New Jersey is well positioned between New York City and Philadelphia, two major economic centers.
Within the state, the pharmaceutical and financial services sectors are flourishing.
Since all industries are challenged with rapidly changing compliance and legal issues, it’s important to have the right people, well-equipped to face these challenges.
The coursework in a Master in Legal Studies (MLS) program doesn’t prepare students to become lawyers but to understand and solve compliance and legal issues across all industries.
Graduates apply their knowledge in areas like human resource management, risk analysis, contract negotiations, compliance, and regulations.
If this sounds like the challenging yet exciting career you have been looking for, keep reading to learn more about the best Master’s in Legal Studies programs in New Jersey!
Top Schools
Although New Jersey is a small state, it is home to many excellent schools, including top MLS schools.
For those who don’t find the right fit in New Jersey, plenty of accredited online courses from top schools across the U.S. are available.
1 Drexel University
For those who live in South Jersey, Drexel is only across the river in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This allows students to take classes in-person, online, or in a hybrid format, depending on which option suits their lifestyle.
Drexel offers an outstanding Master of Legal Studies program that gives graduates the skills to help employers navigate the rocky regulatory waters of each industry.
As the third-best online MLS program in the U.S., the faculty is comprised of legal professionals and subject matter experts.
Courses/Programs Offered
The 45-credit hour program is broken down into core classes and concentrations.
Core classes include legal research and writing, negotiation tactics, the American Legal System, compliance, regulations, and different law types.
Students have access to nine concentrations that fit their career goals, ranging from NCCA Compliance and Sports Law to Criminal Law and Financial Regulatory Compliance.
Contact Information
- Address: 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
- Phone: 215-571-4749
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Fordham University
Another exceptional university that’s just across the river from New Jersey is Fordham University.
Located in the Bronx, North Jersey residents can easily access the campus and take their Master of Studies in Law in Corporate Compliance program via in-person, hybrid, or entirely online format.
The school helps existing professionals navigate complex corporate compliance to be more effective employees concerning the law.
Since no entrance exam is required, those who meet the requirements have a minimal barrier to entry.
Courses/Programs Offered
The online program is 12 months and self-paced, which means students have the flexibility to complete it sooner or take more time to digest the information.
Fundamental courses like the legal system, ethics, and legal writing will provide an excellent foundation to move into the specializations.
The following four tracks were created to give students a more focused experience: Human Resources, Healthcare, General, and Financial Services.
Contact Information
- Address: Bronx, NY 10458, United States
- Phone: 833-894-7711
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Hofstra University
Hofstra University offers an online Master of Arts in Health Law and Policy, for those looking to enter the healthcare field.
This program was created for non-lawyers who wish to further develop their legal knowledge and literacy.
The program requires 11 courses totaling 30 credits, which can be completed in two years, and gives students the skills to navigate legislation, address compliance requirements, and advocate for patients while implementing real change in healthcare facilities.
Courses/Programs Offered
Students will learn various topics ranging from healthcare policy and regulations to ethics in the workplace and legal research and writing.
Graduates will also walk away from the program with stronger oral and written communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 Hempstead Tpke, Hempstead, NY 11549, United States
- Phone: +1 516-463-6600
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Montclair State University
Montclair State University offers a Master of Arts in Law and Governance degree that combines law-related subjects with liberal arts topics.
The program was developed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel across various disciplines, including non-government organizations, international governments, non-profits, educational institutions, social service providers, business organizations, and government agencies.
Graduates will leave the program with advanced oral and written communication skills, strong critical thinking and analytical skills, and an understanding of non-litigation processes.
Courses/Programs Offered
The program requires 36 credit hours to graduate and covers legal topics like the U.S. Legal System, research analysis and methods, and ethical issues in the legal environment.
A master’s thesis and comprehensive examination are requirements at the end of the program.
Students must also choose one concentration from the following list:
- Intellectual Property
- Legal Management
- Peace Studies and Conflict Management
- Regulation, Compliance, and Governance
There are also numerous department electives ranging from different law types to negotiation theory, dispute resolution, bullying prevention, terrorism politics, and international relations.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Normal Ave. Montclair, New Jersey 07043
- Phone: 973-655-4000
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Northeastern University
Understanding the law isn’t only helpful to attorneys.
Professionals across all industries and disciplines can benefit from a better understanding of legal matters and how to communicate with legal professionals.
As a result of this growing need, Northeastern University offers an online Master of Legal Studies degree that allows non-lawyers to learn various legal concepts without needing a Juris Doctorate.
The program was developed for busy, working professionals and offers the highest level of flexibility.
Courses/Programs Offered
Throughout Northeastern’s MLS program, students will learn core concepts like negotiations, the U.S. Legal System, torts, various law types, and legal writing.
Pupils must also select from one of five concentration options, including Public Law and Policy, Intellectual Property Law, Human Resource Law, Health Law, and Business Law.
Contact Information
- Address: 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Phone: 1-877-375-9638
- Website: Visit School Website
6 PennWest
With the main campus located south of Pittsburgh, PennWest offers a reputable online Master of Science in Legal Studies degree for those interested in pursuing a career or advancing their existing career in law and public policy.
In addition to foundational and specialization topics, the program focuses on soft skill development like ethics, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.
Prospective students do not need to take an entrance exam for admission, thus making it a good option for those who want a good school with minimal barriers to entry.
Courses/Programs Offered
Core classes cover legal topics like public policy, administrative agencies, civil liberties and litigation, legal methods, and the law.
Students must also take specialized courses that cater to their career goals, including ethics, environmental law, family law, national security, and international law.
Contact Information
- Address: 4900 Friendship Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224.
- Phone: 412-578-5239
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Regent University Online
As one of the top 15 best online law degree programs in the U.S., Regent University offers a Master of Arts in Law, which helps students add law credentials to their portfolio.
The purpose of the program is to help graduates develop and communicate a legal perspective to those within their organization.
This is achieved by increasing their understanding of compliance issues, regulations, and legal and ethical topics.
Courses/Programs Offered
Core legal classes will teach students practical skills and knowledge beyond basic paralegal studies, effective communication about legal issues, exam legal issues across multiple industries, and how to research American law.
Students will then need to select from one of the following concentrations:
- Regulatory Compliance
- Advanced Paralegal Studies
- Nonprofit Organizational Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- National Security
- Business
- International Business Transactions
- Constitutional Law
- Immigration Law
- Criminal Justice
- Human Rights and the Rule of Law
- Cybersecurity Law
- Human Resources Law
- General Legal Studies
- Healthcare Law
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, United States
- Phone: +1 757-352-4885
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Purdue Global
Another leading online law school is Purdue Global, the online segment of Purdue University in Indiana.
The school offers an online Master of Science in Legal Studies degree.
Their MLS program was created for professionals who don’t want to become lawyers but want practical legal knowledge to solve real-world challenges in the workplace.
The faculty consists of experienced subject matter experts and professionals from the legal, social science, and teaching disciplines.
Students must take 11 classes to graduate, which takes approximately one year.
Courses/Programs Offered
The curriculum begins with core classes like the U.S. Legal System, Dispute Resolution, Ethical Decision-Making, and Substantive Areas of Law to build a legal foundation.
Students will then select the concentration that best aligns with their career and academic goals and interests.
Throughout the program, graduates will learn how to analyze and solve issues, apply legal principles to complicated issues, and reflect on ethical law implications.
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100 West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Phone: 844-787-3834
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Seton Hall University
Located in South Orange, New Jersey, Seton Hall University offers an excellent Master of Legal Studies degree, which was created for non-lawyers who wish to learn more about the law in their respective fields.
The world-class professors are experts in the legal field and parts of a diverse community who are always eager to tackle regulatory and legal challenges across all industries.
The program can be completed entirely online, in a hybrid format, or person and takes two years on a part-time basis.
Courses/Programs Offered
Students develop decision-making and critical thinking skills through the first 13 core credits, which include:
- The American Legal System
- Business Associations
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Legal Writing
After these fundamental classes are complete, students can choose from different specializations that better meet their career and educational goals.
Contact Information
- Address: 400 S Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ 07079, United States
- Phone: +1 973-761-9000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Drexel University |
|
#2 | Fordham University |
|
#3 | Hofstra University |
|
#4 | Montclair State University |
|
#5 | Northeastern University |
|
#6 | PennWest |
|
#7 | Regent University Online |
|
#8 | Purdue Global |
|
#9 | Seton Hall University |
Legal Studies Salary Information
One of the most common positions for a graduate of an MLS program is compliance manager, who helps companies navigate the confusing corporate regulatory waters.
The median salary for a compliance manager in New Jersey is $147,088, with annual pay ranging from $112,607 to $189,215.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$91K |
|
$10K |
|
$11K |
Average Salary in New Jersey
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| East Orange | $104,435 |
| Jersey City | $107,947 |
| Passaic | $106,376 |
| Trenton | $100,368 |
| Clifton | $106,376 |
| Camden | $97,596 |
| Hoboken | $107,947 |
| Vineland | $98,243 |
| Atlantic City | $98,982 |
| Elizabethport | $104,435 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 210 | $67,660 | $32.53 | $104,610 | $41,430 |
| Ocean City, NJ | 50 | $59,720 | $28.71 | $75,530 | $31,200 |
| Trenton, NJ | 750 | $76,250 | $36.66 | $103,250 | $48,310 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 90 | $56,680 | $27.25 | $73,910 | $35,430 |
* 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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