Elevate Your Legal Knowledge at a Renowned Law School

Master of Legal Studies

In today’s heavily regulated and fast-paced work environment, it can be difficult to navigate the legal and compliance issues that must inform an organization’s strategic business decisions. Professionals in many industries must understand how to collaborate with a legal team in order to make decisions that align with the laws, regulations, and compliance rules that govern their organizations. A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree equips students with these skills and empowers graduates to succeed in their fields.

The part-time Master of Legal Studies Program from Emory University School of Law combines the flexibility of online learning with immersive assignments to ensure students have the skills and experience to think critically in a variety of legal situations.

“Emory consistently impresses me with its commitment to delivering high-quality education across all programs. This dedication to excellence is evident in our college, graduate schools, medical schools, and law school, including the Online Master of Legal Studies Program. When you invest in our classes, you are receiving the full value of the education we provide.”

Mindy Goldstein
Clinical Professor of Law

Online MLS Highlights

Specialize your degree with one of four concentration options
Begin your degree in the fall or spring
Earn your degree in fewer than two years
No legal background or LSAT required to apply

Upcoming Term

Application Deadline

July 11, 2025

Next Start Date

August 18, 2025

Learn More

Request Information

To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Legal Studies offered by Emory University School of Law, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an admission counselor directly by calling us at (888) 725-4678 (toll-free).

Join a Virtual Information Session

Emory Law offers prospective students the opportunity to attend virtual information sessions to learn more about the MLS Program and application process, as well as to participate in a live Q&A with the admission team.

View the calendar of events and register

Specialize Your Legal Master’s Degree Based on Your Career Goals

Designed by leading legal researchers and practitioners, our curriculum imparts practical and relevant legal knowledge that is applicable to various industries. Students can choose one of four concentrations or build their own study plan with a variety of electives. Our concentration options include:

Business Law and Regulation: Explore the legal foundations of entrepreneurship and corporate compliance, and gain insight into how law shapes business practices and regulations.
Health Care Law, Policy, and Regulation: Delve into the legal aspects of health care management, from policy and regulation to ethical issues in mental and public health.
Employment Law and Human Resources: Uncover the complexities of employment relationships and labor laws, focusing on workplace rights, contracts, and human resource legalities.
Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Technology Law: Navigate the evolving landscape of digital security, privacy laws, and technological innovations while learning to protect and manage sensitive digital information.

Ready to learn more? Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admission, and FAQ pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Master of Legal Studies degree is a graduate program designed for professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and their applications to specific fields. Emory Law’s program provides in-depth knowledge of the legal system, regulatory frameworks, and legal issues pertinent to various industries, making our MLS ideal for people in business, health care, technology, human resources, and other sectors where legal knowledge is beneficial.

A Juris Doctor (JD) degree, also known as a Doctor of Jurisprudence, is typically a 90-credit-hour degree that prepares students to sit for the Bar Exam and practice law.

Our Master of Legal Studies degree is a 30-credit-hour master’s degree in law. It is intended for people who want to learn the laws that govern their profession. MLS recipients are not eligible to practice law, but they are prepared to interact with legal professionals and departments to ensure that business practices are in line with regulations and compliance concerns.

The program consists of 10 sequential flexible courses, as well as one required and two optional synchronous online experiences, and it can be completed in as little as 20 months.

completed application
resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
transcripts from each institution attended
personal statement
two letters of recommendation
interview

See the admission page for further details.

87% of 2021 Emory Law graduates were employed or continuing further education within 10 months of completing their degree.

Emory MLS Alumni Career Survey, 2023

A Master of Legal Studies offers valuable insights into US law for professionals who don’t want to become lawyers, but do want to increase their legal knowledge, marketability, and salary potential. Labor market analytics authority Lightcast reports that legal studies master’s graduates make an average annual salary of $84,700. In addition to preparing students with extensive legal knowledge and increasing their salary potential, our MLS online degree equips professionals with the problem-solving and analytical thinking skills sought by employers.

A Master of Legal Studies can open doors to new opportunities and positions that require a strong legal foundation. According to Lightcast, some of the top MLS careers for graduates of this program include:

human resources manager
health services manager
education administrator
general and operations manager
labor relations specialist
compliance officer

Students don’t have to change careers for this degree to have a meaningful impact on their career: an MLS degree can benefit anyone who collaborates with legal professionals or works in a highly regulated industry.

Visit our FAQ page for more answers.

Elevate Your Legal Knowledge at a Renowned Law School

Master of Legal Studies

Online MLS Highlights

Upcoming Term

Request Information

Join a Virtual Information Session

Specialize Your Legal Master’s Degree Based on Your Career Goals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Master of Legal Studies degree?

MLS versus JD: what’s the difference?

How long will it take to complete the MLS Program?

What materials do you need to submit your application?

What can you do with a legal studies degree?