The legal landscape for Masters level legal degree holders in Massachusetts is rapidly expanding.
The need for highly-skilled legal professionals with a firm grasp of the law is currently in high demand in legal fields related to emerging technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, finance, business, and government.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and you’re seeking information on some of the best Masters in Legal Studies programs in Massachusetts – this is the guide for you!
Our guide provides a comprehensive overview of some of the area’s best MLS degree programs offering online and in-person instruction.
Dive in to learn more about one of the most popular legal degrees available for non-lawyers and get the inside scoop on some of the best programs offering quick entry into the legal field for advanced legal professionals without a law degree.
Best Masters in Legal Studies Programs in Massachusetts
Bachelor’s degree holders seeking to earn an advanced degree in legal studies have a few different options to choose from in Massachusetts.
The best Masters in Legal Studies programs within the state offer in-depth exploration of innovative and emerging legal topics in healthcare, business, biotechnology, cybersecurity, finance, and a wealth of industries where understanding legality and ethics are becoming mandatory job requirements.
The following programs offer on-campus and online MLS degrees and certificates for Massachusetts-based candidates.
Each program has its own set of rules, regulations, admissions, and graduation requirements.
Prospective candidates should contact the program admissions advisor to learn more about application deadlines, tuition, financial aid, and graduation requirements.
1 Northeastern University School of Law
The Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, MA has a variety of online advanced legal degree and certificate programs for prospective students seeking a Masters-level legal education.
Their online MLS program offers a general degree and five concentrations where students can hone their skills in healthcare, public policy, business law, and other highly regulated fields.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Legal Studies [MLS]: Legal students on a master’s degree track gain a comprehensive introduction to the US legal system, regulations, and public policy knowledge needed to function in management and leadership roles.
Graduate Law Certificates: Business Law, Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, Healthcare Compliance, Human Resources Law
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Legal Studies I and II
- Business Law
- Health Law
- Public Law and Policy
- Human Resources Law
Program Strengths and Advantages
Northeastern students can earn an MLS degree or a graduate-level certificate which makes them immediately eligible for employment in a variety of regulated fields seeking the expertise of non-lawyers with legal education.
Contact Information
- Address: 416 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts - 02115
- Phone: 877-375-9638
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Boston University School of Law
The Boston University School of Law offers advanced legal training for lawyers and non-lawyers seeking to expand their legal education.
Non-lawyers seeking to earn a legal degree in less than three years can enroll in their Masters in the Study of Tax Law program.
Degree Programs Offered
Master in the Study of Tax Law: The Tax Law program at Boston University provides an in-depth overview of the US tax law system.
Their twenty-four-credit-hour program is designed for non-lawyers seeking to uplevel their legal credentials in accounting, business, and finance.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Legal Research in Tax
- Introduction to Legal Writing
- Tax Law Research
- Federal Income Tax
- Tax and Procedure Law
Program Strengths and Advantages
Boston University’s Masters in The Study of Tax Law degree program is one of the most prestigious and in-depth legal training programs available for non-lawyers seeking higher education.
Program participants get insights on US tax laws, procedures, research, and practices in this program where students can take full and part-time courses on campus and online.
Contact Information
- Address: 765 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts - 02215
- Phone: 617-353-5323
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Suffolk University - Boston
Non-lawyers seeking legal knowledge in areas related to life sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries can apply to the Master of Sciences in Law: Life Sciences Program at Suffolk University in Boston.
Their Master’s degree program consists of thirty credit hours across ten courses designed to be completed in two semesters for full-time students.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Science in Law: Life Sciences – The master’s degree program at Suffolk provides program participants with a solid foundation in both legal and life sciences-related topics.
This unique foundation readies graduates to begin or advance careers in Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Development, and Data Security.
Courses Offered
- Applied Genetics
- Biotechnology, Business, and the Law
- Compliance Issues in Pharma and Life Sciences
- Intro to Molecular Biology for Professionals
- Pharmaceutical Development
Program Strengths and Advantages
The MSLL program at Suffolk University is one of the first of its kind.
Graduates are trained on innovative laws, policies, and procedures related to emerging technology, biotechnology, data security, and pharmaceutical development.
Contact Information
- Address: 120 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts - 02108
- Phone: 617-573-8000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Northeastern University School of Law |
|
#2 | Boston University School of Law |
|
#3 | Suffolk University - Boston |
Legal Studies Salary Information
Masters in Legal Studies – Salary for Massachusetts Graduates
Local students who graduate from Master in Legal Studies degree programs for non-lawyers in Massachusetts can earn high-income and well-paying salaries working in compliance, regulatory, and legal analytics roles in management, educational, and leadership capacities.
Master’s degree holders working in metropolitan areas like Boston can see an even higher salary increase for leadership and management roles.
The following represents the average annual high and low salary ranges for MLS degree holders working in Massachusetts.
- Business Analyst: $59,157 – $124,840
- Contracts Negotiator: $95,694 – $117,348
- Health Services Administrator: $100,442 – $128,549
- Molecular Biologist: $83,000 – $120,000
- Instructional Technology Specialist: $65,052 – $87,998
- Risk Manager: $110,000 – $170,000
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$91K |
|
$10K |
|
$11K |
Average Salary in Massachusetts
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Arlington | $103,603 |
| Boston | $103,603 |
| Brookline | $103,603 |
| Peabody | $103,418 |
| Quincy | $103,603 |
| Lynn | $103,603 |
| Plymouth | $99,536 |
| Worcester | $97,503 |
| Pittsfield | $94,823 |
| Springfield | $96,394 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 160 | $66,520 | $31.98 | $98,200 | $47,610 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 6,000 | $77,050 | $37.05 | $106,060 | $49,990 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 40 | $62,120 | $29.87 | $81,410 | $47,160 |
| New Bedford, MA | 80 | $63,830 | $30.69 | $99,590 | $46,960 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 70 | $62,500 | $30.05 | $96,480 | $44,370 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 450 | $63,260 | $30.41 | $83,720 | $45,240 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 490 | $66,070 | $31.77 | $99,440 | $46,910 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
What Is a Master of Legal Studies Degree?
A Master of Legal Studies is a specially designed degree for students seeking to begin legal careers as non-lawyers.
These one to three-year programs train bachelor’s degree holders on legal fundamentals and principles needed to elevate or begin legal careers in compliance, business, finance, biotechnology, and emerging fields where legal interpretation, contract negotiation, and legal research are mandatory.
Earning an MLS degree allows non-lawyers to enter new fields immediately and begin applying their legal skills without the need to complete law school or earn a Juris Doctorate to become lawyers.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an MLS Degree in Massachusetts?
MLS degree programs are designed for non-lawyers to gain quick entry into new careers and legal career advancement.
As such, most of these programs can be completed within a few months to three years.
The time it takes to complete your program depends on how long it takes legal students to complete program requirements as a full-time or part-time students.
Students who enroll in full-time MLS programs will likely complete their program requirements faster than students who enroll or attend classes part-time.
Graduates who opt for a specialization, concentration, or certification in addition to their general MLS degree can also expect to spend longer completing their programs.
Who Is Eligible to Earn a Master of Legal Studies Degree in Massachusetts?
Eligibility for application and enrollment in campus and web-based MLS degree programs in Massachusetts is usually contingent on the prospective student holding a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
While most MLS degree programs for non-lawyers accept new applicants from a variety of educational backgrounds and disciplines, each program has its own entry and admissions requirements.
Prospective applicants should thoroughly research prospective MLS degree programs to ensure that they meet program eligibility requirements for admissions and graduation.
Aspiring legal students should also note that they may have to apply to both the graduate school and the law school of their selected programs.
Can I Earn a Master of Legal Studies Degree Completely Online?
Yes! The good news for working professionals and prospective students who have outside obligations is that many of the best legal studies programs available in MA offer web-based options for completing your degree.
Students can log in to online MLS programs to access live and recorded lectures, engage with peers, view degree progress, and submit assignments via educational website portals.
MLS programs from accredited institutions that operate completely online award the same credentials as traditional brick-and-mortar campus-based degree and certificate programs.
What Roles Can I Work in with a Master of Legal Studies Degree in MA?
MLS degree holders can work in a variety of legal, compliance, technology, and government-related fields across the state.
Following are examples of high-paying careers where non-lawyers use their newly gained legal skills to interpret contracts, close business deals, and interpret legal regulations and policies.
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences Law
- Contract Negotiation
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Environmental Protection Law
- Healthcare Administration and Policy
- Intellectual Property Law
- Law Enforcement and Criminal Law
- Legal Analytics
- Pharmaceutical Technology Law
- Public Policy Implementation
- Risk Management
- State, Federal, or Local Government
Overview: The Legal Landscape for Master’s Degree Holders in Massachusetts
The legal landscape for master’s degree holders in Massachusetts includes a mix of innovative and time-tested legal professions in biotechnology, taxation, business, healthcare, finance, and a variety of emerging technology fields.
Students who opt to advance their legal education as non-lawyers by earning an MLS degree open the door to a variety of high-paying career options in leadership, business management, government policy, technology, and education.
What Courses Can I Expect to Take in a Master of Legal Studies Degree Program in Massachusetts?
MLS degree students in Massachusetts have access to a unique array of advanced legal studies courses that include deep dives into uncommon and emerging topics in tax law, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and life sciences.
Emerging career fields come along with high-paying salaries for graduates working in biotechnology and pharmaceutical careers.
Students who enroll in the best MLS degree programs in Massachusetts listed above can expect to enroll in some of the following courses:
- Introduction to US Law
- Business and Transactional Law
- Compliance Issues in Pharmaceutical Industries and Life Sciences
- Federal Income Tax Law
- Dispute Resolution and Negotiation
- Pharmaceutical Development Law
- Public Law and Policy
- Tax Research
- Legal Research in Tax Law
The actual courses you will take will vary based on your selected MLS degree program, concentration, or graduate certificate.
Talk to your graduate program advisor to ensure you’re on the right degree track for your desired career goals and salary.
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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