Program Overview

Introduction to the Online Master of Legal Studies

The Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program at William & Mary Law School is designed for non-J.D. professionals seeking to expand their career opportunities through a deeper understanding of the U.S. legal system. With a foundation built on over 300 years of innovation and excellence, William & Mary Law School offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, ranking #31 among the Best Law Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Program Details

• Duration and Format: The program is 100% online, asynchronous, and consists of 32 credits, with 8-week courses and 2 courses per semester.
• Concentrations: The MLS program offers four industry-specific concentrations to maximize career potential:
  • Compliance and Risk Management
  • Law and Emerging Technologies
  • Finance
  • Health Law
• Tuition: The total estimated tuition for the program is $41,216.
• Time to Completion: The program can be completed in 16 months.

Admissions

• Application Deadlines for Summer 2026:
  • Priority Deadline: March 13
  • Final Deadline: April 13
• Summer Sessions:
  • Summer Session A: May 4 - June 24
  • Summer Session B: June 29 - August 19

Curriculum

The Master of Legal Studies curriculum is designed to provide a robust legal foundation through core MLS courses, followed by concentration-specific courses that elevate legal acumen for an invaluable edge in the chosen field.

Faculty and Expertise

The faculty members of the MLS program are experienced professionals who bring real-world knowledge directly to the students. An example of the faculty's expertise is Chris Gottfried, J.D., MBA, who teaches finance and corporate compliance, drawing on his experience in the financial services industry and legal practice.

Why Choose William & Mary Law School?

• Hands-On Experience: The MLS faculty provides practical, real-world experience, helping students apply legal concepts to their current or future careers.
• Networking Opportunities: The law school's proximity to Washington D.C. offers unparalleled networking opportunities in politics, information technology, regulatory fields, and healthcare.
• Support for Service Members and Veterans: The Office of Military & Veteran Affairs provides dedicated support, and the faculty includes veterans working in government positions.

Career Opportunities

The MLS program prepares students for career advancement in their chosen fields, with concentrations that address the legal aspects of compliance, emerging technologies, finance, and health law. The program is particularly relevant in an era where advances in AI and other technologies are creating new opportunities for professionals interested in managing law programs and law-related technologies.