Online Master of Legal Studies
Elevate your career with a deeper understanding of the law in three semesters.
Unlock new opportunities across industries with the online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program. You can develop legal expertise without pursuing a 3 year J.D., gaining the tools you need to advance in a career that interests you.
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Credits Required
30*
*Students are required to enroll in 10 credit hours per semester
What Does It Cost
$1,123.43/credit hour*
*Effective Fall 2025. Subject to change without notice
Tuition Estimator
Learning Format
Start Terms
Fall
Why Choose UOnline’s Master of Legal Studies?
UOnline’s Master of Legal Studies program from the S.J. Quinney College of Law provides a foundation for working with laws and understanding legal principles—without the need to earn a JD.
This versatile degree helps you navigate legal challenges in your profession, whether you’re in business, education, health care or another field. And the module-based online format fits seamlessly into your busy schedule.
In just three semesters, you’ll sharpen your legal reasoning, writing, and communication skills. Courses cover regulatory systems, employment law, mediation, business law and more. This allows you to confidently interpret and apply legal concepts in your everyday work.
For more information on the MLS, or to learn about the in-person option, visit the S.J. Quinney College of Law website.
Why Choose UOnline’s Master of Legal Studies with Healthcare Law Concentration?
MLS students can choose the optional Healthcare Law Concentration to explore policy issues and legal risks confronting the healthcare industry.
Healthcare is the largest and fastest-growing highly regulated industry in the United States—and there is high demand for professionals who understand the industry’s laws and regulations.
Students working in the healthcare industry can apply course learnings to better perform their jobs, support their organizations, and improve patient care, safety, and advocacy.
The Healthcare Law Concentration is ideal for students in professions such as:
- Clinical Practitioners
- Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
- Medical Assistants
- Dieticians
- Social Workers
- Hospital and Clinic Administrators
- Compliance Officers
- HR Managers
- Patient Advocates
- Billing and Coding Specialists
- Marketers
Application Deadlines
Advance your legal career without delay.
Fall Admission
Submit your application for the online Master of Legal Studies program starting August 1. Our priority deadline is April 1, and there is a $55 application fee. Applications close on June 30, with an additional $30 late fee.
Legal Studies Overview
At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.
Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:
- Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
- Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
- Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.
Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:
- Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
- Participate in and guide online discussions.
- Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
- Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.
Master of Legal Studies or Master of Legal Studies with Healthcare Law Concentration from the S.J. Quinney College of Law.
All courses at the University of Utah, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same expert faculty members.
In order to apply to the legal studies master's degree program, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate institution, and a cumulative GPA (all institutions attended) of 3.0. You must also demonstrate a track record of professional experience and good writing skills. There are no course prerequisites.
The online Master of Legal Studies is a three-semester program that starts each August. It requires 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework and is only available as a full-time option. You must maintain a 3.0 GPA to graduate.
Required courses include:
- Legal Ethics in the Provision and Management of Legal Services
- Legal Research and Writing for Non-Lawyers
- The Regulatory System
- Understanding Cases, Statues, and Legislation
As of fall 2025, tuition for the online Master of Legal Studies program is $1,123.43 per credit. Costs are subject to change. These changes typically occur in the summer but can happen at any time. Review the College of Law tuition chart and calculate your potential expenses.
Tuition does not include additional fees such as online textbooks or proctored exams. Fees and materials vary by program.
Explore UOnline's cost breakdown and graduate funding opportunities.
Note: This program qualifies for the U of U employee reduced tuition benefit.
To apply to UOnline’s Master of Legal Studies online program, you must submit the following materials:
- Online application: View application instructions
- You must indicate on your application that you are interested in joining the online Master of Legal Studies program.
- Résumé/CV
- Personal statement indicating why you wish to complete the program and how it fits into your career goals
- Writing sample(s)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts
Note: The MLS Program does not require a standardized testing score (GRE, GMAT, MAT, LSAT).
Career Outcomes
Our Master of Legal Studies program can enhance your existing career with new legal skills or can act as a gateway to new professional positions that require legal knowledge. With a Master of Legal Studies, you can expect career advancement opportunities, higher-level responsibilities, and competitive salary increases.
Potential Professional Roles
- Human resources, business operations & career development professionals
- CEO, COO, and CCO (Chief Compliance Officer) positions
- Academic & research professionals (research compliance associations, program managers, student services professionals)
- Paralegal & legal support staff
- Public representation & elected government official positions
Legal Studies Career Paths
- Arbitration
- Business (corporate executives and accountants)
- Compliance (finance, health care, compliance directors, compliance analysts and more)
- Contract administration
- Education (higher education, secondary education and K-12)
- Health care and health services
- Human resources
- Law (court administrators, paralegals, legal assistants, limited licensed practitioners and legal analysts)
- Law enforcement (police officers, private investigators, federal agents and intelligence analysts)
- Mediation and dispute resolution
- Regulatory affairs
- Risk management
Immediate Career Impact
Within six months of completing UOnline’s Master of Legal Studies online program, many graduates secure a promotion, receive a pay raise or transition into a new role that aligns more closely with their career goals.
A Powerful Skillset
- Gain legal skills and knowledge of the U.S. regulatory system, government, and legal ecosystem.
- Learn to use legal terminology through exposure to judicial decisions, substantive legal texts, statutes, legal reasoning, and writing.
- Gain exposure to specific areas of law through elective courses on criminal law, employment law, business law, family law, property, etc.
- Bolster your resume, empower yourself to work with laws and regulations, and better understand complex legal matters.
Related News
Navigating Career Paths with a Master of Legal Studies
The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is a fantastic way to gain insight into the law without pursuing a three-year JD degree and taking the bar exam. Find out what this degree could mean for you and your future career.
Department Contact
Have a question about UOnline’s Master of Legal Studies degree program? We’ll ensure you find the information you need.
MLS Administration Team