Are you ready to pursue your Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree as a means of advancing your career and expanding your industry-related legal knowledge?
Below, we discuss the numerous factors to consider in choosing an M.L.S. program—ranging from accreditation and reputation to program format, curriculum, faculty, and more.
Understanding the Scope of M.L.S. Programs
First, it is essential to understand what an M.L.S. degree program entails. Generally speaking, an M.L.S. program is designed for professionals in law-adjacent roles who could benefit from expanding their legal knowledge in a particular industry.
M.L.S. programs offer a broad scope of legal knowledge and skills that can be applied across a vast variety of disciplines, with some programs even offering specialized tracks for professionals in fields such as human resources, real estate, healthcare, and the like.
Key Differences Between M.L.S. and Other Law Degrees
How does an M.L.S. degree differ from other types of law degrees, like a juris doctor (J.D.)? The key difference is that an M.L.S. is designed for professionals who are not practicing law but instead work in fields where an extensive knowledge of the law can be beneficial. More specifically, an M.L.S. degree may cover topics including industry-related regulations and compliance issues and practical applications of law.
Essentially, M.L.S. degrees are law degrees for non-lawyers. If this type of program suits your needs, there are some specific factors to consider in choosing an M.L.S. program that aligns with your professional goals.
Accreditation and Reputation of the Program
For starters, do not overlook whether the M.L.S. program is accredited and what its online reputation looks like. In the realm of education, governing bodies play a central role in ensuring a quality education—and getting an M.L.S. degree from a program that is not accredited may affect how your education is recognized by potential employers and other schools.
Importance of Accreditation in Legal Studies
Choosing an accredited M.L.S. program means that the school itself has voluntarily gone through strict assessment to ensure the curriculum meets high standards, that faculty qualifications are verified, and that students receive a well-rounded education. Ideally, an M.L.S. program should be taught at law school that has ABA accreditation through the American Bar Association.
How to Evaluate the Reputation of an M.L.S. Program
Prospective students of an M.L.S. program should also take time to research the overall reputation of the school and program. The best way to do this is to explore program rankings online as well as read reviews from former students. If the school has an alumni network, consider reaching out to alumni yourself to discuss their experience with the program. Insights from past students and graduates can tell you a lot about what to expect.
Program Format and Flexibility
Another crucial consideration when choosing an M.L.S. program is how the program is offered. For instance, are classes only available on campus? Is the entire program offered in an online format or perhaps a combination of both options (hybrid)?
Online vs. On-Campus Programs
If you are seeking a program that is as flexible as possible, then an online asynchronous M.L.S. degree program will likely suit your needs best. This way, you can work at your own pace and save yourself the time and expense related to commuting to a physical campus for classes.
On the other hand, if you prefer the "traditional" learning experience with more face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers, an on-campus program may be the better choice. Ultimately, it all depends on your unique learning style and preferences.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Enrollment Options
Consider, too, whether you prefer to enroll on a part- or full-time basis. For students who are also working full-time jobs or have other obligations to fulfill, part-time enrollment may make more sense (even if it means taking longer to complete the program). However, those who want to graduate and obtain their degrees as quickly as possible may wish to enroll full-time and graduate in about two years.
Curriculum
The curriculum of an M.L.S. program can vary greatly from one school to the next. Still, core courses within such a program should cover fundamental legal concepts within the field. An M.L.S. program should also offer electives that allow students to specialize in their areas of interest.
Core Courses and Electives in M.L.S. Programs
Some examples of common core courses you might find in an M.L.S. program may include topics in:
- Risk management
- Regulatory compliance
- Legal research and writing
- Legal analysis
In addition, an M.L.S. program may offer specialized elective courses in areas such as healthcare law, intellectual property law, employment law, and environmental law.
Availability of Specialized Tracks
While not all M.L.S. programs offer specialized tracks, some do. These tracks make it possible for students to gain a deeper understanding of a specific area of law that most interests them. In turn, this could help them further enhance career prospects in a given field. Examples of specialized tracks in an M.L.S. degree program may include:
- Healthcare
- Real estate
- Human resources
- Cybersecurity
- Finance
Faculty and Alumni Network
When choosing an M.L.S. program, it is important to select one with plenty of experienced faculty and a strong alumni network. Not only can faculty expertise and industry connections enrich the learning experience, but they could also open doors to more career opportunities.
Quality of Faculty and Their Industry Connections
The faculty (including professors and instructors) in your M.L.S. program will ideally have plenty of experience not just teaching legal studies courses but also working in law and law-adjacent fields. This real-world experience equips faculty with a unique perspective that elevates their teaching authority and makes them more relatable.
Alumni Network and Its Impact on Career Opportunities
Additionally, be sure to explore the alumni network of your chosen M.L.S. school and degree program. A robust alumni network can benefit graduates by setting them up for success in finding internships, job opportunities, mentorship, and other valuable networking experiences.
Career Opportunities and Outcomes
One of the most beneficial aspects of obtaining an M.L.S. degree is the diverse range of career paths available to graduates. Whether you are interested in a more traditional or non-traditional legal career, an M.L.S. degree offers the versatility to dive into the type of work that interests you.
Career Paths with an M.L.S. Degree
There are various job titles you can pursue as an M.L.S. graduate, with some of the more common including:
- Paralegal
- Legal consultant
- Compliance officer
- Policy analyst
- Human resource specialist
The Impact of M.L.S. on Career Advancement
If you are already working in an industry where a strong knowledge of law is beneficial, then having an M.L.S. degree could significantly improve your opportunities for career advancement. When they invest in a Master of Legal Studies education, graduates may have the opportunity to move into leadership roles, make a career pivot, or gain a competitive edge in their current field.
Student Support and Resources
Last but not least, make sure that the M.L.S. program you choose offers comprehensive student support services. This should include academic advising, career counseling, and other resources designed to help students excel in their studies and advance in their careers with confidence.
Academic Advising and Support Services
A wide range of support services and other resources can help M.L.S. students get the most out of their respective programs. Tutoring services, for example, can help students gain a firmer grasp of concepts with which they may be struggling. Meanwhile, support through a school’s writing center can provide students with the assistance they need in their legal writing.
Student study groups (both online and in-person) are another valuable resource for those in an M.L.S. program, as these groups can offer a supportive setting to navigate the rigors of the program and continue working toward their goals.
Internship and Job Placement Assistance
Ideally, the M.L.S. program you choose would also have some form of internship or career planning service for graduates. These types of programs can provide valuable hands-on experience for students looking to leverage what they have learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. This, in turn, can make it easier for students to secure employment after they graduate.
Ready to Advance Your Education?
If you are serious about furthering your understanding of regulatory compliance and other legal aspects impacting your field, enrolling in a quality M.L.S. degree program is a great way to start applying what you learn in the classroom directly to your work. The key, of course, is knowing how to choose the right Master of Legal Studies and select a program that offers the comprehensive curriculum, flexibility, and resources you need to succeed.
At the University of Miami School of Law, we are proud to provide an online M.L.S. curriculum specifically designed for non-lawyer professionals looking to grow their career opportunities. Plus, we offer tracks in healthcare, HR, real estate, finance, and cybersecurity to tailor your learning experience.
Get in touch today to learn more about our online Master of Legal Studies degree and what it can do for you. You may also begin your online application for enrollment when you’re ready.
Sources
https://news.miami.edu/law/stories/2024/05/mls-employment-law-and-hr.html
https://news.miami.edu/law/stories/2024/03/law-degrees-for-non-lawyers-when-to-choose-an-mls.html
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/MLS/
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/MLS/curriculum/
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/apply/
https://news.miami.edu/law/stories/2024/05/mls-employment-law-and-hr.html
http://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/aba_approved_law_schools.html
