Best Online Master's Degrees in Legal Studies

Using data on accessibility and affordability from the U.S. Department of Education, Study.com has created this list of a few of the best options for obtaining an online master's degree in legal studies. We also took into consideration many unique factors, such as resources available to online students, available financial aid, and hands-on experience opportunities. If you are looking to increase your legal knowledge and either excel in your career or expand your career opportunities and pursue this online degree, any of the schools on this list would be an excellent choice!

1. University of Illinois at Springfield

The University of Illinois at Springfield offers an online Master of Arts in Legal Studies that has been designed with the working professional in mind; we were impressed by how it develops both the professional and scholarly abilities needed for advanced careers or further studies. With small class sizes, students form relationships with the faculty, all of whom hold Juris Doctors and/or other terminal degrees. Highlights of the program include the placement of each student with a faculty advisor, hands-on learning through clinical education experiences and internships, the opportunity to join clubs, such as the Mock Trial Club, and the ideal setting of Illinois's state capital, which offers plenty of opportunities for legal students.

2. Webster University

Webster University, located in St, Louis, Missouri, offers an online Master of Arts in Legal Studies that provides students with an understanding of the legal environment. This program is excellent for those looking to work as government employees, teachers, managers, or legal assistants. An additional highlight of this program is the ability to take this degree concurrently with their paralegal studies certificate, and all coursework is applied toward both the degree and the certificate.

3. Hodges University

Hodges University, located in Fort Myers, Florida, offers an online Juris Master that's designed for non-lawyers, and for those professionals who wish to obtain the legal knowledge necessary for work both in the non-profit and for-profit landscape, both globally and locally. Jobs after this program often include compliance officers, human resources, entrepreneurs, and business partners. A highlight of this university is its University Advancement Department, whose role is to cultivate relationships between students and alumni and the greater community, offering internship opportunities, mentorship and even employment after graduation. Additionally, students get flexibility with their schedules, and professors with real-world experience.

4. Purdue Global

Purdue Global offers an online Master of Science in Legal Studies, where students have the ability to select the curriculum that best fits their chosen career field, electives specific to their goals, and the selection of one of two program tracks, either the applied research track or the comprehensive exam. All courses within the program are reviewed by legal experts to ensure they reflect the most recent developments and legislation. Additional highlights of the program include online tools and resources, online access to library services, faculty advisors, and an energetic online community. Many students also have opportunities to save through a robust corporate partner benefits program, transferring of credits, military tuition rates, international tuition rates, and even financial aid exclusive to legal students.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

There are several major differences between the Juris Doctor (JD) and a master's in legal studies. First, and most important, is the fact that graduates of the master's in legal studies generally cannot practice law. The types of law degrees that involve practicing law include the JD, Master of Laws (LLM), and the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). JD graduates can take the bar and after passing act as a lawyer or attorney. While those holding a master's in legal studies also have a solid foundation in the law, they can only work in supporting roles within the legal field.

Another difference is program length. On average, a master's in legal studies lasts one year while a JD program is generally three years of full-time study. Additionally, there are many master's of legal studies degrees that can be completed entirely online. JD programs are either on-campus or hybrid, and it is not possible to complete it 100% by distance education.

In terms of coursework, the JD and master's in legal studies programs cover similar material. For both, you'll study subjects such as criminal law, contracts, and legal research. Students will gain an understanding of the U.S. legal system and the major areas of law. However, at the conclusion, master's of legal studies students can transition into a professional role while JD students prepare for and pass the bar before beginning to practice.

Students who are interested in the law but do not want to commit to the three to four years of study required for the JD may be interested in an online master's degree in legal studies. This degree is also applicable for professionals who work regularly with their company's legal department or deal with the law in their current role. An in-depth knowledge of laws and regulations could lead to raises or promotions for certain professionals.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Legal Studies?

Students pursuing an online master's in legal studies may complete their degree in one to two years of full-time study. Part-time students will likely take longer to complete all of the specified requirements. Number of credit hours vary by program, but most consist of around 30 credits. Degree completion time includes all foundational and elective classes, as well as time spent on the capstone or final project, if applicable. In addition to class time, students should be prepared to devote extra time during the week to readings, assignments, and further independent study.

The curriculum for online master's degree programs in legal studies consist of core courses and elective or specializations. Typically no in-person components, internships, or practicums are required. Some programs may end with a capstone or research project. Coursework will be available through an online educational platform such as Canvas or Blackboard, and students will need to complete assignments within a specified window. Students will likely be required to do a combination of readings, written assignments, and posts in a forum that allows for interaction with other classmates.

Legal Studies Foundational Courses

Before diving into electives or specializations, students studying an online master's in legal studies will need to complete compulsory foundational courses. These classes are designed to introduce students to the U.S. legal system and establish the beginnings of strong legal research skills. Many programs will also give an in-depth overview of the major areas of U.S. law so students understand the legal context for their future electives or concentration. Some foundational courses offered in online master's in legal studies degree programs may include:

• Introduction to the U.S. legal system
• Criminal law
• Civil law
• Tort law
• Legal research

Legal Studies Specialist and Elective Courses

The law covers every aspect of life, so it is common for students to follow the path of one particular area. Rather than being a "jack of all trades but master of none," students who choose a specialization can become well-versed in a specific area or type of law. This may enhance career prospects especially for students hoping to work in healthcare or finance. Not all concentrations are offered by every university, so interested students might want to research where they can study their particular area of law. Some common specializations are:

• Human resources
• Compliance
• Human rights
• Dispute resolution

Licensure and Certification in Legal Studies

Graduates of master's in legal studies programs hoping to begin work directly after graduation will not have to worry about mandatory certification or licensure. For those looking to get into financial regulation and compliance, some employers may require new employees to take licensing exams administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). FINRA is a nongovernmental regulatory body that oversees market exchanges and brokerage firms. Exams and licenses such as the Series 7 (General Securities Representative Qualification Exam) or the Series 24 (General Securities Principal Qualification Exam) are among some of those offered by FINRA.

Optional certifications for professionals in corporate compliance are awarded by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE). They offer three certifications:

• Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
• Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional Fellow (CCEP-F)
• Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional - International (CCEP-I)

Online legal studies master's degree programs generally have straightforward application processes that include basic requirements and documentation. Generally, universities offering master's of legal studies degrees ask for a 3.0 undergraduate GPA that can be demonstrated on official transcripts sent from the institution. Many universities accept official digital transcripts sent directly to the university's admissions office. In addition to a completed online application, several other items may be required, though this varies by university. Common application materials include:

• Application fee
• Personal statement or statement of goals
• Professional and/or academic references from between 1-3 individuals
• Detailed CV or resume
• GRE or LSAT scores

Graduates of online master's of legal studies can pursue careers in the legal profession in supportive roles. Even though they cannot practice law as a lawyer or attorney would, positions within a law firm supporting lawyers are open to them. They are also sought after for roles that often deal with the law, such as human resources, finance, and compliance. Jobs that require a firm and thorough knowledge of the law will benefit from a candidate with a master's in legal studies. Some job titles that graduates may pursue include:

• Legal Researcher
• Compliance officer
• Paralegal
• Compliance analyst
• Human resources manager
• Teacher at a two-year college

Job Outlook for a Master's in Legal Studies

Online master's in legal studies graduates have a positive job outlook across several industries. Students can enter a variety of fields after graduation which makes it an attractive degree for the fact that it is so versatile. Some common areas for master's in legal studies graduates to work in include supportive legal roles, human resources, compliance, and arbitration. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has made the following projections about job growth during a ten-year period between 2019-2029:

• Paralegals: 35,300 jobs added due to 10% growth
• Human resources managers: 10,400 jobs added due to 6% growth
• Arbitrators: 600 jobs due to 8% growth

How to Become a Compliance Officer

Compliance officers are responsible for monitoring organizations and their adherence to laws and regulations. They analyze data and synthesize information into presentations and reports for upper management and legal departments. Compliance officers help their companies avoid fines and penalties for breach of law. They work in finance, healthcare, and business, and their duties may vary by industry.

Compliance officers need at least a bachelor's degree, but some roles may ask for a law degree or a background with specialized knowledge of the law. A selection of online master's of legal studies programs offer concentrations in compliance which exposes them to the intricacies of the field. Depending on the sector, candidates will need to be very familiar with the specific laws and regulations applicable to practice. Students interested in entering healthcare or financial compliance may want to specialize in those areas.

As of May 2019, the BLS estimated that the median yearly salary for compliance officers was $69,050. The top 10% of workers in the field made as much as $109,950, while the lowest 10% earned around $38,920.

How to Become a Paralegal

Paralegals assist lawyers with cases by preparing documents, gathering witness statements, and conducting research on case law. They might help during court cases by taking notes or managing evidence or other documents. Paralegals tend to have more involvement and responsibilities than legal assistants. They can work in private law firms or for public or government organizations.

To become a paralegal, individuals generally need at least an associate's degree in paralegal studies. Some employers may prefer a bachelor's degree and a paralegal certificate. Candidates with a master's in legal studies could be better positioned for roles with more responsibility or promotions within an organization. Paralegals need to be organized and have strong written and oral communication and research skills.

According to BLS data as of May 2019, paralegals make a median annual salary of $51,740 with those in the federal government earning around $67,080. Salaries also likely depend on education level, location, and years of experience.

Online master's in legal studies degrees admit students from a variety of undergraduate degrees and professional backgrounds. Most programs have curricula that assume no prior knowledge of the law and teach the basics. Career changers seeking employment in a new field are welcome to apply. For undergraduate students who have an educational plan that includes an online master's in legal studies, some majors that would be helpful for future study include law, politics, history, psychology, finance, or business.

The master's in legal studies degree is considered a terminal degree. However, students who complete a master's in legal studies then decide they wish to practice law can undertake a Juris Doctor (JD). This degree will lead to careers such as legal consultant, lawyer, and legal advisor. A JD degree can be completed in three to four years and is available in on-campus and hybrid formats. After graduation, students must take the bar exam and meet the requirements for their state in order to practice law.

Online master's in legal studies programs are a sizable investment, and prospective students may wonder what kinds of funding are available to them. Federal financial aid in the form of student loans, grants, and scholarships are a few of the options. The U.S. government offers financial aid to eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online detailing their financial information. Awards will vary based on income level. Student loan payments begin six months after graduation.

Grants are available on a need-based basis and students will need to demonstrate financial hardship. Students who receive grant money will not need to repay it. Grants are available from public and private sources.

Scholarships are awarded to any student who meets the application requirements, regardless of their financial situation. Washington University School of Law offers a scholarship to IEEE Women in Engineering members pursuing their Master's of Legal Studies program. Winners are awarded $5,000 to use toward their degree studies. To qualify, interested candidates must have been an IEEE member for a year, be admitted to Washington University's law school, and complete an application.