Gain practical legal knowledge to advance your career with an online M.L.S. from SMU
Online Master of Legal Studies
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To download a brochure and learn more about the Master of Legal Studies offered by SMU Dedman School of Law, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 469-871-6018.
Program Benefits
- Project-based asynchronous coursework
- Five industry-relevant concentrations
- Engaging live sessions and networking opportunities
- No GRE or LSAT scores required for admission
Online M.L.S. program overview
If you are a non-lawyer who regularly deals with complex legal issues at work and would benefit from specialized legal knowledge, the online Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) from SMU Dedman School of Law is an excellent fit for you.
This online M.L.S. was created for professionals at various stages of their careers who would benefit from a working knowledge of U.S. law. The program would also benefit mid-career professionals looking to advance in their roles or transition to a new area. This 30-credit program offers substantial opportunities for flexibility: it can be completed part time in two years and features a mix of synchronous and asynchronous coursework. The engaging live class sessions include lectures and experiential exercises. Students find additional opportunities for interaction on online discussion boards and working on projects.
“The M.L.S. degree is the perfect fit for people interested in working in a law-related field, because it is less of a time commitment, lower cost and more hands-on than law school, but you will learn the important skills employers want.”
– Cara Foos Pierce, Director of the Master of Legal Studies program and Assistant Clinical Professor of Law
Customizable elective and concentration options
Students in the Dedman School of Law’s M.L.S. have the freedom to customize the program to best fit their needs and goals.
The M.L.S. curriculum consists of 12 credits of core coursework that provide students with a crucial foundation in U.S. law. For the remaining 18 credits, Master of Legal Studies students may mix and match electives based on their interests, or choose one of five industry-relevant concentration options:
Business law
The business law concentration was created for current and aspiring managers working in industries like finance, insurance, consulting and marketing. Students in this concentration will take electives that cover business associations, negotiations, internal investigations, risk management and more.
Compliance law
The compliance law concentration provides legal knowledge to professionals working in highly regulated industries and anyone whose role deals with compliance, ethics, blockchain or international trade. Students will learn about regulatory law, internal investigations and risk management.
Sports law
The sports law concentration was developed for individuals who want to work in the sports industry, either as sports agents or for sports organizations. Courses in this concentration cover sports law, labor law, negotiations, trademark and licensing.
Human resources and employment law
The concentration in human resources and employment law is intended for human resources professionals who need a working knowledge of the law to navigate their role. Students will take electives that cover labor and employment law, employment discrimination and internal investigations.
Criminal justice
The criminal justice concentration is a unique offering that serves law enforcement and probation officers, paralegals, legal assistants, victim advocates and court staff who want to advance their careers. Students will learn how law impacts the justice system, with courses that cover criminal law and procedure, discovery and litigation, regulatory law, internal investigations and white collar crime.
M.L.S. career advancement
An M.L.S. from SMU Dedman School of Law opens the door to a variety of career opportunities. A master’s in legal studies is beneficial in any industry that is highly regulated or closely tied to law, including compliance, business, finance, insurance, human resources and employment, sports, real estate and criminal justice.
According to Payscale, the average Master of Legal Studies graduate earns a salary of $72,000.
An online M.L.S. is particularly valuable for professionals who regularly navigate legal frameworks to ensure that businesses and organizations operate within the bounds of the law. An M.L.S. also enhances your ability to communicate with legal teams, helping you become a vital asset to your organization.
Some of the roles that benefit from an M.L.S. include:
- Corporate managers
- Human resources staff
- Financial officers
- Compliance officers
- Paralegals
- Law enforcement officers
- Victim advocates
- Sports agents
- Sports organization staff
- Trademark agents
- Court clerks
- Title examiners
- Mediators
- Consultants
Learning outcomes
The Master of Legal Studies curriculum gives students a foundation in U.S. law as well as specialized knowledge in their areas of interest. Students will:
- Gain a basic understanding of the U.S. legal system and its relationship to the principles of the rule of law
- Learn to identify and analyze key legal documents
- Learn negotiation strategies and effective communication skills
- Understand contract law basics, including the meaning and importance of common contractual provisions
- Understand the civil and criminal litigation process and procedures
- Understand the key laws that govern business organizations
- Gain foundational knowledge in your area of interest through a variety of electives and concentrations
About SMU
A nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research and teaching. SMU’s diverse, high-achieving students come from the U.S. and around the world to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves thousands of undergraduate and graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
SMU is data-driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem — paired with entrepreneurial drive — creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas — the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions — offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.