How Long Does It Take to Get a Legal Studies Masters Degree?

Those interested in pursuing legal studies must know the educational requirements and how long it takes.

As a student, this length can vary depending on multiple factors.

Getting a Legal Studies Masters Degree

That’s why it’s best to plan accordingly before signing up for the degree.

Below, we’ve highlighted everything you’d need to know and a complete timeline of how long it could take to get a master’s degree in legal studies.

Step 1: Completing Prerequisite Requirements

Before applying to a master’s degree program, one must meet minimum requirements.

These requirements may take time, which can add to the overall length of the program.

For example, one must first complete a high school degree or GED equivalent.

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Other requirements will include attending an accredited undergraduate program in a related field of study.

Step 2: Choosing an Educational Path

There are a few ways that one can attain a legal studies master’s degree and that will have an impact on the length it takes to get one.

Below, we’ve listed a few different routes students can take.

Each one is different in length and students must determine which one works best for them.

Legal Studies Certificate Program

One option is a legal studies certificate program.

This type of program is ideal for candidates who already have a suitable master’s degree in a related field.

A student can then apply for a certificate program, instead of repeating similar classwork.

Certificate programs can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

However, the average length is estimated at two to three semesters, which works out to be around eight months depending on the institution.

This is a good option for those who already have completed the necessary schooling and just want to move into the legal studies field.

Legal Studies Master’s Degree

On the other hand, a master’s degree program in legal studies will take an average of two years.

The length of the program will depend on the institution, but in general, it will not go beyond that.

Some students even attend accelerated programs to speed up the process.

One factor that can also impact the length of a program is full or part-time status.

As a part-time student, the program will end up taking anywhere from two to four years.

Part-time status is okay for most, as it helps students balance work and school life.

That said, a full-time student will complete a degree program faster.

The downside is that these programs are often intensive and will require much more effort.

Another way to speed up the process is to attend an accelerated program.

An accelerated legal studies master’s will be very intensive but will prepare students to sit for their degree in a year.

While convenient, many students won’t end up passing, as these programs move much quicker than your standard two-year degree program.

Legal Studies JD Program

While not as common, some students may opt to take a combined undergraduate and graduate program.

These programs combine both curriculums and shorten the overall length it takes to get a master’s degree program.

The most common one is a 3+3 JD program.

A JD program such as this will have three years of undergraduate coursework and three years of graduate graduation.

They are often not recommended if one is only looking to work in legal studies.

However, students who plan to practice law, such as becoming a lawyer or judge.

Step 3: Pass Certificate/Program Exams

To get a master’s in legal studies, one will need to complete final exams.

These exams are similar to exit exams and are designed to test students’ knowledge of topics.

It’s estimated that students should put away at least three months of 20 hours per week to successfully pass the exam.

Students who don’t pass will need to either retake the course or apply to take the exam again.

Other Factors That Can Impact Program Completion Time

Transferring credits is also a good way to reduce program length.

At the same time, not every credit may be able to be transferred, as it strongly depends on the two institutions.

Credits can be a good way to cut down the overall time it takes to complete a master’s degree program.

To see if you can qualify for transferring credits, you will need to reach out to the school you plan to attend.

Their department professionals can help give you an estimate on what credits may or may not transfer from other institutions.

Sometimes life and work can take a toll on a student, and they will need to step back.

If a student has any concerns about this, then they can talk to their school about putting their degree on hold.

This is often not ideal, but life happens and it may be necessary.

That said, students should keep in mind that credits do become outdated and should be wary of how long they stay away.

Lastly, retaking or failing a course can also result in a longer program length.

Most programs are highly technical and require a lot more work than undergraduate programs.

Students who are not prepared to dedicate hours may face failing courses.

In these cases, students may be dropped from their program for failing to meet minimum grade or GPA requirements.

Key Takeaways

Graduating with a master’s in legal studies can vary in length, but averages one to two years.

It should be noted that students who attend an accelerated program often complete the degree program quickly.

However, the program is much more intensive and will require more coursework to be completed in little time.

If one is looking to get a master’s degree in legal studies, then one should weigh their options when it comes to becoming a legal studies student.

Out of the methods, a JD combination program is the most useful.

However, not everyone will need to take that.

If a student already holds a master’s degree, then a certificate program may be all that’s needed.

It’s just good to keep in mind that there may be new information in newer curriculums that were not there for older degrees.

So, it’s best to take time to determine which one is right for you.

Chelsea Wilson

About Chelsea Wilson

Chelsea Wilson is the Community Relations Manager for Washington University School of Law’s distance learning LLM degree program, which provides foreign trained attorneys with the opportunity to earn a Master of Laws degree from a top-tier American university from anywhere in the world.

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