Earn your Master of Legal Studies (MLS) at Texas A&M Law
Our Master of Legal Studies degree provides specialized legal training for those who don’t plan on practicing law, but would benefit from knowledge of the law and enhanced problem-solving skills. Geared toward degreed, non-lawyer professionals who work in highly regulated or complex industries, there are 12 tracks to choose from and to help you gain a professional advantage.
With no entrance exam required, flexible start dates, a choice between full- and part-time course loads, and asynchronous online convenience, our MLS is flexible and adds tremendous value to prior education. We also offer optional, short-term executive education style on-campus courses for those want to meet faculty and classmates in person and take advantage of networking opportunities. Apply today to earn your Master of Legal Studies and catapult your career to the next level with a degree from a top 30 law school and globally recognized Tier 1 research university.
Time to Complete: Est. 1-2 years (30 Credit hours)
Modality: Online or Hybrid
Three Starts per year: Fall, Spring, Summer
Tuition: $35,008
No Entrance Exam Required
I can’t speak highly enough about my experience at Texas A&M Law, albeit brief, it was positive and impactful. I was able to gain the expertise I was seeking to further my career in healthcare, with the flexibility of asynchronous courses, while broadening my Alumni network locally, nationally, and globally.
- Jennifer Martellotti ‘22
Become a Leader and a Problem Solver
If you work in a field that requires you to understand legal issues and regulations or negotiate agreements and resolve disputes, our world-renowned faculty will equip you with the knowledge and expertise you need to become a leader in your industry. We’ll also train you to be an effective problem solver by teaching you the same critical-thinking and anlytical skills that we teach our law students.
Each of our 12 available tracks are built to complement prior education and training while giving you cutting-edge, industry-responsive knowledge that will make you a valuable commodity in today’s marketplace. The IP, Technology & Innovation track is provided online or on campus in Fort Worth, while a hybrid Business Law & Compliance track is available online or through our Texas A&M Law center in San Antonio.
Whether you plan to remain in your current industry or want to explore a different path, now is the perfect time to invest in your future and earn an MLS from Texas A&M School of Law.
The asynchronous format of our online MLS provides flexibility for working professionals to fit their coursework into their busy schedules. You can choose from one of our many tracks or customize the curriculum to suit your needs. And you’ll receive the same support, advising, and individual attention as our on-campus students.
Many of the faculty who teach in the JD program also teach in the MLS program, giving you access to nationally recognized experts. Our professors work closely with you to help you achieve your professional goals.
A network of over 500,000 former students means that there are Aggie connections all over the world. Known for our character, commitment, and unique Aggie loyalty — not to mention our traditions — being a part of the 12th Man will give you a distinct advantage in your career. The Aggie network spans the globe with former students in over 160 countries.
You can complete an MLS degree at Texas A&M Law for less than $35,000 in tuition. The tuition for a nine-month academic year is calculated prior to financial aid and does not include other fees.
Texas A&M Law has a wide array of options available to support you in funding your legal education including low tuition, loans, or federal military education benefits. Our financial aid advisors can answer any questions about paying for your education.
While Texas A&M Law School scholarships are not available for the MLS degree, you can discover other options on Texas A&M University’s main website.
MLS Degree FAQ
Master of Legal Studies (MLS) , is a relatively new degree type in the world of higher education.
Because it is such a new academic discipline, different schools may offer an MLS education under different names, The Master of Science of Law (MSL), Master of Jurisprudence (MJur), and Juris Master (JM) are all remarkably similar to, and generally interchangeable with, the Master of Legal Studies.
The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is geared toward professionals in a variety of fields who can benefit from extensive legal scholarship and training but have no intentions of actually practicing law. Therefore, the typical MLS program will convey working legal knowledge without stressing the detailed technicalities that are required to become a lawyer. MLS programs do not generally qualify students to sit for state bar examinations after graduation.
Unlike a Juris Doctor (JD) program, which trains students to practice as an attorney, an MLS program, in and of itself, will not prepare students to perform any specific job. Instead, the degree is designed to help professionals excel on a broad spectrum of career paths.
Regulatory law and other legal matters play a major role in all manner of professional arenas. Therefore, professionals with a thorough knowledge of legal processes and a firm command of the laws that impact their industry have a considerable advantage when it comes to securing promotions and landing new positions.
The MLS has proven beneficial for people who want a job in middle or upper management. It can also serve as a powerful career booster for existing management professionals who are seeking greater responsibility, authority, and prestige.
How Much Could an MLS Increase Your Salary on Average? The independent employee compensation authority PayScale confirms that individuals who pursue an MLS degree frequently see higher salaries after graduation. PayScale reports that the average MLS graduate earns roughly $69,000 per year, but financial compensation levels can vary dramatically from job title to job title. For example, a compliance director with an MLS can expect to earn as much as $152,000 per year.
Examples of Careers that Might Benefit from a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies In addition to the specific positions, professional fields, and business sectors listed above, the following careers rank among the most likely to benefit from an MLS. It is important to note, however, that this list is far from exhaustive. • Human Resources Managers • Law Librarians • Chief Executives • Healthcare Administration Managers • Climate Change Policy Analysts • Compliance Officers • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers • Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts • Legislators • Tax Examiner or Collectors • Contract Negotiators • Directors of Operations • Social Work Professor • Real Estate Asset Manager
MLS programs are offered both online and in-person. They can also be pursued through either full-time or part-time study. Therefore, some students will be able to earn an MLS much more quickly than others.
The Texas A&M University School of Law MLS program requires 30 credit hours to earn a diploma. Students typically graduate in one to two years.
MLS Admissions
Have questions, concerns, or just want to talk to someone about the ins and outs of the application process?
