Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programs are designed to grant students legal knowledge with diverse professional applications.
These highly adaptable degrees can combine courses that focus on law, business, and legal procedures.
They also, depending on the specialty, address current and future federal regulations, healthcare, and social policy.
West Virginia graduates with a general or specialized Masters in Legal studies often work in Federal enforcement, fraud divisions, international relations, politics, social advocacy, or multinational conglomerates.
There are only a few West Virginia Master’s Legal Studies programs throughout the state.
Some are on campus, and some provide hybrid or 100% online education, accommodating professional lifestyles.
So, if you are meticulous and enthusiastic about the law, a graduate degree in legal studies is an excellent addition to your professional resume.
1 American Public University System
A for-profit graduate school headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia, the American Public University System boasts almost 30 graduate programs with an enrollment of roughly 8,400, including many active duty and veterans of the armed services.
Similar to the Master of Legal Studies degree, all programs are offered online or as hybrid programs.
Surprisingly, almost 95% of the University’s graduate students are part-time.
Courses Offered
Generally, a Master’s degree in Legal Studies is a broad-based degree designed to promote an overall foundation in law and legal procedures.
It is for those who want to expand their basic knowledge of legal doctrines to gain a stronger understanding of legal concepts, workplace law, and legal ethics.
An MLS degree does not qualify one to practice law but helps one apply legal knowledge in a wide variety of professions.
The American Public University System offers all West Virginia students the opportunity to excel academically by requiring both graduate-level core competencies and communication skills.
Addressing complex social and legal concerns requires critical thinking and communication skills.
The American Public University System’s two-year graduate legal studies program is a 36-credit-hour degree.
It covers legal research, criminal law, and justice procedures.
A comprehensive academic pathway, the MLS degree provides a broad legal foundation for those entering the program from a more specialized profession.
Basic coursework includes torts, contracts, property, and constitutional law.
The major focuses on justice theory, immigration, and advanced legal ethics and is often combined with cybercrime and space law for an unusually rounded degree.
Core competencies include:
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Justice Procedures
- International Law
- Environment Policy
- Regulations
- Employment and Labor Law
- Space Law
An independent studies and a Capstone legal analytical project (CLAP) course are required for graduation from the Master of Legal Studies Program.
These final courses demonstrate that a student has mastered legal research, analysis, and writing.
Contact Information
- Address: 111 W Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414
- Phone: 877.755.2787
- Website: Visit School Website
2 West Virginia University - Online Program
West Virginia University’s online program lists numerous graduate and undergraduate degrees.
It is also a prominent online educator for life skill certifications.
The hybrid nature of these degrees and coursework reduces cost and accommodates the lifestyles of busy individuals and professionals.
West Virginia University is thoroughly dedicated to the alternate education approach, supporting a host of services specifically designed for 100% online students.
The Mountaineer Hub, an informational resource, provides financial aid and personal admission coaches.
WVU’s Technology Service Desk is available to troubleshoot and resolve computer issues, and the Tutoring Center and Libraries have devised strong on-demand tutoring and librarian availability.
Online learning, while convenient in location and cost, can be isolating.
West Virginia University offers a 24/7 student mental health support system.
Courses Offered
As with most universities, A bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and proof of successful proficiency in English are required for admission to any WVU graduate program.
The general MLS has been revamped.
Now, students who elect a Master of Legal Studies degree must also choose a specialization:
- Healthcare and Social Work
- Justice System
- Homeland Security
One of the more unique offerings from West Virginia University, developed with the National Institute of Justice, is a graduate-level forensic accounting program.
This highly focused degree, a Master’s in Forensic and Fraud Examination as well as a Master’s in Cybersecurity, is housed at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics.
Most masters of legal studies require the completion of 30 credit hours.
The syllabus includes 21 hours of required courses and nine hours of virtual internships and electives, such as:
- Business Management
- Data Analytics and Analysis
- Cybersecurity
- Machine Learning
- Cryptography
The full-time program is designed to be completed in 18 months.
However, there are also options for part-time attendance.
Contact Information
- Address: PO Box 6201, Morgantown, WV 26506
- Phone: 800.253.2762
- Website: Visit School Website
3 West Virginia University - College of Law
West Virginia University College of Law is located in Morgantown, near the Pennsylvania border, in the north-central part of the state.
Campus-based, WVU Law is a selective college with roughly 405 enrolled students.
The university offers a unique dual degree program for those wanting a Juris Doctorate (JD) but also wishing to specialize in their legal studies with a Master of Laws.
Courses Offered
The JD program at West Virginia University – College of Law is typical of most American law schools.
However, core competencies, torts, criminal law, contracts, and legal procedure also form the foundation for a concentration in four areas:
- Energy and Sustainable Development
- Social Work
- Labor and Unemployment
- International Law
- Public Interest Law
Contact Information
- Address: 101 Law School Dr, Morgantown, WV 26506
- Phone: 304.293.5301
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | American Public University System |
|
#2 | West Virginia University - Online Program |
|
#3 | West Virginia University - College of Law |
Legal Studies Salary Information
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree can significantly increase lifetime earnings.
An MLS degree is not a law degree but a graduate program in legal studies that can be applied to various professions, including corporate departments, healthcare, politics, public health, and non-profit advocacy.
The possibilities are numerous.
In West Virginia, a new MLS graduate with no other specialization can expect a starting salary of roughly $39,937 a year.
However, when combined with unique skills such as forensic accounting for the FBI or a position as a corporate CEO, it is possible to earn salaries up to $179,520.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$75K |
|
$83K |
|
$92K |
Average Salary in West Virginia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Weirton | $90,319 |
| Beckley | $82,715 |
| Charleston | $83,457 |
| Wheeling | $90,782 |
| Fairmont | $90,782 |
| Morgantown | $90,782 |
| Parkersburg | $82,344 |
| Huntington | $82,437 |
| Aurora | $86,888 |
| Bramwell | $83,920 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 60 | $43,440 | $20.88 | $61,380 | $28,710 |
| Charleston, WV | 410 | $55,720 | $26.79 | $77,650 | $33,530 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 260 | $52,320 | $25.15 | $73,380 | $28,870 |
| Morgantown, WV | 140 | $63,840 | $30.69 | $130,500 | $36,430 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | 200 | $67,380 | $32.4 | $93,870 | $37,690 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 40 | $45,760 | $22 | $61,710 | $28,370 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 150 | $52,160 | $25.08 | $75,160 | $30,530 |
* 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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