Best Master’s in Legal Studies (MLS) Online Programs of 2025

You don’t have to become a lawyer to learn about the law. With a master’s in legal studies (MLS), you’ll learn all about legal regulations and processes.

An alternative to the Juris Doctor (JD), the MLS can help you understand how law influences your work. This is particularly helpful if your industry is heavily regulated or if your work involves legal matters — however, it does not allow you to practice law.

We’ve ranked the best master’s program in legal studies to help you begin your search.

Before you apply to master’s in legal studies programs, you might consider costs, program length, and career outlook. Knowing what you’re in for will help you ensure the program meets your needs.

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the typical cost of an online master’s in legal studies was $19,127, including tuition and fees in 2020.

The average net price — the cost after receiving financial aid — was $17,478. This reduction shows just how much financial aid can offset the cost of tuition.

Financial aid includes federal loans, grants and scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement and assistance.

To receive federal financial aid, you can apply to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you need financial assistance.

The typical program length for a master’s in legal studies program is two years. You’ll have to earn around 36 credits to graduate.

However, the duration of your program can depend on whether you enroll as a full-time or part-time student.

You can also fast-track your studies by enrolling in an accelerated program, transferring relevant credits, and earning credit for life or work experience.

One of the highest-paying jobs you can pursue with a master’s in legal studies is human resource manager, which pays $154,740 per year, according to the BLS. This role is growing at 6%, faster than average for all occupations.

Other six-figure roles include law teachers ($142,440) and sales managers ($135,160).

You can make around $95,370 each year as a conciliator, or around $90,780 as an accountant. Law librarians earn around $68,570 per year.

Whether a master’s in legal studies is worth it depends on your career interests and goals.

Once you graduate, you’ll see an increase in career options, a potential for higher salaries, and improved job security. And you can complete your MLS program in two years, so the degree offers a fast return on investment.

For the class of 2023, the mean starting salary was $81,378 for graduates with a master’s in legal studies, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

A master’s in legal studies won’t qualify you to become a lawyer or judge. After you earn your MLS you can pursue an advanced degree to specialize your legal knowledge and expand your career opportunities.

A few advanced degrees you can pursue include a master of law (LLM), a JD, or a Ph.D. in law. These advanced degrees can lead to careers in academia, law firms, courtrooms, and leading corporations.