Top 20 Online Masters in Legal Studies Programs

Master of Studies in Law

Wake Forest University is home to an online Master of Studies in Law. There are three dedicated professional tracks to this program, and those are Business Law & Compliance, Health Law & Policy, and Human Resources. The curriculum is designed to ensure that graduates understand the complex legal environments in their industry, and each of the professional tracks is tailored to explore the nuances of each area in regards to laws and regulations.

The program is available entirely online and doesn’t require students to attend the Wake Forest campus at any time. The classes in this program are all delivered asynchronously as well so that students can fit school into their schedule instead of molding their life around it. There is a small list of courses that make up a required core curriculum regardless of your track.

The mandatory classes you will take as part of this online legal studies masters program include Business Law and Literacy, Legal Foundations, Private Law, Public Law, and The Unauthorized Practice of Law. This part of the curriculum accounts for 13.5 of the 24 credits required. Depending on your experience, your track, and the electives you choose, you may be required to take more than 24 credits in order to graduate.

Juris Master

The online masters degree in legal studies that we have ranked Florida State University for is its online Juris Master program; Juris Master is another name for a Master of Studies in Law, and this degree does not prepare you for work as a lawyer in the United States. Instead, this 30-credit masters in law focuses on regulatory compliance and legal risk management. There are three concentrations you can choose from.

The available concentrations for this degree program are Financial Regulation and Compliance, Health Care Regulation, and Legal Risk Management & HR Compliance. There is a required core curriculum that all students will take, and that covers topics in contracts, torts, legislation, regulation, compliance, and legal studies. Beyond that, you will be able to customize your program of study within your chosen concentration completely.

Instead of having a prescribed curriculum that you have to follow for each area of specialization, this university allows students to choose their classes from a diverse list of advanced courses. This program can only be completed on a part-time basis. All of your classes are fully online and asynchronous. You can graduate in approximately five semesters.

Master of Jurisprudence; Master of Laws

The Texas A&M University School of Law currently offers two online masters degrees.

The first is a Master of Laws. This degree is actually intended for those of you who wish to practice law. This degree consists of 24 credits and will take students one year to complete. A Master of Laws is designed for students who have earned the equivalent of a Juris Doctor outside of the United States or lawyers who wish to develop a specialization in a particular area. Specialization options for this degree that are offered online include Wealth Management, Risk Management, and International Tax.

The degree that we would like to focus on for this online masters in legal studies ranking is the Master’s in Jurisprudence. This degree is for non-lawyers that are interested in legal education and training but do not intend to practice as lawyers.

There are several concentrations, but the only ones offered online are the same as those offered with the Master of Laws program. This legal studies degree consists of 30 credits in total and will take students one to two years to complete. The thing that sets TAMU apart is that on top of being asynchronous, the courses are flexible in other ways as well. This university goes above and beyond when it comes to accommodating its students’ careers.

Master of Laws; Master of Studies in Law

The University of Southern California also offers two different online legal degrees. One of them is a Master of Laws that is designed specifically for international law professionals. The program that we have ranked USC for is the Master of Studies in Law, which is one of the best online masters degrees in legal studies that you can get. This MSL welcomes students regardless of their academic and professional backgrounds so they can understand how the legal system functions.

The USC Online Master of Studies in Law is made up of 21 credits. Of those credits, only three of them will come from required courses which makes this degree stand out for its extensive customizability. You will take two classes, which are Introduction to the US Legal System and Legal Research. Once you’ve done that, you have a few options.

You could work with an advisor and select courses that are relevant to your goals, or you can choose from one of the many online certificate programs available. You would complete a certificate as you completed your degree. Currently, the university offers Business Law, Entertainment Law & Industry, Compliance, Health Care Compliance, Financial Compliance, and Human Resources Law & Compliance. You can graduate in as little as 16 months.

Master of Legal Studies

Northeastern University offers an online Master of Legal Studies. Northeastern is an incredible institution, which is why we consider this to be one of the best online masters programs in legal studies that is available. In total, this program requires 30 credits for you to graduate. You have the option to study full-time or part-time based on the demands of your schedule, and you can finish in less than two years.

This program is open to students of any academic background as long as they hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. You can choose from the available concentrations, which are Business Law, Health Law, Human Resources Law, and Intellectual Property Law. If none of those stand out to you, you can also select your own electives to mold the program into what you want it to be.

There are two foundations courses that are required, and both of those are Introduction to Legal Studies. There are core courses required, but you will have the opportunity to choose what four classes you’ll take. As you study, you will have plenty of support from the university’s School of Law. Classes are presented asynchronously.

Master of Legal Studies

Arizona State University is a school that we have featured several times in the past for its online degree options, and now it is taking its rightful place among the best online masters programs in legal studies. The university describes this program as a unique advanced degree for those who don’t want to practice law. This program is one of the fastest online masters in legal studies you can earn.

There are 30 credits in total, and classes are condensed to just seven and a half weeks each. You could graduate from this program in as little as one year of full-time study based on your circumstances. There are multiple start dates throughout the year and a multitude of concentrations that you can choose from. ASU offers the following degree tracks for this program: Conflict Resolution, Construction Law, Corporate and Health Care Compliance, Criminal Law, HR & Employment Law, Intellectual Property Law, Law & Sustainability, and Sports Law.

Each concentration consists of four courses; the remaining six courses you take will be part of a prescribed core curriculum. Something that sets this university apart is that the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law has ranked among the top ten public law schools nationwide.

Master of Legal Studies

The University of Oklahoma offers the first accelerated online Master of Legal Studies to be ranked among the top online legal studies degrees. There are four concentrations that you can choose from with this program, and those are Oil, Gas, and Energy Law; Indigenous Peoples Law; Healthcare Law and; International Business Law. Each of them consists of 32 credits with the exception of the Indigenous People Law track, which consists of 33.

This accelerated online masters in legal studies program can be completed in as little as 15 months regardless of which track you’re interested in. Something that we particularly liked about the programs offered at this university is that they are each specifically tailored for the area of focus you choose. There is some course overlap here and there; however, each program is completely individual and heavily emphasizes the area you select.

You will progress through the program in a cohort that is purposely kept small so that you can receive ample instruction and foster close connections with your classmates. There are two start dates per year for you to choose from and you will take two courses per module as you complete your degree. All of the classes are online and asynchronous, providing flexibility but without sacrificing a highly-interactive atmosphere.

Master of Legal Studies

Pepperdine University is home to a Master of Legal Studies program that one of many online masters programs offered by the university. Between the ABA accreditation, multiple accolades, and expert faculty, it’s easy to see why this program has placed so high in our ranking of the top online masters in legal studies programs. This particular degree program will require you to attend campus twice for weekend residencies; while that may not be ideal, this campus is located in Malibu.

The curriculum for this Master of Legal Studies is very comprehensive. You will take 18 credits worth of core courses that cover everything from Contracts to Criminal Law, Legal Writing, Constitutional Law, and more. The remaining credits that are required are filled in with electives that you choose, allowing you to dig deeper into a certain area that you’re interested in. You can also opt for one of the two available concentrations, which are Dispute Resolution and Human Resources. There are 32 total credits required.

Pepperdine’s program also offers flexible scheduling options. The average age of students in the program is 38, so the university is well-versed in providing academic opportunities to busy professionals. You can choose from four start dates throughout the year, and you can also choose to study full-time or part-time based on the demands of your schedule. Full-time students can graduate in only 16 months; part-time students will take 28 months to finish.

Master of Jurisprudence

The University of Tulsa is featured in our ranking of the best online masters in legal studies for the Master of Jurisprudence offered through the College of Law. There are two types of MJ offered online at this school, and those are an online Master of Jurisprudence in Energy Law and an online Master of Jurisprudence in Indian Law.

The Master of Jurisprudence in Energy Law consists of required courses, elective courses, and a thesis. It requires a total of 24 credits for you to graduate. You can choose to take the program at a full-time or part-time pace according to your schedule. The majority of the credits you’ll obtain come from required courses, but you still have the customization allowed by your electives. You could finish the program in 18 to 24 months.

The Master of Jurisprudence in Indian Law consists of more credits than the other offering, requiring a total of 30 credit hours to complete. This option does not have a thesis, but instead, you will be required to complete a capstone project. Instead of just three electives, you will be able to select four. This program is also available either part-time or full-time and can be completed within a similar timeframe.

Master of Legal Studies

The University of Arizona offers an online Master of Legal Studies through its James E. Rogers College of Law. Similar to other programs we have ranked among the best online masters in legal studies programs, this degree can be pursued at a full-time or part-time pace. There are 30 credits required for completion and three different start dates so you can get started whenever it works for you.

There is an impressive selection of concentrations for you to choose from. The concentrations that are currently available include Compliance and Legal Risk Management, Criminal Law and Policy, Family and Juvenile Law, Health Law and Policy, Human Rights, Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy, Intellectual Property, International Trade and Business Law, Mining Law and Policy, and Tax Law and Policy.

The majority of the concentrations start with the same set of core courses that cover legal procedure, legal analysis, writing, the constitution, research, torts, contracts, and more. The core courses account for half of the credits you’ll need. The courses are offered asynchronously online and can be as short as seven and a half weeks or as long as 16. If your schedule and lifestyle allow you to pursue the degree at an aggressive pace, you can graduate in just one year.

Master of Legal Studies

West Virginia University’s online Master of Legal Studies sets itself apart because online students are eligible for the same tuition rate as in-state students regardless of where they live. WVU’s legal studies program has multiple start dates throughout the year and three concentrations that you can choose from. If you don’t want to take the general program, you can specialize in healthcare, justice systems, or homeland security.

In total, you will need to complete 30 credits hours in order to earn this degree. The majority of those credits will come from the required courses, which are static regardless of the concentration that you choose. The core curriculum introduces you to the legal system, explores administrative ethics and dispute resolution, and prepares you for in-depth research. Part of the required core is a capstone project.

Your concentration courses or other electives will make up the remaining nine credits you need. You will take a total of ten classes, and you can finish this legal studies degree in as little as 18 months. All of the classes that you will need are available completely online so that you will never have to attend the campus.

Master in the Study of Law

Hamline University is home to an online Master in the Study of Law degree program. There are a lot of different options for students interested in this school. You can choose a specialization in Conflict Resolution, Litigation Support, Professional Practice Management, or Social Justice. You can also earn a paralegal certificate online as you study. If you’d like to take at least some classes on campus, you are welcome to do that too; however, there are no on-campus requirements.

Students are admitted to this legal studies master program in February, June, and September. You can choose to study at a full-time or part-time pace. There are 34 credits required for the completion of this program; 22 of those come from required courses. The core courses will cover subjects in legal writing and research, civil litigation, regulations, and more. You will be required to complete a capstone.

There is only one class that Hamline University doesn’t currently offer online, and it is Leading in Organizations, which is a requirement for the Professional Practice Management track. All of the other tracks can be taken online in their entirety. Full-time students of this program can expect to complete the paralegal portion in a year (or less!) and have their entire degree in just 18 months.

Master of Jurisprudence; Master of Laws

Loyola University Chicago happens to offer a significant amount of law degrees online through a partnership between the university’s School of Law and the distance education initiative, Loyola Online. Attorneys can complete a Master of Laws in Health Law, Global Competition Law, or Business and Compliance Law. However, the Master of Jurisprudence programs are what we have ranked among the best online masters in legal studies programs.

The Master of Jurisprudence at Loyola University Chicago is offered in Children’s Law and Policy, Global Competition Law, Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management, and Health Law. All of the programs require 24 credits with the exception of the LLM in Global Competition Law, which requires only twenty. You can choose either a thesis or non-thesis option for any concentration.

Each of the degree tracks offers multiple start dates throughout the year. The legal studies programs at Loyola are all two-year part-time programs. There are some visits to campus required. The Children’s Law and Policy program requires one visit; Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management along with Health Law will require two visits. The curriculum is designed to cover relevant topics to each area in an in-depth manner while allowing you to study on your own time.

Master of Legal Studies

Drexel University’s online Master of Legal Studies has several concentration areas you can explore. These are Criminal Law, Health Care Compliance, Cybersecurity and Information Privacy Compliance, Higher Education Compliance, Financial Regulatory Compliance, Human Resources Compliance, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Regulatory Compliance, and NCAA Compliance and Sports Law. Something that distinguishes this program from those that are also ranked as the best online masters in legal studies programs is that Drexel allows you to choose two concentrations.

Graduate certificates are also available in many of the concentration areas, and you can complete those requirements concurrently with your masters in legal studies degree. There are 30 credits required to earn your degree, and you can choose from three different starts dates throughout the year, depending on what is best for you. You can also choose to take the fully-online and asynchronous classes full-time or part-time.

There are only a few required courses you will take, and those cover compliance, risk assessment, ethics, auditing, and more. You will also be required to complete a capstone project. Just under half of your classes with come from your concentration. You can also select electives on your own to create a custom degree plan that is relevant to your aspirations.

Master of Arts in Law

Regent University’s Master of Arts in Law comes from one of the most innovative law schools in the country (according to Prela Magazine), so it’s only natural that it would come in as one of the best online masters programs in legal studies. The most impressive things about Regent’s online law degree, though, is that it has one of the lowest tuition rates among all ABA-accredited institutions.

There are also more concentrations offered through this university than almost any other. There are a total of 16 different areas that you can specialize in when you choose to earn your legal studies degree online at this school. All of the classes are available online, but you will have the opportunity to visit campus if you would like to in order to take some of the classes you’ll need.

The program consists of 30 credit hours regardless of the concentration that you choose, and each offers various start dates throughout the year. All of the classes are offered asynchronously online and have been condensed to just eight weeks in length. There is some overlap in classes as you have to study the American legal system, legal thought, and legal research; however, the curriculum is very expertly tailored to the area you select, and you will still get electives as well.

Master of Legal Studies

The University of Illinois at Springfield has an online Master of Arts in Legal Studies that offers you small classes and interactive support while remaining flexible and accessible anywhere you happen to be. All of the classes are delivered entirely online, and you will never have to attend campus to earn your degree. One thing to keep in mind about this program is that there are some courses that might be presented synchronously because the professors can conduct their classes however they see fit.

This online masters in legal studies is a little bit different than most because you will need to complete 40 credits of classes to earn your degree. You will take required classes such as Legal Research and Citation, Theories of Justice, Public Advocacy, and more. You will also be responsible for completing 16 credits of electives that align with your career goals and completing a thesis.

If you have already taken a Legal Research and Citation course, you will only need 36 credits to graduate. You may also be able to earn credit from clinical education experience; this may only be open to Illinois students; the website does not make this clear.

Master of Arts in Legal Studies

One of the best online masters programs in legal studies comes from the College of Arts & Sciences at Webster University. This school offers an online Master of Arts in Legal Studies. Students in this program will have the option to complete a graduate certificate in paralegal studies along with the masters curriculum if they so choose. However, there is not much room for individualization beyond that.

There are 39 total credits required for you to earn your legal studies degree at Webster. If you have yet to take Introduction to Legal Studies, you will need to take that as well to make sure you’re adequately prepared for the rest of the curriculum. If you’re one of those students, you will need 42 credits to graduate. The entire list of classes that you’ll take is predetermined in this program. You will not be able to select any electives.

Even though this program lacks the opportunity to focus your studies, it still has a lot to offer. The classes you’ll take include Computerized Legal Research, American Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Civil Actions, Criminal Actions, and more.

Master of Jurisprudence

St. Mary’s University has been included in this ranking of the best online masters degrees in legal studies for its online Master of Jurisprudence. This program is comprised of 30 credits. There are multiple concentrations to choose from, and those are Business and Entrepreneurship Law; Commercial Law; Compliance, Business Law, and Risk and; Health Care Compliance Law. Not all of the offered electives in a concentration will be available online.

Even though not every class that you could take as your elective requirement can be taken at a distance, there are enough courses offered online that you can still finish your degree without having to attend any traditional classes on campus.

Full-time and part-time options are available, and you could complete your degree in just one year of full-time study. Part-time students can choose their pace, so the timeframe for these students to graduate will vary. You must complete all requirements within three years.

Every student of this program, regardless of concentration, will take Fundamentals of the American Legal System as well as Legal Research and Writing. Apart from that, while there may be some overlap, the rest of the core classes are designed around your focus area. You will also have the ability to build on that with your electives.

Master of Legal Studies

California University of Pennsylvania offers the only online Master of Science in Legal Studies that has been ranked along with the top online masters in legal studies programs. Concentrations are offered in Law and Public Policy, Criminal Justice, and Homeland Security. You may also choose to earn a graduate certificate along with your masters in legal studies instead of just adding a concentration.

This university is an Academic Alliance partner with the FBI National Academy Associates; this means that credits from the academy seamlessly transfer to CalU. The legal studies program is also affiliated with the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association; the benefit of this is that if you’re someone who has earned the Trilogy Award, all of your leadership credits will be awarded.

Each concentration has a prescribed list of courses that you will have to take; what’s really great about this legal studies degree is that each class was expertly selected and they all come together to provide you with an in-depth, career-relevant, and applicable education. You will need to complete 30 credits to graduate.

Juris Master; Master of Laws

Liberty University is a very solid institution, so we’re proud to include it in our ranking of the best online masters degrees in legal studies. This university offers you the choice of two different concentrations with the online Juris Master degree. You can specialize in American Legal Studies or International Legal Studies. Both tracks will require you to complete 30 credits in total. This can be done in less than 18 months thanks to the university’s generous transfer policy and its quick courses that are just eight weeks each.

Liberty University offers you the choice of six start dates throughout the year and offers this program online in its entirety. All of the classes you will take are presented in a flexible asynchronous format. Another flexible component of this program is that you can study full-time or part-time, and you can even take a few classes on campus if you so desire. However, there are no on-campus visits required.

The American Legal Studies track covers topics such as Contracts Law, Criminal Law, American Business Law, and Law and Economics, as well as several other key components. International Legal Studies courses you may take include International Business Law, International Trade Law, International Law and Diplomacy, and The Law of Armed Conflict. Both concentrations share a foundational set of core classes.