Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
Build legal expertise to advance your career while accessing the same prestigious faculty, comprehensive resources, and extensive professional network that define the WashU Law experience.
Program Overview
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.
- Master of Legal Studies is ideal for non-lawyer professionals seeking world-class legal education to enhance their careers without intending to practice law.
- Master of Legal Studies in Taxation is designed for non-lawyer professionals seeking specialized understanding of tax law complexities across legal, finance, business, and government sectors.
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.
Online programs feature:
- Courses designed and led by the same faculty who teach on campus
- Five concentrations available: Business Law, Conflict Resolution, Litigation, Regulatory Compliance, Employment Law
- Live online class sessions with peers and opportunities for in-person learning experiences hosted on campus in St. Louis, Missouri
Degree Requirements
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 two required courses and then select from classes to fulfill 15 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 GPA of at least 2.74 to receive credit within a class.
Why WashU Law?
Our online MLS programs deliver the same rigorous academic standards that have established our reputation among the nation’s top law schools. You’ll build both the knowledge and connections needed to advance your career in today’s competitive marketplace, with access to our extensive alumni network and the flexibility to balance your studies with your professional commitments.