Continuing education is a crucial aspect of a legal career’s growth.
For students aspiring to pursue a postgraduate program in legal studies, the landscape in Maine is sparse.
While the options are limited, there are a few accredited programs that offer a master’s in legal studies within the state, necessitating thorough exploration.
Maine only offers limited programs, especially at the master’s level.
However, that shouldn’t stop students from furthering their education.
We wanted to provide the best resources and compile potential programs.
Below, we’ve gathered your available options.
The state of Maine only features one program that allows students to attend a master’s level of legal studies.
The program is not an MLS, but instead a LL.M. program.
The main difference between the two is that an MLS is a Master of Legal Studies, which is a general degree that provides a broad understanding of the law, while an LL.M. is a Master of Laws, which is a more specialized degree for those who already have a JD or equivalent.
Seats are also limited, which can cause a bit of an issue.
To help combat this, we have also added a few online programs that potential students can consider for furthering their careers.
1 University of Maine School of Law
The University of Maine School of Law is located in Portland, Maine, and is accredited by the American Bar Association.
With a bar pass rate of nearly 85%, the University of Maine is one of the state’s best programs.
Currently, it’s stated to be the only law school located in the state.
Courses Offered/Program
LL.M. Program (Masters level)
The University of Maine School of Law offers a comprehensive LL.M. program that equips students for a successful career in the legal field, both domestically and internationally.
This rigorous program is designed to cater to the individual needs and interests of each student, instilling a sense of preparedness and confidence.
That said, it’s an intensive program that is intended to be completed within one academic school year.
The program consists of 24 semester-hour credits and must be completed by the deadline.
Students are expected to maintain a good GPA while attending the program.
Learning outcomes for the LL.M. program include advanced knowledge and understanding of doctrines of law – tailored to the student’s area of concentration.
In addition, graduates will be able to communicate effectively legally, both orally and written.
Lastly, students will also master advanced research skills and have a higher level of reasoning and problem-solving, in addition to better analysis.
University of Maine 3+3 Program (Bachelor + J.D)
One unique accelerated program is the 3+3 program law degree.
UMaine just recently introduced this program and it helps students who want to quicken their studies so that they can work in the field sooner.
The program ultimately skips the master’s level but goes straight to the doctoral level.
We thought that this was an important program to mention, as it allows students the option to choose this program over the traditional LL.M. program.
The accelerated program is a mixture of the University of Maine School of Law bachelor’s degree but with another three years added on to complete the J.D. program, which is also offered at the University.
The accelerated 3+3 program at the University of Maine School of Law is a unique option for students who want to enter the legal field sooner.
This program allows students to skip the traditional master’s level and go straight to the doctoral level, saving them a full year’s worth of tuition and study.
The program is intensive, but the quality of education is not compromised, and students will be able to learn at a quickened pace.
Interested students will need to apply to the program by their spring semester of sophomore year.
Accepted students will begin their first year of law school during their fourth year of undergraduate study.
The program is intensive and competitive, so it’s best to apply sooner than later.
Contact Information
- Address: 300 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
- Phone: (207) 780-4355
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Arizona State University (Online MLS)
Arizona State University offers a plethora of online programs both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Since Maine only features one legal studies master, the online option can be a great alternative if you can’t make the move.
ASU offers a MLS program that can be completed within one to two years.
Courses Offered/Program
The program is designed to prepare students for employment in areas of regulation, compliance, law, negotiations, and more.
Students who attend a Master of Legal Studies from ASU will enhance their knowledge in several fields.
In addition, students can complete a certificate degree to further their area of expertise.
The application deadline for the program is August 1st of each year.
Potential students can check the other registration requirements and dates located on the program’s online website.
That said, the online program allows students to start at any semester.
The MLS degree consists of 30-unit courses, which must be completed to complete the program.
The courses span over 7.5 weeks to 16 weeks in length.
There are also ten different options for general legal studies students.
Some of them include criminal law, family and juvenile law, and intellectual property.
As for costs, students can expect to pay a minimum of $700 per unit.
The University offers several financial aid options, grants, and payment plans.
This can help aid if students don’t have the upfront funding to attend.
Contact Information
- Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ
- Phone: (855) 278-5080
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Drexel University (Online MLS)
Drexel University is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The School has existed since 1891 and has continued to provide a wide range of degree programs.
Currently, Drexel University offers an online MLS program.
Courses Offered/Program
The program is accredited and offers certification in some areas which can include healthcare compliance, research, and privacy.
Students who attend the program consist of four 10-week quarters per year and can be completed within two to three years.
Students can expect one-semester credit equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
The program offered is flexible, but comprehensive and will prepare students to have a deep understanding of the legal system.
The program puts advanced emphasis on practical skills and knowledge, which can prepare students for a wide variety of concentrations.
Aside from that, students will learn advanced skills in research, problem-solving, and communication.
Students who attend the program will have access to financial aid, special tuition rates, and payment plans.
That way, students can attend even if they don’t have the financials upfront.
Of course, students can also apply for grants.
Contact Information
- Address: 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Phone: (215) 895-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | University of Maine School of Law |
|
#2 | Arizona State University (Online MLS) |
|
#3 | Drexel University (Online MLS) |
Legal Studies Salary Information
Those who attain a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) can expect to make around $71,000 annually.
However, the pay will often vary depending on area, job title, and area of expertise.
Compliance managers and officers tend to make upwards of $80,000, while litigation and contract specialists will make $55,000 range.
So, there is a lot of varying range in an MLS salary.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$81K |
|
$89K |
|
$99K |
Average Salary in Maine
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Auburn | $90,479 |
| Bangor | $88,538 |
| Biddeford | $90,941 |
| Augusta | $89,001 |
| Westbrook | $91,403 |
| South Portland | $91,403 |
| Windham | $91,311 |
| Portland | $91,403 |
| Lewiston | $90,479 |
| Saco | $91,219 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 150 | $57,050 | $27.43 | $74,460 | $44,920 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 120 | $56,680 | $27.25 | $74,290 | $44,120 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 570 | $64,620 | $31.07 | $79,860 | $47,430 |
* 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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