Online Master of Legal Studies

Tuition Fee

USD 19,800

Start Date

2027-01-20

Medium of studying

Fully Online

Duration

2 years

Details

Program Details

Degree

Masters

Major

Business Law | Commercial Law | Legal Studies

Area of study

Law

Education type

Fully Online

Timing

Part time

Course Language

English

Tuition Fee

Average International Tuition Fee

USD 19,800

Intakes

Program start date	Application deadline
2026-01-20	-
2027-01-20	-

About Program

Program Overview

The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law offers an online Master of Legal Studies program designed for non-lawyers seeking practical legal knowledge applicable to their professional areas of interest. This 30-credit program provides a flexible and accessible opportunity to expand expertise and boost professional impact.

Program Details

Cost Per Credit Hour: $660
Total Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $19,800
Average Completion: 2 years
Format: Part-time, 100% online
Next Start Date: January 20, 2026

Why Choose UMKC's Online Master of Legal Studies?

The online MLS program is a hands-on legal studies degree designed with the student's responsibilities in mind. Key features include:

Moving through coursework week by week with no required live sessions
Benefiting from the expertise of professors and instructors certified in online teaching
Learning in a program designed specifically for non-lawyers and the legal issues they face in the workplace
Earning the MLS online at a highly affordable tuition rate

MLS Concentrations

The program offers several concentrations to customize the degree to fit career goals and industry needs:

Health Law: Building a legal foundation in healthcare compliance, regulation, and risk management
Human Resources Law: Working through key employment laws, workplace policies, and regulatory issues critical for HR professionals
Compliance: Gaining expertise in corporate compliance, policy development, and organizational risk
General: Choosing from any electives to craft a curriculum that fits individual goals

What Is An MLS Degree?

A Master of Legal Studies is a graduate degree designed for professionals who work in highly regulated fields or regularly interact with the law but do not intend to become practicing attorneys. The MLS program equips students with essential legal knowledge and analytical skills to interpret laws and regulations relevant to their field without a J.D. or bar licensure.

MLS vs. J.D.: What's The Difference?

While a J.D. prepares students to become licensed lawyers, an MLS provides a foundation in legal knowledge for those who need legal expertise to support their professional roles. The online MLS program focuses on areas like contracts, compliance, ethics, regulatory law, and legal research, enabling students to effectively navigate legal issues and make better-informed business decisions.

What Can You Do With A Legal Studies Degree?

Graduates of UMKC's MLS program are equipped to take on specialized roles within their industries, manage complex legal issues, and support their organizations' compliance and risk needs. Potential careers include:

Compliance manager
Contract specialist
Human resources director
Regulatory analyst

The average Master of Legal Studies salary is $72,000, according to Payscale.

Curriculum and Admissions

For detailed information on the curriculum, admissions criteria, tuition fees, and research areas, please refer to the official program documentation.

Conclusion

The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law's online Master of Legal Studies program offers a unique opportunity for non-lawyers to gain practical legal knowledge and enhance their professional impact. With its flexible format, affordable tuition, and specialized concentrations, this program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals in highly regulated industries.

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