If you have been thinking about up-leveling your career by earning a Master’s in Legal Studies degree for non-lawyers in Alaska, this is the guide for you!
Master’s level legal professionals earn well-paying salaries with exciting and diverse career opportunities in Alaska.
The guide below provides an overview of US schools that accept new MLS and Post-Baccalaureate degree applicants from Alaska into their advanced legal studies programs on-campus and online.
Dive into our comprehensive guide to the Best Master in Legal Studies programs available for Alaska residents and learn more about how to use an MLS degree to increase your salary and boost your legal career — without becoming a lawyer.
Best Masters in Legal Studies Programs in Alaska
The Best Master in Legal Studies programs in Alaska are limited.
However, the good news for local Bachelor’s degree holders is that there are a variety of nationwide programs that accept applications for online MLS programs.
Online MLS degrees carry just as much weight as degrees earned by attending classes on campus.
The following is a summary of a few local programs offering pathways to advanced legal education and online institutions that accept aspiring MLS students nationwide.
1 The University of Alaska at Anchorage
Program Overview
The University of Alaska at Anchorage’s Justice Center provides a pathway for students to earn an ABA-approved Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies through their Legal Studies Program.
Local Bachelor’s degree holders can enhance their legal knowledge by enrolling in this program, which prepares students to work side-by-side with legal and judicial professionals.
Degree Programs Offered
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies: The PBCT program at the University of Arizona introduces Bachelor’s degree holder students to the law, ethics, and substantive legal concepts like Civil Procedure and Pretrial Practice, that allow them to gain a grasp of crucial legal concepts needed to enhance their current legal knowledge and begin higher paying careers as skilled legal professionals without having to attend law school.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Law
- Civil Procedure and Pretrial Practice
- Contracts, Property, and Debt
- Health Care Law
- Trial and Advanced Litigation Processes
Program Strengths and Advantages
There are a limited number of MLS degree programs for Alaskans, so this Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies gives local legal hopefuls a route to advanced legal education and higher-paying careers without having to enroll in full-time degree programs that can take years to complete.
Students who complete the ABA-approved PBCT certificate from UAA can begin working in their new legal roles immediately.
Contact Information
- Address: 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska - 99508
- Phone: 907-786-1480
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Arizona State University - Online
Program Overview
Legal trainees seeking to earn their MLS in Alaska online can apply to the Online Master of Legal Studies program at Arizona State University Online
Their nationwide program accepts students from around the country who want to pursue advanced legal careers in healthcare, compliance, human resources, or business without completing a Juris Doctorate.
ASU’s program is comprised of thirty hours of online education and offers twelve optional concentrations for students who want to specialize in a specific area of US Law.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Legal Studies Degree (MLS): The ASU Online MLS program provides a solid foundation in the US Legal System and provides opportunities for students to specialize in Business Law, Construction Law, Contract Law, Intellectual Law, and several other concentrations.
Courses Offered
- US Law and Legal Analysis
- Administrative Agencies and Regulations
- Criminal Law
- Fundamentals of Contract Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Tort Law
Program Strengths and Advantages
This online MLS program accepts students from Alaska and nationwide, making it possible for aspiring professionals to enhance their careers regardless of their location.
Students learn advanced legal concepts that prepare them for high-paying careers in compliance, contract management, healthcare, and business – all from the comfort of home.
Contact Information
- Address: 1151 S Forest Avenue, Tempe, Arizona - 85281
- Phone: 855-278-5080
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Pennsylvania Western University - Online
Program Overview
Students seeking to further their legal education in an online program can enroll at Pennsylvania Western University.
PWU offers an online Master of Science in Legal Studies program designed for Bachelor’s degree holders and working professionals seeking to enhance their legal knowledge as non-lawyers.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Science in Legal Studies: The MS in Legal Studies from PennWest teaches students the legal fundamentals related to critical thinking and problem-solving in a variety of career roles related to interpreting US Law.
Their program trains students on the most in-demand skills needed for legal professionals, public policy professionals, and government professionals.
Students can complete PennWest’s web-based MLS program by attending a series of virtual lectures led by legal professionals combined with readings, discussion board posts, and online assessments.
Courses Offered
- Environmental Law
- Family Law
- International Law
- Law and Public Policy
- National Security
Program Strengths and Advantages
This top-rated online MLS program readies students for a variety of advanced legal careers.
PennWest has partnerships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other crucial national and state agencies that make it possible for online learners to glean knowledge from some of the most highly trained legal professionals in the US.
Contact Information
- Address: East Normal Street, Edinboro, Pennsylvania - 16444
- Phone: 724-938-4187
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | The University of Alaska at Anchorage |
|
#2 | Arizona State University - Online |
|
#3 | Pennsylvania Western University - Online |
Legal Studies Salary Information
Masters in Legal Studies – Salary
Alaska residents who earn advanced legal degrees, like a Master’s in Legal Studies, can see substantial increases in their salary.
The following annual salary amounts show the high and low salary averages for legal professionals with advanced degrees in Alaska:
- Compliance Officer: $68,000 – $150,000
- Contract Manager: $110,859.00 – $170,000
- Paralegal: $46,000.00 – $79,180.00
- Policy Advisor: $61,209.00 – $76,585.00
- Senior Legal Analyst: $59,000 – $91,000.00
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$90K |
|
$10K |
|
$11K |
Average Salary in Alaska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $101,594 |
| Wasilla | $100,211 |
| Fairbanks | $102,332 |
| Juneau | $101,594 |
| Ketchikan | $100,211 |
| Palmer | $100,211 |
| Sitka | $100,211 |
| Ruby | $100,949 |
| Kiana | $100,949 |
| Noorvik | $100,949 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 550 | $61,730 | $29.68 | $92,460 | $45,850 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 70 | $65,670 | $31.57 | $93,340 | $45,290 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
What Is a Master of Legal Studies Degree?
A Master of Legal Studies degree (MLS) is an advanced legal degree that trains Bachelor’s degree holders and practicing legal professionals on crucial topics related to the US legal system, legal procedures, ethical decision-making, and advanced critical thinking and analysis skills.
The skills learned in an MLS degree program can be applied across a variety of disciplines in business, law enforcement, government, public policy, and healthcare.
A key component of MLS degrees is that they are designed specifically for non-lawyers and aspiring legal professionals who want to earn an advanced legal degree without attending law school or earning a Juris Doctorate.
The following are examples of advanced degrees that are available for Bachelor’s degree holders in the US:
- Master of Legal Studies Degree
- Juris Doctorate
- LL.M.
Choosing the right legal degree program depends on your career goals and is critical for non-lawyers seeking substantive legal education to boost their professional careers.
Prospective applicants need to talk to the admissions counselor or graduate advisor of their selected programs to ensure the selection of the right degree path for their desired career.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an MLS Degree in Alaska?
Students who enroll in Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs can typically complete their program requirements within a few months, up to one year.
MLS enrollees can expect to spend between one and three years completing their degree programs.
Full-time students will likely complete their program requirements and graduate earlier than part-time students taking fewer classes.
Who Is Eligible to Earn a Master of Legal Studies Degree in Alaska?
Eligibility for enrollment into an MLS program depends on the application and admission requirements of each program.
In most cases, a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required.
Contact the graduate admissions counselor for your program of choice to learn more about specific admissions requirements, enrollment deadlines, and financial aid opportunities for qualified students.
Can I Earn a Master of Legal Studies Degree Completely Online?
Yes! The great news for Alaskan students with limited access to advanced legal degree programs is that you can earn a Master of Legal Studies degree completely online.
Browse through a few top-rated MLS degree programs listed in our guide below.
What Roles Can I Work in with a Master of Legal Studies Degree?
The opportunities for MLS degree holders seeking employment in Alaska are diverse and filled with a wide variety of unique opportunities to fill employment gaps in the areas of Law Enforcement, Legal Compliance, Indigenous Rights, and Public Policy.
Alaska’s MLS degree holders and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate holders can begin exciting careers in some of the following high-paying local industries:
- Compliance
- Contract Management
- Government
- Healthcare
- Indigenous Rights
- Law Enforcement
- Legal Compliance
- Native American Law
- Natural Resources
- Public Policy
Alaska’s Legal Landscape for Master’s Degree Holders
The legal landscape for Alaska-based MLS degree holders includes a remote area where there are a limited number of legal training programs available at the graduate level.
Master’s degree-seeking students can opt to enroll in online MLS programs that provide them with the critical legal knowledge needed to work as legal professionals without becoming lawyers.
Advanced degree holders have an educational advantage in finding and securing high-income positions as Master’s degree-holding legal professionals.
Graduates who complete online MLS programs and Post-Baccalaureate degree programs in legal studies can open themselves up to a variety of new career opportunities in healthcare, business, finance, public policy, Native American Law, and national security.
What Courses Can I Expect to Take in a Master of Legal Studies Degree Program in Alaska?
While there are a limited number of Master of Legal Studies degree programs in Alaska, students enrolling in Post-Baccalaureate and advanced legal degree programs can expect to take some of the following ABA-approved courses:
- Introduction to US Law and Policy
- Contracts, Property, and Debt Law
- Criminal Law and Law Enforcement
- Family Law
- Health Care Law
- Indigenous Rights
- National Security
- Public Policy Law
- Tort Law
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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