Legal Studies MLS

Major: Legal Studies
Degree Awarded: Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 22.0203
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 23-1011

About the Program

As society becomes increasingly regulated, job candidates with advanced skills in legal and regulatory analysis, as well as regulatory compliance, have become highly appealing to many employers. Although many employers do not want to hire additional attorneys, they require employees with sophisticated and narrowly focused exposure to law and legal regulation.

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program is a post-baccalaureate degree designed for individuals to develop and improve career-related skills through the study of the legal system, legal writing, law, regulation, and policy. Ideal candidates include individuals in other disciplines, professionals who would benefit from focused legal knowledge (such as those in the fields of health, college sports, education, human resources, finance, etc.), individuals seeking career changes, and those generally interested in the field of law. Upon completion of each degree program, graduates will understand how the law relates to and impacts their particular areas of interest although they will not be attorneys.

Currently, the following concentrations are offered (optional):

• Criminal Law
• Cybersecurity and Information Privacy Compliance
• Entrepreneurship and Law
• Financial Regulatory Compliance
• Health Care Compliance
• Higher Education Compliance
• Human Resources Compliance
• NCAA Compliance
• Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Regulatory Compliance

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Online Master of Legal Studies website.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• GPA of at least 3.0

If you don't meet this requirement you're still encouraged to apply and your file will be reviewed on an individual basis

Required Documents

With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• One letter of recommendation (professional or academic)
  • Letter should speak to your performance and accomplishments, and attest to your ability to succeed within the program. The department may request a second letter of recommendation
• Essay of approximately 500 words
  • Can be a personal statement outlining personal and/or professional goals you hope to achieve through the program, or on another topic that showcases your writing skills
• Resume
  • Quality and quantity of professional experience will be evaluated.
• Standardized test score reports (GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT) can be submitted, but are not required.
• Additional requirements for international students
  • International students must have an earned Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or its equivalent. Admissions will be based on grades from prior institutions. No entry exam is required; however, those who have completed their first law degree program in a language other than English will be required to have a minimum score on the TOEFL or a comparable exam.

Degree Requirements  

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Students must obtain 20.0 elective credits. If a student chooses a concentration, the student must complete at least three courses from their selected concentration. The remaining electives may be LSTU courses outside of the core courses. Non-concentrators may select LSTU courses outside of the core requirements as electives.

Students may also elect to enroll in a graduate minor from another College or School within Drexel University.  Enrollment will require advisor approval. Courses taken as part of a graduate minor may also be applied to the elective course requirements for the Master of Legal Studies program.

Sample Plan of Study  

Legal Studies (Law School) Faculty