are listed below in brief:
- Compliance Officer – $50,000-$70,000
- Legal Analyst – $55,000-$75,000
- Legal Educator – $45,000-$65,000
- Paralegal – $45,000-$55,000
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$83K |
|
$93K |
|
$10K |
Average Salary in Nevada
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Carson City | $93,286 |
| Sun Valley | $93,193 |
| Henderson | $93,286 |
| Las Vegas | $93,657 |
| North Las Vegas | $93,657 |
| Reno | $93,193 |
| Sparks | $93,193 |
| Bunkerville | $92,173 |
| Panaca | $92,173 |
| Wadsworth | $91,895 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City, NV | 80 | $59,030 | $28.38 | $76,190 | $37,940 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | 2,680 | $62,940 | $30.26 | $82,810 | $33,810 |
| Reno, NV | 470 | $53,870 | $25.9 | $77,450 | $19,840 |
* 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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