Legal Studies

Master of Legal Studies

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of All Higher-Ed Institutions

-Center for World University Rankings, 2022

In Best Value Among Arizona's Public Universities

- Payscale, 2022

Quick Facts

Credits Required: 30

Cost Per Credit: $650

College of Law

Program Details

The College of Law’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is a 30-unit program that provides a strong legal foundation. In addition to general legal studies, you may concentrate in:

If you want to work with and understand laws and regulations (without needing a law license) or wish to advance your career and development prospects by obtaining legal and critical-thinking skills, the MLS degree is the perfect fit.

In addition, the MLS degree prepares you to apply and test for a license to practice law in Arizona as a Legal Paraprofessional (LP). LPs may practice law in certain civil, criminal, and family court proceedings. If you already have a JD or have earned a qualifying law degree from outside of the US, you may consider pursuing the online LL.M. degree.

To apply for the online MLS program, you must file an application directly with the University of Arizona's College of Law.

Apply now or go to the College of Law website to learn more about the application process.

*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.

Courses

MLS students take focused courses designed to provide the legal knowledge and skills applicable to a broad range of law-related careers. Foundational courses include:

LAW 501: Procedure

LAW 502A: The American Common Law System

LAW 502B: The American Common Law System II

LAW 504: American Public Law

LAW 507: Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research

Outcomes

Skills

Earning your Master of Legal Studies in Legal Studies will build core skills, including:

Client advocacy
Specialized knowledge of the US legal system
Legal analysis
Negotiating
Research
Written communication
Critical thinking

University of Arizona Law Master of Legal Studies graduates work in insurance, employee benefits, procurement, contracts administration, compliance, business analysis, public policy, legal paraprofessional practice, law enforcement, law office support services, and many other fields. Alumni have obtained positions with governmental agencies, business organizations, social service providers, educational institutions, nonprofits, and international NGOs. Jobs held by recent University of Arizona Master of Legal Studies graduates include: