If you are a Bachelor’s degree holder living in Delaware, and you’ve been thinking about expanding your legal knowledge to boost your career, earn a higher salary, and make an impact on Delaware’s legal landscape as a healthcare administrator, public policy manager, risk management professional, or cybersecurity expert – this is the guide for you!
Advanced legal degrees available for Bachelors level students, can include the Juris Doctorate, LLM, and Master’s Degrees awarded by top law schools.
Our guide emphasizes programs offering graduate-level degree programs.
Our guide provides an overview of some of the best local and online MLS degree programs for students in Delaware.
This comprehensive guide to the best MLS degree programs for Delaware students introduces the Masters in Legal Studies, which prepares non-lawyers for a variety of different career roles — without attending law school.
Best Masters in Legal Studies Programs in Delaware
Delaware is one of the smaller states in the US.
As such, its in-state selection of campus-based MLS degree programs is limited to one in-state school.
The good news is that Delaware-based students who hold a bachelor’s degree have web-based options for expanding their legal education.
The following is an overview of local campus-based and web-based Master in Legal Studies programs available for Delaware Bachelor’s degree holders.
1 Widener University - Delaware Law School
Bachelor’s degree holders with legal aspirations in Delaware can get advanced legal education through Widener University’s law school.
They offer an online master’s degree program designed especially for non-lawyers who want to pursue legal careers without having to attend law school or earn a Juris Doctorate for lawyers.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Jurisprudence (MJ): The Masters level degree program at Widener University readies program graduates for various legal careers related to regulatory frameworks, compliance, risk management, and business law.
Successful candidates are awarded the Master of Jurisprudence credential that immediately shows industry professionals and potential local employers that they have mastered the art of advanced legal communication, writing, research, ethics, and compliance.
Courses Offered
- Business Law
- Financial Fraud
- Legal Ethics
- Regulatory Analysis and Compliance
- Risk Management
Program Strengths and Advantages
This CCB-Accredited program allows non-lawyers who are seeking to enhance their careers an easy route to advanced legal education.
Courses offered through Widener University – Delaware Law School and the International, Compliance, and Legal Studies Office lead to master-level degrees and certificates that prepare legal learners for immediate high-income employment in business, healthcare, finance, government, and related fields.
Contact Information
- Address: 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware - 19803
- Phone: 302-477-2100
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Drexel University - Online Master's in Legal Studies
Students who enroll in the online Master of Legal Studies program at Drexel can earn a master’s degree or a graduate certificate.
This online program is divided into four ten-week quarters, and it operates in partnership with the Thomas R. Kline School of Law to educate Bachelor’s level professionals on the critical skills needed to boost their legal careers in public policy, compliance, education, business, and healthcare.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Legal Studies: Drexel students who are accepted into this online MLS program gain access to a wealth of legal knowledge and resources that prepare them for working in key roles in local industries.
This accredited program allows aspiring legal professionals to enter the field without having to attend law school or spend years becoming a lawyer.
Drexel offers a non-matriculated study option for professionals who want to enhance their legal knowledge without officially enrolling in a degree or certificate program.
Courses Offered
- Criminal Law
- Cybersecurity
- Financial and Regulatory Compliance
- Health Care Compliance
- Higher Education Compliance
Program Strengths and Advantages
The online Masters in Legal Studies program at Drexel University has been deemed one of the best online accredited legal degree programs offering comprehensive legal education for non-lawyers.
Their online degree program introduces a variety of interdisciplinary studies courses for legal professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of public policy, legal communication, criminal law, and a variety of related disciplines.
Contact Information
- Address: 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 19104
- Phone: 800.2.DREXEL
- Website: Visit School Website
3 University of Maryland - Francis King Carey School of Law
The University of Maryland provides Delaware students with another online option for completing their advanced legal education.
They offer a Master of Science in Law program that trains working professionals on the advanced legal concepts needed to increase their legal knowledge and enhance their careers.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Science in Law: The Francis King Carey School of Law at the University of Maryland delivers advanced legal coursework using web-based asynchronous instruction where students work together with their instructors and peers to complete program requirements on their schedules.
Courses Offered
- Dispute Resolution and Negotiation
- Ethics in Law and Public Policy
- Legal Methods
- Legal Research
- Public Law and the Regulatory Process
Program Strengths and Advantages
University of Maryland’s graduate-level legal students can choose from one of three concentrations in addition to earning their master’s degree.
This online program offers concentrations in top industries, including Homeland Security, Health Care, and Cybersecurity, where Master’s degree legal professionals are in high demand across the state and the US.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland - 21201
- Phone: 410-706-0580
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Widener University - Delaware Law School |
|
#2 | Drexel University - Online Master's in Legal Studies |
|
#3 | University of Maryland - Francis King Carey School of Law |
Legal Studies Salary Information
Masters in Legal Studies – Salary for Delaware Graduates
Master’s degree-level legal professionals in Delaware make well-paying salaries that can add up to more than $100,000 per year depending on their profession.
The Master of Legal Studies degree is an advanced interdisciplinary studies degree that allows graduates to work in a variety of roles in and around the legal profession.
Delaware MLS holders have opportunities to work in healthcare, education, law enforcement, compliance, public policy, and business.
The following are examples of the current high and low annual salary ranges for legal professionals in Delaware.
- Business Analyst: $89,000 – $130,000
- Contract Analyst: $51,000 – 88,918
- Health Services Administrator: $81,000 – $130,000
- Human Resources Generalist: $58,000 – $72,562
- Policy Analyst: $83,000 – $120,000
- Risk Manager: $100,000 – $150,000
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$84K |
|
$93K |
|
$10K |
Average Salary in Delaware
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Bear | $96,209 |
| Milford | $97,780 |
| Wilmington | $96,394 |
| Delaware City | $96,302 |
| New Castle | $96,394 |
| Dover | $97,041 |
| Newark | $96,302 |
| Harrington | $97,780 |
| Seaford | $96,209 |
| Middletown | $96,487 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 150 | $63,190 | $30.38 | $96,320 | $46,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
What Is a Master of Legal Studies Degree?
A Master of Legal Studies degree is an advanced legal degree that is designed specifically to educate non-lawyers on the legal concepts needed to work in careers related to compliance, public policy, business, healthcare, education, and finance.
The MLS degree differs from the Juris Doctorate in that degree candidates are not required to enter or complete law school to work in some of the most in-demand legal fields.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an MLS Degree in Delaware?
The length of time it takes for students to complete the program requirements for earning an MLS degree will vary by student and program.
Most MLS programs are designed for full-time and part-time students to complete their studies in around two to three years.
In most cases, part-time students and legal candidates who select a concentration will take longer to complete their degree programs than full-time students without a concentration.
Who Is Eligible to Earn a Master of Legal Studies Degree in Delaware?
While each online or campus-based Master of Legal Studies degree program has its entry requirements, most programs will consider applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Prospective applicants need to research admissions requirements, deadlines, and costs for their desired program.
New applicants should speak with the program advisor or graduate academic advisor to ensure they are on the right degree path for their careers.
Can I Earn a Master of Legal Studies Degree Completely Online?
Yes! Students who are concerned about earning a Master of Legal Studies degree completely online now have several accredited and ABA-approved programs to choose from near Delaware.
Today’s online MLS programs offer accredited and comprehensive interdisciplinary instruction, leading to advanced legal degrees for industry professionals who haven’t already earned a Juris Doctorate.
What Roles Can I Work in with a Master of Legal Studies Degree in Delaware?
Bachelor’s degree holders who are seeking an advanced legal degree without having to attend law school have a variety of viable career options to choose from upon graduation.
The following are examples of careers where advanced legal skills are currently in high demand across Delaware.
- Compliance
- Contract Administration
- Contract Negotiation
- Corporate Tax Law
- Environmental Law
- Healthcare Administration
- Intellectual Property Law
- Law Enforcement and Criminal Law
- Legal Analysis
- Paralegal
- Public Policy
- Risk Management
- State, Federal, or Local Government
- Delaware’s Legal Landscape for Master’s Degree Holders
The legal landscape for Delaware Masters in Legal Studies degree holders includes a need for skilled contract management, risk management, and compliance professionals with in-depth knowledge of corporate and business law.
Potential MLS graduates can also expect legal careers related to environmental law, intellectual property law, and cybersecurity to remain in high demand for the next few years.
What Courses Can I Expect to Take in a Master of Legal Studies Degree Program in Delaware?
Delaware students who enroll in state-based campus programs and online MLS degree programs can expect to take a combination of legal courses that include topics in legal research, writing, communications, and compliance.
The programs listed above include some of the following courses for MLS degree and certificate seekers.
- Advanced Legal Research
- Business and Transactional Law
- Business Law
- Criminal Justice Law
- Dispute Resolution and Negotiation
- Educational Compliance
- Financial and Regulatory Compliance
- Healthcare Compliance
- Public Law and Policy
The specific courses that you will take in your legal studies programs depend on your selected degree track and specialization.
Talk to your graduate program advisor to learn more about specific courses and requirements for your desired career.
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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