Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Program
Washington University School of Law is ranked #16 by U.S. News & World Report. Gain hands-on experience and access our prestige, faculty knowledge, student organizations, alumni network, and other resources with one of our online Master of Legal Studies programs.
We offer both an online MLS program and an online MLS in Taxation program for professionals who want to gain the legal training they need to advance their careers and help their organizations make informed decisions when experiencing even the most complex of legal issues.
Schedule an individual consultation to learn more. We have availability across all time zones. Email onlinegradlaw@wustl.edu for personalized assistance as well as financial aid and scholarship information.
Curriculum
Designed and taught by WashU Law’s distinguished faculty, our online MLS coursework equips non-lawyers with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. legal system. Classes are taught using the Socratic method, so students are encouraged to engage in dialogue and think critically about the topics presented.
Students will:
- Enroll in courses that are designed and led by the same faculty who teach on campus,
- Attend live online class sessions with peers, and
- Have opportunities for in-person learning experiences hosted on campus in St. Louis, Missouri.
Online Master of Legal Studies
Legal Expertise for Professional Success
The Master of Legal Studies program is ideal for non-lawyer professionals who seek a world-class legal education to enhance their career, all without the intention to practice law.
The WashU Law online MLS program goes beyond the typical one-size-fits-all approach to legal studies. Students will have the chance to customize their degree with concentrations in highly sought-after and relevant areas, gaining advanced understanding of complex legal concepts and learning critical legal research skills necessary to stand out in competitive industries.
Choose From One of Five Concentrations
- Business Law
- Conflict Resolution
- Litigation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Employment Law
Online Master of Legal Studies in Taxation
Advance Your Career with a Mastery of Tax Law
Our Master of Legal Studies in Taxation is designed for non-lawyer professionals who want to gain a specialized understanding of the complexities of tax law.
The MLS in Taxation program equips students with the legal knowledge and tax expertise needed to excel in their careers and advance within their organizations and industries, including legal, finance, business, and government.
Degree Requirements
The 24-credit MLS program can be completed in as little as 18 months.
MLS students will complete two required courses and then select from a variety of elective courses to customize their learning experience based on their professional and academic goals. Students in the online MLS in Taxation program will complete one required course and then select from classes to fulfill 21 credits of tax elective courses. An academic advisor can help students determine which courses are best suited to their career aspirations.
Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.79.
Enrollment Deadlines & Start Dates
- Summer Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
- Summer Semester Start Date: June 2, 2025
- Fall Application Deadline: Aug. 11, 2025
- Fall Semester Start Date: Sept. 8, 2025
Master of Legal Studies FAQs
- What Does a Master of Legal Studies Degree Do?
Our Master of Legal Studies program helps non-legal professionals gain a better understanding of the law to help them reach their career goals.
- Does a Masters of Law Make You a Lawyer?
A Masters of Law, or LL.M., is a degree that many international students and foreign lawyers pursue to help them practice law in the United States or to broaden their understanding of U.S. law while practicing abroad.
- Is a Master of Legal Studies the Same as a Paralegal?
No, an MLS degree does not automatically make someone a paralegal, although it may help qualify someone to work as one.
- What is the Difference Between a Master of Legal Studies and a Juris Doctor?
An MLS law program is designed for non-lawyers who want to gain a better understanding of the law. A JD program is designed for students who wish to become practicing attorneys in the United States.
- How Long Will It Take to Complete the MLS Program?
Students can complete WashU Law’s 24-credit online degree in as little as 18 months.
- What are the Admission Requirements for a Master of Legal Studies Program from WashU Law?
- Resumé
- Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
Those who wish to apply to our program must submit a resumé, statement of purpose (400-500 words), and transcripts. Transcripts can be unofficial at the time of application, but official transcripts must be received before the start of classes.
A Juris Doctor or other law degree, LSAT, or GRE is not required to apply to our program. There is no application fee for our online MLS degree program.
- What Can You Do with an MLS Degree?
Our MLS program is designed to equip students across an array of industries with the skills they need to advance. Because of the flexibility of this degree, there are many different areas our students consider upon graduation, including:
- Business and Finance
- Health Care/Health Law
- Social Work
- Dispute Resolution/Mediation
- Human Resources
- Law Enforcement
- Criminal Justice/Criminal Law
- Nonprofit/Advocacy Work
- Tax Consultant
- CPA
- Tax Specialist
- Government Contractor
- Compliance Officer
- Intellectual Property
- Can I Apply for a Part-Time Online MLS Program as a Transfer Student?
Anyone can apply for part-time enrollment into our programs. However, none of our online law programs accept transfer credits.
Start Your Journey Today
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