Pursuing a Paralegal Masters Degree (usually a Master of Legal Studies) can significantly enhance your expertise in the legal field, opening doors to advanced career opportunities in areas such as regulatory compliance, risk management, and human resources. To assist prospective students in identifying affordable and reputable online master’s programs in legal studies, we’ve compiled a list of top programs based on tuition costs, program length, and accreditation.
Schools with Masters Degrees for Paralegals
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University of Oklahoma
- Program: Online Master of Legal Studies 
- Tuition: $8,577 per year
- Program Length: Can be completed in as little as 15 months
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Overview: Designed for working professionals, this program offers flexibility and a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of legal studies.
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West Virginia University
- Program: Online Master of Legal Studies 
- Tuition: $9,450 per year
- Program Length: Typically completed in 18 months
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Overview: This program offers concentrations in healthcare, homeland security, and justice systems, allowing students to tailor their studies to their career goals.
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Trinity Law School
- Program: Online Master of Legal Studies
- Tuition: $9,900 per year
- Program Length: Can be completed in as little as 24 months
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Overview: Trinity’s faith-based MLS program is designed for professionals seeking legal knowledge to apply in fields such as business, nonprofit work, and ministry. The program emphasizes ethical decision-making and integrates a Christian worldview.
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Saint Leo University
- Program: Online Master of Criminal Justice with a Legal Studies Specialization
- Tuition: $9,990 per year
- Program Length: 36 credit hours, which can be completed in approximately 2 years
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 
- Overview: This program combines criminal justice studies with legal principles, preparing graduates for leadership roles in various legal and criminal justice settings.
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University of Illinois Springfield
- Program: Online Master of Arts in Legal Studies
- Tuition: $11,308 per year
- Program Length: Typically completed in 2 years
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Overview: Offering a blend of theoretical and practical legal education, this program is ideal for those seeking careers in public policy, government, or legal environments.
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Arizona State University
- Program: Online Master of Legal Studies
- Tuition: $11,938 per year
- Program Length: Can be completed in as little as 1 year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Overview: ASU offers various concentration areas, including corporate and healthcare compliance, criminal law, and intellectual property, allowing for specialized study.
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Hodges University
- Program: Online Master of Science in Legal Studies
- Tuition: $12,560 per year
- Program Length: Typically completed in 2 years
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Overview: Designed for working adults, this program covers topics such as employment law, intellectual property, and international law, providing a broad legal education. 
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University of Arizona
- Program: Online Master of Legal Studies
- Tuition: $12,748 per year
- Program Length: 30 credit hours, which can be completed in as little as 1 year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Overview: This program offers concentrations in areas such as criminal law and policy, health law, and international trade, catering to diverse interests.
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Webster University
- Program: Online Master of Arts in Legal Studies
- Tuition: $13,140 per year
- Program Length: Typically completed in 2 years
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Overview: This program emphasizes advanced legal concepts and practical skills, preparing graduates for various roles within the legal system. 
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Regent University
- Program: Online Master of Arts in Law – Legal Studies
- Tuition: $13,326 per year
- Program Length: Can be completed in 5 semesters
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Overview: This program offers a customizable curriculum with courses in business entities, contract law, and property law, among others. 
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Northeastern University
- Program: Online Master of Legal Studies
- Tuition: \$23,688 per year
- Program Length: Less than 2 years
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Overview: Aimed at non-lawyer professionals, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of legal principles applicable across various industries. 
Coursework and Areas of Study
A master’s degree in legal studies provides students with a thorough understanding of legal systems and their applications across a wide range of professions. Common core courses include foundational areas such as contract law, family law, and constitutional law, while electives may explore niche topics like cyberlaw, environmental law, and human rights. Programs typically emphasize advanced legal writing, contract drafting, and legal research. Some schools also offer optional internships or capstone projects to provide practical experience. Notably, many programs are housed within law schools, which can offer enhanced networking opportunities.
Although prior legal study is not typically required for admission, a background in law or related fields can be beneficial, as coursework often starts at an advanced level. Students can usually tailor their education to match career interests in areas such as human resources, compliance, public administration, or nonprofit management. For example, those in HR may pursue courses aligned with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) competencies to strengthen their understanding of employment law and workplace compliance.
Examples of courses in a master’s in legal studies program include:
- Advanced Legal Writing
- Business Law
- Civil Practice Skills
- Comparative Justice
- Cyberlaw
- Employment Law
- Environmental Law
- Family Law
- Human Resource Management
- Human Rights Law
- Intellectual Property
- Legal Research
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- US Legal Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a Master of Legal Studies (MLS)?
A Master of Legal Studies can prepare graduates for roles in compliance, human resources, law enforcement, risk management, and policy analysis—without becoming a practicing attorney.
Do you need a law degree to apply for an MLS program?
No, an MLS is designed for non-lawyers who work in legal-adjacent fields and want to understand legal concepts and regulations relevant to their industry. This contrasts with the LLM (Master of Laws), which requires applicants to already hold a law degree and is intended for those who want to deepen their expertise in legal practice.
How long does it take to complete an online MLS program?
Most online MLS programs can be completed in 12 to 24 months, depending on the school and the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time).
Are online MLS degrees respected by employers?
Yes, accredited online MLS programs from reputable universities are widely respected, especially by employers looking for professionals with legal literacy in specific fields.
Is an MLS the same as a JD (Juris Doctor)?
No, an MLS is not a substitute for a JD. It does not qualify graduates to sit for the bar exam or practice law but offers a foundational understanding of legal principles.