FAQ

A Master of Legal Studies degree is useful for professionals in a wide variety of industries, especially those working in human resources, business management, highly regulated industries, sports agency and management and criminal justice. In addition, professionals who frequently work with lawyers and industry regulations would benefit from an M.L.S.

An M.L.S. is an excellent alternative to a J.D. or an M.B.A., as it can be completed on a more flexible schedule and at a more affordable cost than traditional J.D. and M.B.A. programs. SMU’s M.L.S. program also focuses on the specific knowledge and skills you need to enhance your job performance and advance your career. M.L.S. graduates find roles across a wide range of industries, including business, sports, compliance, human resources, real estate, public service and nonprofits.

Yes! Online students have access to a wide range of resources, such as:

• Career services
• Academic advising
• SMU libraries
• The Dedman Center
• Optional on-campus events relevant to your studies

Students can earn their degree on a part-time schedule in two years.

Students in our program can take advantage of SMU Dedman School of Law’s Career Services and SMU’s Hegi Family Career Development Center, which offer comprehensive support services such as career counseling and resume writing. The Career Development Center also hosts a variety of specialized career fairs for business and technology, nonprofit opportunities, advertising, communications and the liberal arts and sciences.

Meeting certain application deadlines may offer specific benefits, but admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Find the next application deadline on our admission page.

The admission committee wants to see a strong argument for why you are a good fit for the program. Tell us who you are, what you want to achieve and why you think this graduate program will get you there. Be sure to address how you plan to engage in an online program. Even though the program is online, you will regularly collaborate with your classmates and instructors. Tailor your statement to SMU Dedman School of Law and this program.

We look at all the materials in an application carefully to get a holistic impression of an applicant and try to gauge their likelihood for success in the program. The statement is especially important because it is one of the few pieces of the application that you create. You can’t change your transcripts or recommendations, but you can be sure to craft a strong and logical statement. Please note: a written personal statement is also a writing sample, so be sure it is error-free and well written. If you choose the video option, ensure your presentation is professional and it showcases you and your professional interests.

The purpose of recommendations is to give the admission committee an indication of your ability to succeed in the program. Choose recommenders who know you well and have evidence they can share about how you will succeed in an online master’s in legal studies program. Ideally, applicants should submit at least one recommendation from an academic source, although this is not a strict requirement.

No, neither LSAT nor GRE scores are required to apply to our program.

The total tuition cost for this program is $32,490. Find a full summary of our program tuition and fees on our tuition and financial aid page.

Yes! Students enrolled in SMU Dedman School of Law’s online M.L.S. are encouraged to request federal and state financial aid by completing their FAFSA.

Active military service members, veterans and their spouses and dependents have access to additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Yellow Ribbon Program allows military service members and their families to utilize funds to cover tuition expenses and other costs, including books and fees. Learn more about our funding opportunities on our tuition and financial aid page.