If you’re looking to start a high-paying legal career in New Mexico without attending law school, earning a Master’s in Legal Studies degree could be the right career move for you.
The Master’s in Legal Studies degree is a relatively new advanced legal degree that is making it possible for bachelors-level students to bypass law school and dive right into high-paying legal careers.
Many MLS Program graduates have secured high-level legal jobs in almost every industry that can earn them hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.
For example, online salary research shows that MLS degree holders working in Risk Management can earn over two hundred thousand dollars each year.
Our guide provides an overview of some of the best Master’s in Legal Studies degree and certificate program options for New Mexico-based students.
The guide includes details on local and distance-based programs that accept students from New Mexico and nationwide.
Dive in to learn more about America’s highly sought-after legal degree and learn about some of the best programs in the state and online.
Best Masters in Legal Studies Programs in New Mexico
Although the need for Master’s level legal professionals in New Mexico is great, only a few local programs are offering comprehensive legal education for local students.
The following are examples of a few local programs offering on-campus and online instruction for legal hopefuls seeking to gain master ‘s-level legal education for immediate employment after graduation.
Now that you know what to look for in an MLS degree program, let’s take a look at some of the best programs in the state and online options for distance-based learning.
1 The University of New Mexico - School of Law
The School of Law at the University of New Mexico has recently added master ‘s-level legal education to its array of legal studies options.
Local students aspiring to enter the legal field (without having to become lawyers) or earn a Juris Doctorate can thrive in their campus-based legal program, which trains students on key legal fundamentals and principles needed for mid-level career professionals in thirty credit hours of instruction.
Degree Programs Offered
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL): The Master of Studies in Law program at UNM provides legal candidates with foundational legal knowledge that readies them to perform on-the-job tasks related to contract management, contract interpretation, legal compliance, ethics, and a variety of everyday legal skills.
UNW takes its master’s level legal education one step further by offering two designated legal concentrations in Indian Law and Natural Resources Law.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to US Law, Procedure, and Legal Education
- The Common Law System
- Judicial and Statutory Analysis
- Constitutional Law
- Property Law
- Torts
Program Strengths and Advantages
Students enrolled at UNM have flexibility in how they choose to take their legal courses.
This program provides legal hopefuls with a comprehensive yet condensed legal education that prepares them to work in a variety of legal careers with high-paying salaries and high levels of responsibility.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New M
- Phone: 505-277-5700
- Website: Visit School Website
2 New Mexico State University
The Department of Government at New Mexico State University offers a legal degree add-on for non-lawyers seeking to supplement their legal education without attending law school.
Their twenty-four-credit-hour program focuses on instilling the fundamentals of law and society for Bachelor’s level students planning to immediately begin legal careers upon graduation.
Degree Programs Offered
Law and Society – Degree Supplement: The undergraduate Law and Society supplemental program offers an add-on to enrolled students who want to earn advanced legal credits.
Program candidates learn about the concepts of Constitutional Law, Civil Liberties, Procedural Law, and general legal studies curriculum.
Courses Offered
- Civil Liberties
- Constitutional Law
- Consumer Law
- Correctional Law
- Criminal and Procedural Law
- New Mexico Law
Program Strengths and Advantages
New Mexico State University provides an interdisciplinary studies route for enrolled bachelor’s degree students who want to immediately dive into high-level legal careers upon graduation.
Their flexible program also provides Pre-Law coursework, workshops, and clubs for ongoing legal education and legal networking opportunities for potential program graduates.
Contact Information
- Address: 1525 Stewart Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico - 88003
- Phone: 575-646-4935
- Website: Visit School Website
3 The University of Arizona - Online
New Mexico students seeking an online route to advanced legal studies education can take coursework at the University of Arizona.
Their online Master of Legal Studies programs feature thirty credit hours of general legal studies education and provide options for up to twelve additional concentrations where legal hopefuls can hone their skills.
The University of Arizona’s program has been labeled as one of the best online MLS programs in the US and provides general and advanced legal education options for bachelor’s degree-holding students.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Legal Studies (MLS): The University of Arizona trains non-lawyers on the fundamental concepts needed to function as high-level administrators, negotiators, analysts, and cybersecurity professionals working in the US.
Their program also features a special component for local students which allows them to apply for limited legal practice in specified areas.
Talk to your graduate program advisor or admissions counselor to learn more about the litigation option for online students.
Courses Offered
- American Public Law
- Criminal Law and Policy
- Family and Juvenile Law
- Indigenous Peoples Law
- The American Common Law System I and II
- Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research
- Legal Procedure
Program Strengths and Advantages
This online MLS degree program makes it easy for students to gain a comprehensive legal education online.
The University of Arizona’s MLS degree program prepares students to take on a variety of challenging legal roles in preparation for employment or continuing legal education.
Their unique legal studies program makes it possible for students to enter the legal field with a comprehensive education and a variety of career opportunities.
Contact Information
- Address: 1525 Stewart Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico - 88003
- Phone: 520-621-0898
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | The University of New Mexico - School of Law |
|
#2 | New Mexico State University |
|
#3 | The University of Arizona - Online |
Legal Studies Salary Information
Masters in Legal Studies – Salary for New Mexico Graduates
New Mexico advanced legal degree holders have opportunities to start high-paying legal careers with high levels of responsibility and direct impacts on the public.
Below are a few high and low-salary examples of high-paying legal careers where Master-level legal professionals work in New Mexico.
- Contract Negotiator: $77,840 – $95,453
- Legal Analysts: $120,000 – $200,000
- Legal Writers: $57,856 – $72,104
- Legal Researcher: $252,822 – $323,309
- Risk Management: $93,000 – $140,000
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$77K |
|
$85K |
|
$93K |
Average Salary in New Mexico
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Rio Rancho | $86,598 |
| Albuquerque | $86,875 |
| Roswell | $81,052 |
| Alamogordo | $82,439 |
| Clovis | $82,531 |
| Farmington | $85,766 |
| Santa Fe | $87,337 |
| Sunland Park | $80,498 |
| Hobbs | $81,792 |
| Las Cruces | $80,036 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 1,090 | $56,760 | $27.29 | $73,630 | $41,600 |
| Farmington, NM | 40 | $63,320 | $30.44 | $95,850 | $47,230 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 140 | $52,910 | $25.44 | $74,670 | $31,390 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 220 | $59,640 | $28.68 | $76,650 | $48,280 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
What Is a Master of Legal Studies Degree?
A Master of Legal Studies degree is a special Masters level degree that allows non-lawyers to gain foundational legal education and begin working in high-level legal roles in healthcare, business, education, compliance, and Homeland Security – without having to attend law school.
The MLS degree is a relatively new degree designed especially for non-lawyers.
Earning a Master’s level legal degree means that students no longer have to spend years attending law school earning a Juris Doctorate or becoming lawyers.
Today’s MLS professionals work in advanced positions in almost every industry where their legal expertise and guidance are needed to keep the wheels of justice turning.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an MLS Degree in New Mexico?
Masters of Legal Studies degree programs in New Mexico offer quick educational routes to the legal field for degree and certificate-seeking students.
Most students can complete their degree requirements within one to three years of enrollment when attending full-time.
Students who opt to take on one or more legal concentrations will take longer to complete their program requirements.
Part-time students will also take longer to complete their educational requirements.
Talk to your graduate admissions advisor to learn more about fast-track options for completing your MLS degree, MLS degree concentrations, and admissions deadlines, and find out if you qualify for tuition discounts or reimbursement — before enrolling in a program.
Who Is Eligible to Earn a Master of Legal Studies Degree in New Mexico?
While each program sets its own rules and regulations for entry, MLS programs typically accept applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
This means that previous bachelor’s degree students are required to have any previous legal experience as the MLS program lays the foundation and groundwork for legal education and employment.
The best way to learn about program admission and entry requirements is to contact the program director or graduate admissions advisor to discuss your legal career goals and academic history.
Can I Earn a Master of Legal Studies Degree Completely Online in New Mexico?
Yes! The great news for working students, parents, and other potential legal eagles with outside responsibilities is that you can earn your advanced legal degree online without any loss of quality instruction.
Today, online MLS programs teach students via online portals asynchronous learning and guided instruction which mirror on-campus education.
Online students engage with their faculty and peers in real-time environments using a mix of audio, video, and chat for immersive learning, which is just like being on campus!
What Roles Can I Work in with a Master of Legal Studies Degree in NM?
Graduates of MLS degree programs are eligible to work in a variety of legal roles as analysts, administrators, negotiators, policymakers and beyond without having a JD.
Some of today’s most in-demand legal professions are now hiring MLS degree holders to manage, administer, and negotiate on behalf of businesses, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, and even Homeland Security operations.
New Mexico MLS degree holders can find or boost their careers in some of the following categories:
- Compliance
- Contract Administration
- Legal Analysts
- Legal Writers
- Legal Researchers
- Public Policy and Government
- Federal, State, and Local Government
- Risk Management
What Does the Legal Landscape Look Like for Master’s in Legal Studies Degree Holders in New Mexico?
New Mexico’s legal landscape is rapidly evolving to include an increasing demand for legal experts with skills in technology, public policy, cybersecurity, and specialized legal fields.
There are many opportunities for employment and career advancement in the government sector, environmental law, and indigenous peoples law.
MLS degree holders can find employment in one of the most in-demand legal fields to jumpstart their legal careers as they solve high-level problems, negotiate contracts, and interpret policy using their newly acquired legal terminology skills.
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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