Program Overview

Customized Legal Education Designed for Career Growth

The online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) provides professionals with advanced knowledge of US law, enabling them to navigate industry regulations, meet compliance requirements, and excel in their careers. This program is designed to deliver a strong return-on-investment for working professionals, offering academic excellence in a flexible format at an affordable cost.

Program Details

• Format: 100% online and part-time
• Track Options: Five
• Tuition Rate: $1,222 ($36,660 total)
• Start Date Options: Fall, spring, summer
• No Application Fee
• Next Start Date: May 11, 2026
• Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Why Wake Forest Law's Online Master of Legal Studies?

Working professionals can complete this 30-credit legal studies master's degree on a part-time schedule, offering a rigorous law school education without disrupting personal or professional responsibilities. Students in this program benefit from:

• Flexible courses that can be completed asynchronously and 100% online
• Expert professors and instructors who teach in Wake Forest Law's on-campus programs (including the JD)
• Curriculum topics designed specifically for non-lawyers who need to understand and apply the law to workplace challenges
• Competitive tuition rate from a prestigious law school

MLS Tracks

Wake Forest Law offers five track options that build the essential competencies for achievement across specialized industries. Students can choose from:

• Business Law and Compliance
• Health Law and Policy
• Human Resources
• Financial Services
• General

Graduate Certificates

Wake Forest Law offers five graduate certificates that can be completed in as few as two semesters. These certificates provide an overview of legal fundamentals or focus on one particular industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an MLS degree?

A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is a degree program for non-lawyer professionals who need expertise in US law to better understand legal implications in their work. The coursework provides them with a working knowledge of the legal system so they can apply the law to their decision-making.

Who can benefit from the online MLS degree?

Any working professional who regularly encounters legal issues, contract negotiations, or regulatory challenges in their work can benefit from an online MLS degree. Typically, advanced legal studies education is most relevant to professionals in highly regulated industries.

What jobs can benefit from a Master of Legal Studies?

A Master of Legal Studies is a versatile degree that can benefit a number of professionals in different industries. Some roles that can benefit from this degree include:

• Compliance manager
• Contracts manager
• Corporate ethics and compliance officer
• Government affairs manager
• Healthcare administrator
• HR compliance specialist
• Labor relations specialist
• Legal operations analyst
• Policy analyst
• Regulatory compliance analyst
• Risk manager

Is a master's in legal studies worth it?

A legal studies master's degree is a valuable opportunity for professionals who need legal knowledge to excel in their careers, but do not need to earn a Juris Doctor or pursue licensure as an attorney. This degree can provide professionals with skills that enhance job performance and lead to career advancement opportunities.

MBA vs. MLS

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) are both highly respected, beneficial degrees designed for career enhancement and advanced expertise. The right degree for you depends on several factors, including your career goals and how much time and money you want to invest in graduate school. MBA degrees focus on cross-functional business leadership and strategy, while a Master of Legal Studies prepares students to manage complex legal and regulatory challenges.

MLS vs. JD: Does the MLS program help me get into a JD program?

Most MLS programs do not help you get admitted to a JD program. The coursework in programs such as the Wake Forest Law MLS is geared towards professionals in highly regulated industries who interact with certain aspects of the law in their current professions. For professionals who want to become licensed attorneys, a Juris Doctor (JD) should be pursued instead of a Master of Legal Studies degree.