The law can be found in all aspects of society.
From real estate to parking your car, the law is all around, even without being aware of its daily impact.
There are many legal paths you can take after earning a bachelor’s degree.
Depending on your career goals, one of the most intriguing options is earning a Masters in Legal Studies degree in North Dakota, which prepares students for entry-level positions in politics, healthcare, human resources, and other legal fields.
The degree can be earned entirely online, giving students the ultimate flexibility to juggle work, school, and social commitments.
If you live in North Dakota and are interested in learning more about the best Master in Legal Studies program, keep reading!
Top Schools Offering Legal Studies Programs
North Dakota does not have any schools offering a Master in Legal Studies degree.
However, plenty of online options exist.
1 American University
The Washington College of Law at American University has an entirely online Master of Legal Studies program that teaches students the impact of law on society and daily life.
The program allows students to choose different specialization tracks, including Healthcare, Cybersecurity, General Legal Studies, Technology, Business, and Compliance.
The track you select will be based on your career goals after graduation.
For instance, those interested in a career in computer systems may opt for the Cybersecurity or Technology path.
Others interested in corporate compliance may choose the Compliance track.
Courses / Programs Offered
The core curriculum covers topics like regulation and compliance, courts and the law, drafting, negotiation, and communication.
Electives are specifically focused on the chosen specialization track and include legal topics like healthcare law, contract drafting, government contracting, and human resource compliance.
Students have until the end of the second term to choose a specialization track.
This program can be completed in a part-time or full-time format and consists of 30 credits to graduate.
Contact Information
- Address: 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States
- Phone: +1 202-885-1000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 DePaul University
DePaul University offers an interactive, flexible, and affordable online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree through the College of Law.
The expert administrators have created an MLS program incorporating collaboration opportunities and simulation-based assignments that prepare students to influence legal decisions within their current and future workplaces while engaging in complicated industry legal issues.
The classes are taught by some of the nation’s top legal practitioners and scholars to influence the next generation of graduates.
Tuition for the entire program is $37,740, regardless of your location.
Also, the school accepts up to six credits for relevant work experience.
Courses/Programs Offered
The core curriculum covers topics like organizational management, negotiation and communication, regulatory compliance, ethics, legal writing and research, torts, and contracts.
Students are also required to choose from one of three concentration options including General Legal Studies, Business Law, and Cybersecurity Law and Data Privacy.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 E. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604
- Phone: (312) 362-8000
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Drexel University
Drexel University’s Kline School of Law has a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program that presents common legal challenges faced by businesses and organizations across all industries.
The program gives students the knowledge to help current and future employers face these legal challenges and comply with regulatory issues.
As the third-best online Master’s in Legal Studies program in the U.S., Drexel offers all learning formats, including online.
Courses/Programs Offered
Required core courses cover topics like negotiations, legal writing and research, contract drafting, torts, different types of law, and the U.S. Legal System.
Students also must take a concentration to fulfill the 45 credits required for graduation.
Several of the numerous options include Criminal Law, NCAA Compliance and Sports Law, Human Resources Compliance, Higher Education Compliance, and Financial Regulatory Compliance.
Contact Information
- Address: 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
- Phone: +1 215-895-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Emory University
Emory University online has a Master of Legal Studies program that prepares students for the legal field at a law firm, major corporation, government, or any related industry.
The goal of the program is to provide students with practical coursework helping them to understand the legal environment, the intricacies of the federal and state governments, and various regulatory frameworks.
Courses / Programs Offered
Although the program can be completed online, there is a virtual experience at the start and end of the program so students can connect with classmates.
Having this interaction gives students a more fulfilling master’s degree experience and makes them more comfortable collaborating with others.
The program covers basic topics like contracts, torts, the legal system, and types of law.
Students can also select a specialty in Policy and Healthcare Law, Technology, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Law, Business Regulation and Law, Human Resources and Employment Law, or Regulation.
Contact Information
- Address: 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
- Phone: +1 404-727-6123
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Fordham University
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Corporate Compliance degree was created for those who wish to enter the corporate or enhance their knowledge of regulatory and compliance topics.
Since Fordham is a leading law school, students will receive advanced compliance knowledge with the flexibility to balance work, school, and social life due to the online format.
Fordham doesn’t require an entrance exam, so there is a lower barrier to program entry.
Courses / Programs Offered
During the 12 months of this self-paced program, students will learn standard foundational topics like contracts, the American Legal System, business regulations, compliance, corporate law, and the various law types.
Additionally, students can select from a human resources, healthcare, general law, or financial services track, all of which are beneficial for the corporate environment.
Contact Information
- Address: Bronx, NY 10458, United States
- Phone: +1 718-817-1000
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Pennsylvania Western University
Formerly known as California University of Pennsylvania, the school changed its name to Pennsylvania Western University, or PennWest, in 2022.
Despite the name change, the school has kept its excellent online degrees, including the Master of Science in Legal Studies program, which is taught by legal scholars and subject-matter experts.
The curriculum was crafted for working professionals to expand their knowledge of the law and public policy without earning a Juris Doctorate.
Courses / Programs Offered
The curriculum is broken down into two required class groupings: core classes and specializations.
Core class topics include drafting, negotiation, the law, public policy, administrative agencies, civil liberties and litigation, legal methods, ethics, and legal writing.
Specialization class groupings include ethics, environmental law, family law, national security, and international law.
Contact Information
- Address: Dixon Hall, CA
- Phone: 724-938-4404
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Pepperdine University
Although the campus is in California, Pepperdine University has an online school that offers an excellent Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree through the Caruso School of Law.
Students will develop exceptional legal expertise and a complete understanding of core law areas to help advance their careers.
This online degree can be completed in as little as 12 months with full-time study and 24 months on a part-time basis.
The school does not require LSAT, GMAT, or GRE test scores to be accepted into the program.
Courses / Programs Offered
As an American Bar Association-accredited top-ranked law school, Pepperdine’s MLS curriculum focuses on law areas that touch all industries.
The core curriculum requires Torts, Contracts, Legal Writing and Research, and an Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Systems, and complete two residencies.
Students can then branch off into eight elective courses that meet their academic and professional interests.
These include:
- Education Law
- Employment Law
- Health Law
- Intellectual Property
- Law of Business Organizations
- Practical Litigation
- Regulatory Compliance and Administrative Law
Additionally, students must choose a concentration: Dispute Resolution, Human Resources, or Litigation.
Contact Information
- Address: 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263, United States
- Phone: +1 310-506-4000
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Purdue University
The online segment, known as Purdue Global, offers a Master in Legal Studies (MLS) program that requires 11 classes to graduate.
By committing to only 15 hours per week for this online degree, students can complete the curriculum in approximately one year.
The focus of Purdue’s MLS degree is solving real-world issues using legal principles.
The faculty is composed of experienced professors who are experts in law, social sciences, and education.
Courses / Programs Offered
The first several classes will be foundational and include:
- The Legal System
- Dispute Resolution
- Legal Research and Writing
- Legal Reasoning and Analysis
- Ethical Decision-Making
- Jurisprudence
- Legal History
- Substantive Areas of Law
As students progress through the program, they will be required to take specialized electives that align with their career goals and personal interests.
Graduates are well prepared to apply legal concepts and principles to complicated challenges, partake in extensive analyses, apply leadership principles, and reflect on the ethical and moral offerings of the law.
Contact Information
- Address: 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
- Phone: +1 765-494-4600
- Website: Visit School Website
9 University of Cincinnati
UC offers a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program that focuses on providing students with new competencies and knowledge instead of preparing them for a new career in a different field.
The program targets those who don’t want to get into the legal field but want to become more competent in the law.
Typical students include those who work directly with compliance or regulatory professionals, business owners of all sizes, and others who may regularly collaborate with lawyers.
This entirely online program costs $29,250 and can be completed in approximately 1.5 years, depending on the number of classes taken each semester.
Courses / Programs Offered
The core curriculum topics range from risk management and compliance to administrative, business, employment, and cybersecurity law.
The program also requires introductory classes that set the tone for the entire experience and a capstone course to apply conceptual knowledge to a real-world legal situation.
Contact Information
- Address: 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States
- Phone: +1 513-556-6000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | American University |
|
#2 | DePaul University |
|
#3 | Drexel University |
|
#4 | Emory University |
|
#5 | Fordham University |
|
#6 | Pennsylvania Western University |
|
#7 | Pepperdine University |
|
#8 | Purdue University |
|
#9 | University of Cincinnati |
Legal Studies Salary Information
Although the Master in Legal Studies degree isn’t a specific job, a common position for a graduate with this degree is compliance manager.
The median salary for a compliance manager in North Dakota is $128,864, with pay ranging from $98,656 to $165,773.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$82K |
|
$91K |
|
$10K |
Average Salary in North Dakota
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Bismarck | $91,866 |
| Dickinson | $90,479 |
| Fargo | $88,723 |
| Williston | $90,479 |
| West Fargo | $88,723 |
| Grand Forks | $86,875 |
| Mandan | $91,866 |
| Minot | $90,479 |
| Carrington | $90,479 |
| Glenfield | $85,489 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 210 | $54,980 | $26.43 | $71,240 | $39,110 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 230 | $59,500 | $28.61 | $77,780 | $41,800 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 70 | $51,900 | $24.95 | $70,270 | $36,180 |
* 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
This is really helpful for anyone looking to advance in the legal field without becoming a lawyer. North Dakota’s programs seem to offer a lot of specializations, which is perfect for building expertise in specific areas of law.
I’ve been considering a master’s in legal studies, and it’s great to see North Dakota has some strong programs! This list helps narrow down my options, especially since I’m looking for something that’s flexible and career-focused.