Getting a Master’s in Legal Studies (MLS) can open a door to many different career paths.
If you want to expand your legal knowledge but don’t want to become a lawyer, getting an MLS degree may be worth it.
If you’re located in Montana, you’ll want to know the best MLS programs.
Below, we’ll introduce you to universities that offer MLS degrees online.
Schools
Unfortunately, no universities offer a dedicated MLS program in Montana.
However, three universities offer related legal studies degrees, including the University of Montana and Montana State University.
That said, these colleges may not have the same curriculum as an MLS degree.
If you’re in the state of Montana, don’t worry.
Online courses are becoming increasingly popular, and there are accredited MLS programs online.
Below, we’ve included a list of only online MLS programs.
1 Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, AZ, offers an online MLS program.
The university is currently ranked 36th out of 196 law schools in the United States and offers many online programs in law and other fields.
ASU first adopted its law school, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 1964, before receiving accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA) in 1967.
Courses Offered/Program Name
ASU’s comprehensive MLS program is designed to be fully remote, offering students the flexibility to balance their studies with other commitments.
While it’s not a self-paced course, students can choose when to attend the online courses with verified industry professional instructors.
The university’s robust support system, from academic assistance to career advancement opportunities, further empowers students in their learning journey.
Students will learn core legal concepts while also advancing their knowledge in a concentrated area.
However, the MLS degree allows students to work in any related law field that isn’t a lawyer.
To help determine a student’s career path, each can select a few electives in different concentrations.
Students will have the choice of specializing in one of these concentrations:
- Business law
- Conflict resolution
- Contract management
- Construction law
- Corporate and healthcare compliance
- Criminal law
- Etc
For a complete list of concentrations, please click here.
The ASU MLS program’s outcomes are not just about mastering key legal concepts.
Students are also taught to conceptualize, analyze, and apply critical thinking to their field, equipping them with practical skills for their future careers.
This program is perfect for those going into other areas of law besides law, preparing them for a successful career.
Tuition is estimated at $35,160, with $1,172 for each credit.
ASU accepts financial aid and payment plans depending on the degree.
If students can’t afford it, they will need to get a private loan.
Contact Information
- Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ
- Phone: (855) 278-5080
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Northeastern University School of Law
Northeastern University is another accredited online law school that offers an MLS program.
Due to specific areas of study, the university is extremely competitive, and only 35% of applicants get into the law program.
The university was first founded in 1928 and has since established itself as Northeastern University.
Courses Offered/Program Name
The university offers an online MLS program designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge of legal studies without going the traditional route.
Instead, students will learn core law principles that will prepare them to work in related fields.
Students can choose electives that can help them concentrate in a specific field.
The concentrations offered for the MLS program include:
- Business law
- Health law
- Human Resources Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Public Law and Policy
Student outcomes include an in-depth knowledge of legal issues and an emphasis on analysis and research.
The program helps improve legal decision-making, professional communication, and career advancement.
By the end of the program, students should have mastered both verbal and written skills and understood all core principles in their concentration.
Tuition costs average $1,172 per credit hour.
The MLS degree is a 30-credit program, which equates to $35,160.
Students will also need to pay a $100 technology fee and budget for course materials, textbooks, and more.
Financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans are available.
Contact Information
- Address: 416 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
- Phone: (617) 373-2395
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global is an accredited online university that offers a multitude of degree programs and is one of the top online schools in the United States.
Students can learn via advanced flexible learning from a remote location without compromising on program quality.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Purdue University Global offers an online MLS program designed to demonstrate a deep understanding of the legal system.
The program focuses on legal research and writing, which are taught by industry professionals.
It also heavily emphasizes legal analysis and core principles.
If students are interested in pursuing a concentration, then Purdue offers four concentrations:
- Business
- Healthcare
- Environmental
- Criminal justice
Outcomes of competing in the MLS program include a strong understanding of ethical and moral implications.
Students will also be trained for leadership roles, which can help transfer to a workplace environment.
Additionally, students will learn to analyze and solve problems within their concentration.
Students will have advanced knowledge compared to undergraduates and be prepared for career advancement.
The online MLS program takes only one year to complete and consists of 11 courses.
Students will need to attend 55 quarter credits to complete the program.
Tuition costs are estimated at $420 per credit, which averages $23,100.
However, students should contact the financial aid office for more information, as tuition rates can change.
Cost reduction is available by transferring credits, applying for financial aid, or applying for grants.
Students may also join a partnered organization with Purdue, as they receive lower tuition rates.
Lastly, military and prior veterans may also qualify for reduced tuition costs.
Contact Information
- Address: West Lafayette, IN
- Phone: 844-PURDUE-G (844-787-3834)
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is a private Christian research school that offers online law programs.
The main campus is located in Los Angeles, CA, but students can attend remotely.
Pepperdine was founded in 1937, with the addition of the Orange University College of Law being acquired in 1969.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Pepperdine’s online MLS program is fully remote and can be completed in 24 months, 16 if taken full-time.
The program heavily focuses on foundational legal concepts, such as tort, constitutional, and contract law.
Students will also have the opportunity to choose a concentration, thus advancing their expertise.
The concentrations offered for the MLS program include:
- Dispute Resolution
- Human Resources
- General Law
The program is broken up into eight core component courses that cover basic legal concepts and procedures.
From there, students can choose eight elective courses, which can help them specialize in a specific concentration.
Attending students may also apply for two in-person weekend trips to the main campus located in Malibu, CA.
Students can enhance their networking skills and gain extra opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
Another aspect of Pepperdine’s online program is that it offers a dual degree program.
If students are interested in pursuing a Master of Dispute Resolution, they can take on an additional 20 credits and get a dual degree.
While not necessary, this can be helpful if a student wants to work in a field that involves negotiation.
Lastly, tuition is estimated at $66,820 for the MLS degree.
Each unit costs $2,570, but students must also budget for materials, textbooks, and more.
Luckily, Pepperdine University does accept financial aid.
Contact Information
- Address: 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263
- Phone: (310) 506-4000
- Website: Visit School Website
5 American University Washington College of Law
American University of Washington DC (AUWCL) is a leading law school that prepares students to work in all areas of law.
The school was founded in 1896 and became one of the East Coast’s top universities for law students.
That said, AUWCL’s students will be awarded with strong legal connections and opportunities only alumni can get.
Courses Offered/Program Name
AUWCL’s MLS program enables students to learn industry-specific knowledge that can help professionals further their careers.
With a strong emphasis on problem-solving and new policies and regulations, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the legal system.
Outcomes for MLS program completion include a strong understanding of the U.S. legal system.
In addition, students should be able to demonstrate professional skills that help them in the workplace.
Students will also be fluent in legal terminology and updated regulations and have a strong command of written and oral skills.
During the MLS program, students will be given the chance to concentrate in one of the following:
- Business
- Health Care Compliance
- Technology
- Cybersecurity
Students can expect to complete 30 credits in total.
Full-time students can expect to complete the program in as little as 12 months.
However, due to course availability, part-time students may take up to 24 months.
Students are urged to contact the university for information on tuition.
Tuition rates change regularly, and the best estimate will be from the university’s financial aid office.
Students can apply for financial aid support, grants, and loans to help fund their academic careers.
Contact Information
- Address: 4300 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
- Phone: (202) 274-4000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Arizona State University |
|
#2 | Northeastern University School of Law |
|
#3 | Purdue University Global |
|
#4 | Pepperdine University |
|
#5 | American University Washington College of Law |
Legal Studies Salary Information
Salary
An MLS program graduate’s salary will vary depending on concentration.
On average, professionals can expect to make an average of $47,170 in the state of Montana.
However, this will highly depend on the location, years of experience, expertise, and more.
Here is a brief list of estimated salaries for an MLS degree holder by job type:
- Compliance Officer – $50,000-$70,000
- Legal Analyst – $55,000-$75,000
- Legal Educator – $45,000-$65,000
- Paralegal – $45,000-$55,000
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$78K |
|
$86K |
|
$95K |
Average Salary in Montana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $89,463 |
| Belgrade | $78,927 |
| Bozeman | $78,927 |
| Butte | $78,927 |
| Helena | $80,313 |
| Great Falls | $82,161 |
| Kalispell | $84,380 |
| Missoula | $78,927 |
| Gallatin Gateway | $78,927 |
| Kila | $93,529 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 180 | $60,170 | $28.93 | $77,650 | $48,260 |
| Great Falls, MT | 60 | $54,180 | $26.05 | $78,000 | $34,990 |
| Missoula, MT | 310 | $59,400 | $28.56 | $80,510 | $46,880 |
* 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
As someone already working in a legal setting, I can say a master’s in legal studies could really enhance your understanding of the field without going to law school. Montana has some excellent programs that cater to different career paths!
I’ve been looking into getting a master’s in legal studies, and I didn’t realize Montana had such strong programs! This list is a great starting point for figuring out which school is the best fit for my career goals.
I’m thinking of transitioning into the legal field but don’t want to become a lawyer. A master’s in legal studies seems like the perfect option, and I’m glad to see there are good programs in Montana that offer flexibility for working professionals.