Online Master of Legal Studies

An Affordable, Flexible and Interactive MLS Degree

Program Overview

Businesses and organizations all over the world are beginning to notice how beneficial it is to have professionals with a working knowledge of the law, even if they don't practice law. The right Master of Legal Studies (MLS) online program gives students the tools and experience to effectively communicate and strategize around litigation risk management, transactional law and compliance with law and regulations, while showing them how to customize these techniques to fit their unique field and role.

At DePaul College of Law, we’ve crafted a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) that incorporates simulation-based assignments and collaboration opportunities in an online format. These components prepare students to confidently influence legal decisions at their workplace and effectively engage with complex legal issues within their industry.

Our MLS degree stands out thanks to our commitment to student success through affordability, flexibility and hands-on learning taught by some of the nation’s leading legal scholars and accomplished legal practitioners. We welcome professionals of any background, who have a bachelor’s degree in any area and who want to add career-changing legal skills without earning a JD or becoming an attorney.

Download Brochure

Tuition Summary

Total Credits

Cost Per Credit

$1,258

Total Program Tuition

$37,740

Professional Experience Waiver

DePaul uniquely offers a professional experience waiver of up to 6 credits for students with recent, relevant work experience.

Total credits, with full waiver

Total tuition, with full waiver

$30,192

Tuition and fees are based on 2024-25 rates and are subject to change.

Next Start Date

August 25, 2025

Final Application Deadline

August 1, 2025

Our Program at a Glance

Reduce credit hour requirements and save on tuition with a professional experience waiver.
Work through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous coursework that couples flexibility with hands-on application.
Learn at a top law school in the nation according to the Princeton Review.
Advance your skill level to support your career goals with three concentration options.
Complete your coursework entirely online in two and a half years or less.

Request Information

To learn more about the online Master of Legal Studies at DePaul College of Law and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an admissions advisor directly by calling (800) 542-8539.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone*

By checking this box, I authorize DePaul University and its representatives to contact me via SMS. Participation is voluntary. Standard message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required as a condition of enrollment. Reply STOP to opt out of SMS. Terms.

By checking this box, I consent to receiving communication from DePaul University and its representatives via calls using an artificial or automated voice. Terms.

DePaul University has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

* All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected.

“We aim to meet students where they are and to address their particular interests. We tailor our online MLS program to give students a foundational understanding of the U.S. legal system as well as specialized knowledge of specific areas of legal compliance and regulation.”

Allison Brownell Tirres, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives and Associate Professor of Law

Essential Legal Knowledge for Non-Lawyers: Your Path to Mastery

All students begin with core courses that provide a strong foundation in essential legal principles and skills. Some of these courses include:

Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
Regulatory Compliance
Communication and Negotiation
Organizational Management and the Law

Our coursework includes opportunities for peer engagement through Socratic discussions and group projects, fostering a valuable network of legal professionals for continued collaboration beyond the program.

In our online Master of Legal Studies program, students can specialize their degree by choosing one of the following concentration options:

These concentrations offer deeper knowledge in specific fields of law, allowing students to tailor their education to match their career goals and interests.

Learn more about our concentration options and featured courses on our curriculum page.

What is an MLS degree?

An MLS degree program is an in-depth legal education designed for non-lawyers who have an undergraduate degree but do not necessarily have previous law education or experience. It is designed to help professionals in regulated fields enhance their careers by acquiring relevant expertise and practical knowledge of the law.

Many MLS students are professionals who work closely with legal advisors or need a strong understanding of laws and regulations. For example, they might be:

HR specialists ensuring compliance with labor laws
Healthcare administrators navigating patient rights and healthcare regulations
Public policy analysts utilizing legal research and negotiation to advocate for stronger policies

Learn about potential MLS career outcomes.

What Law Degree Is Right for Me? An MLS, LLM and JD Comparison

To help you get a sense of common graduate pathways, we provide this overview of three types of law degrees. Please note that specific details, offerings and structures vary across different institutions and programs.

	Master of Legal Studies (MLS)	Master of Laws (LLM)	Juris Doctor (JD)
Focus	Designed for non-lawyers who want an in-depth understanding of the law.	The LLM is an advanced, academic degree in law that is usually pursued after a JD or the international equivalent.	The JD is the primary professional degree for aspiring lawyers in the United States. It is required to take the bar in most U.S. jurisdictions.
Students	Professionals from a wide range of fields (e.g., business, healthcare, human resources, cybersecurity) who engage with legal matters or counsel in their roles but do not intend to become practicing attorneys.	Lawyers who either already have a JD and wish to gain expertise in a specific area—such as tax law, business law or human rights law—or international lawyers who are interested in practicing in the United States.	Individuals aiming to practice law, pass the bar exam and represent clients in legal matters.
Curriculum	Provides an overview of the U.S. legal system as well as introduction to practices such as legal research and negotiation. These programs often include specialized tracks to align legal knowledge with specific industries or domains.	Focuses on specific areas of law, providing advanced training beyond a JD program. May be research-intensive or include comparative legal studies.	Covers a broad range of legal topics, including contracts, torts and civil procedure, among others. It prepares students to pass the bar exam and practice law.

The DePaul Difference: Online MLS Student Spotlight

When Nicholas Seidel began the online Master of Legal Studies degree at DePaul College of Law, he knew he had found the right program.

"The experience has been overwhelmingly good. I'm using the material that I'm actually learning. My skills in legal research and writing have improved dramatically. My ability to communicate [...] is ten times better now than it was before. My general understanding of legal concepts is much better than it was. It's been a very good experience."

Watch Nicholas’ student spotlight to learn more about his experience in DePaul law’s online MLS, including how the program compares to other online learning experiences and what advice he would give to potential MLS students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program part-time? How long will the program take to complete?

Yes, this is a part-time program designed for working professionals. As a part-time student, the program takes approximately two and a half years to complete. With the professional experience waiver, it can be completed in two years.

What is the professional experience waiver and how does it work?

Our professional experience waiver allows students with applicable work experience to waive up to 6 credit hours from their online MLS degree requirements. To qualify, students must submit a résumé and a short statement that details at least 12 months of professional experience in a relevant field.

While most students apply for this waiver after admission, you can also submit a request during the application process or even after you start classes at DePaul. You will usually learn whether you’ve qualified within two weeks.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify for the waiver, we encourage you to speak to an admissions advisor.

What can I do with an MLS degree?

As the modern workplace continues to evolve with technology and new regulation and compliance practices expand, an extensive legal education can increase your marketability to potential employers and act as an effective job retention and growth strategy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, legal occupations are projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

Earn your online Master of Legal Studies to advance in your current role, or open yourself to a variety of MLS careers, including:

Visit our FAQ page for more answers to commonly asked questions, such as program details, how to apply to the online MLS and more. Our admissions advisors can answer any questions you may have as well: schedule a time to talk or call (800) 542-8539.

Get Started

Request Info Apply Now