Graduate - Master of Legal Studies

Legal Studies, MLS

Study locally. Graduate globally. Start your degree at your home university and continue your academic journey at Arizona State University through the Cintana Alliance.

Degree pathways

Earn an ASU degree

Powered by ASU helps students earn an ASU degree more affordably and in less time through university partnerships. Earn the same respected ASU degree whether you choose Online or On Campus.

Start at your local university
Transfer up to 4 courses (an estimated 12 credits)
ASU Online
1 year
Length
18 Credits
Credits
$22,000–$26,000
Tuition
OR
On Campus
1 year
Length
18 Credits
Credits
Tuition
Same degree from ASU
OPT eligibility
1 year of OPT (On Campus option)
Tuition cost and Credit Transfer

Tuition estimates are based on ASU's published 2026–2027 tuition and fee rates and are subject to change. The number of credits that transfer and the length of the one-year timeline may vary by student and by home institution.

Tuition cost estimator
Planning your move to ASU?

Visit our Campus Immersion Resources page for helpful information on living expenses, Form I-20 financial requirements, work authorization (OPT), and other essential resources to support your transition.

Campus Immersion Resources
Where to study

This degree is available at

UDG
Montenegro
Program description

Legal Studies, MLS

For those who want to understand and navigate the legal system without pursuing a law degree, this program offers practical knowledge of the law and its role in today's competitive job market and in advancing a wide range of careers. The Master of Legal Studies is designed for flexibility, offered in fall, spring, and summer terms, on a full-time or part-time basis, and in person or online. Students can tailor their studies through emphasis areas ranging from artificial intelligence and business law to international rule of law and sports law, depending on the format they choose.
Curriculum

Featured courses

Administrative Agencies/Regulation: Masters

This course begins with an accelerated introduction to federal administrative agencies, the sources and boundaries of their authority and options for redress for parties aggrieved by administrative actions.

Criminal Law

In this course, you’ll review and analyze different principles of the fundamentals of criminal law, including the principles of punishment and burdens of proof.

Tort Law: Masters

High-level introduction to torts. Covers various types of tort causes of action, their various elements, defenses and factual patterns that fit those specific tort causes of action.

Admissions

Admission requirements

Program requirements

For admission requirements, refer to the academic unit program page. Some programs have additional requirements — check with your local Enrollment Advisor for details.

Legal Studies, MLS, MS →
Transfer applicants

International graduate and undergraduate transfer applicants should review ASU's international transfer guidance before applying.

https://admission.asu.edu/apply/international/transfer →

Key admission dates & deadlines

Program start
Campus Immersion Online Campus Immersion Online
Application deadline
Classes start
Outcomes

Career opportunities & applicable roles

The MLS degree is designed for those who are looking to obtain a working knowledge of the law but do not intend to become practicing lawyers. Graduates develop expertise in complex legal subjects and professional skills applicable across multiple sectors, including law firms, judicial systems, government entities, and business organizations.

Career examples include
Accreditation Director Fraud Investigator Operations Director Risk Analyst Senior Administrator (Law Firm) Senior Business Analyst Senior Compliance Director Senior Contract Negotiator
The school

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law honors the legacy of the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. U.S. News & World Report ranks ASU Law No. 44 overall, and it has been a top 20 public law school for 17 consecutive years. The college holds the No. 1 U.S. News ranking in legal writing, ranks No. 15 globally in the 2025 ShanghaiRanking for law, and ranks No. 10 nationally for return on investment according to the ABA Journal. Students choose from more than 250 unique courses across JD, LLM and master's programs, and ASU Law is one of the highest-ranked law schools in the country to offer an online, part-time JD.

Ready to take the next step in your career?

Complete the Request Information form and connect with an International Enrollment Advisor to explore your options.

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