Program Overview
Designed for professionals seeking legal expertise without becoming practicing lawyers, the program provides flexible study options and emphasis areas to customize the learning experience. Graduates pursue diverse careers in legal and non-legal fields, leveraging their enhanced critical thinking, legal reasoning, and communication skills.
Program Outline
Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Program at Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
Degree Overview:
- Provides working knowledge of law without aiming to prepare students for becoming practicing lawyers.
- Designed for diverse backgrounds and professionals seeking legal expertise.
- Offers flexible study options: full-time, part-time, in-person, and online.
- Emphasis areas: business law, conflict resolution, criminal law, entrepreneurship law, Indian law, intellectual property, international law, and sustainability.
Program Objectives:
- Equip students with comprehensive understanding of legal principles and their application.
- Develop critical thinking, legal reasoning, and analytical skills.
- Foster proficiency in legal research, writing, and communication.
- Enhance professional skills applicable to various career paths.
Outline:
- Program Structure: 30 credit hours, consisting of required foundational courses, emphasis area courses, and electives.
- Required Courses:
- SDO 501: U.S. Law and Legal Analysis
- One foundational course: Business Organizations, Administrative Agencies/Regulation, Intellectual Property, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Fundamentals of Contract Law, Property Law, or Tort Law.
- Emphasis area courses based on chosen specialization.
Assessment:
- Emphasis on active learning through class participation, case studies, simulations, and research projects.
- Graded assignments and examinations to assess knowledge and skill development.
Teaching:
- Experienced faculty with expertise in various legal fields.
- Emphasis on interactive teaching methods and personalized guidance.
- Access to legal research databases and resources.
Careers:
- Graduates pursue diverse career paths in legal and non-legal fields.
- Potential job titles include: accreditation director, fraud investigator, operations director, risk analyst, senior administrator, senior business analyst, senior compliance director, and senior contract negotiator.
Other:
- Students can create their own concurrent degree combinations with other programs at ASU.
- Online program option offers flexibility for working professionals.
Conclusion
The Master of Legal Studies program at ASU provides a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking to gain legal knowledge and enhance their career prospects. The program's flexibility and emphasis on real-world application make it an attractive option for diverse professionals.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
Applicants:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree: Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
International Applicants:
- Equivalent Degree: Applicants must have attained a comparable degree from a foreign institution.
Additional Requirements for All Applicants:
- Application form and fee: A completed Master of Legal Studies application form and application fee are required.
- Official transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted.
- Resume: A resume that does not exceed three typed pages is required.
- Foreign-educated applicants: Applicants with foreign education credentials must have all transcripts evaluated by the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute Inc. (ACEI).
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For Non-Native English Speakers:
- TOEFL: Acceptable TOEFL scores are listed on the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law website.
- Applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree in the U.S. can apply through the MLS FastApp application process, which may allow for an offer of conditional admission while they continue to submit additional requested documentation.
