Is a Master of Legal Studies Degree Worth Your Time and Money?

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What Is a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Degree?

Not everyone who interacts with the legal system is a lawyer.

A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is designed for non-lawyers / non-Juris Doctor (JD) students — in other words, professionals in law-adjacent fields who depend on a deep understanding of the legal system. After all, building a strong foundation in law can lead to career advancement and higher salaries.

Is a Master of Legal Studies Right for You?

Healthcare. Research. Human Resources. Real estate. Finance. Government. Countless fields require a deep knowledge of the law! If you already work or plan to work in these fields, an MLS program may help position you for advanced roles.

The MLS program is the ideal alternative for students and professionals who don’t wish to attend law school but who would still benefit from increased legal knowledge. Some criteria to consider include:

You are curious about law but do not want to earn a law degree / Juris Doctor (JD).
You value education and enjoy building new skills.
Your current or future career paths are in an industry that interacts with the law, such as healthcare or real estate. (Almost every industry interacts with the law!)
You want to boost your resume with a credential that is highly regarded by employers and recruiters.
You wish to become a competitive candidate for career advancement and higher salaries.

What Are Some of the MLS Degree Benefits?

The MLS degree offers a wide range of advantages that can enhance both your career and personal growth. From expanding your knowledge of the law to increasing your earning potential, it’s a versatile qualification that can open doors in a variety of fields.

Below are the most significant advantages that come with earning your Master of Legal Studies.

#1 – Advance Your Career (or Begin a New One!)

To put it simply, the MLS opens doors. Are you ready to elevate your position or start an entirely new career in a law-adjacent field? This degree may be ideal for you.

An MLS is a respected degree that will stand out on any resume or job application. Graduation from an MLS program shows that you value education and skill-building, and that you are motivated to advance along your career paths.

#2 – Advance Your Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that employees who hold Master’s degrees earn 16% more than those holding a Bachelor’s degree.

The MLS degree is also a sound investment because it pays off by unlocking new roles in diverse fields, and by positioning you as a more desirable employee.

*Bonus tip: if you earn your MLS degree in an online program, you can continue to work alongside your studies. This can help to not disrupt your current career, and allows you to “learn while you earn”!

#3 – Gain Legal Knowledge

While lawyers study niche aspects of the areas of law they are practicing, the MLS degree provides a broad coverage of the law. This broad coverage of laws and regulations can be easily applied to many roles and industries, and help you with responsibilities such as:

Reading and writing contracts
Identifying and resolving legal issues
Understanding legal terminology
Applying law principles to your workplace

#4 – Gain Skills That Are Always In Demand

Outside of your new legal knowledge, you will also leave your MLS program with a variety of in-demand skills to make you a valuable candidate in any field or professional role, such as:

Managing your time
Demonstrating leadership
Communicating clearly, effectively, and persuasively

#5 – Build a Strong Network Outside of Your Field

Throughout your MLS program, you’ll work alongside students like yourself — non-lawyers seeking advanced professional roles in diverse fields such as healthcare, government agencies, and many more. These MLS students aren’t simply your new friends, they are your future connections to a wide array of careers and opportunities.

What Can You Do with an MLS Degree?

Because an MLS degree can be applied to countless career fields, the opportunities are endless! Here are a few popular examples of employment, with median salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Human Resources (HR) Manager
- Median pay: $136,350 (2023 BLS data)
Operations Manager
- Median pay: $129,330 (2023 BLS data)
Medical and Health Services Manager
- Median pay: $110,680 (2023 BLS data)
Management Analyst
- Median pay: $99,410 (2023 BLS data)
Labor Relations Specialist
- Median pay: $89,980 (2023 BLS data)
Compliance Officer
- Median pay: $80,190 (2023 BLS data)
Purchasing Agent
- Median pay: $77,180 (2023 BLS data)

Why An MLS Degree is Worth the Investment

An MLS degree is worth the investment for many reasons, including:

An MLS degree unlocks advanced roles with higher salaries.
An MLS degree enhances your resume, making you a more competitive candidate for your dream jobs far into the future.
In general, professionals with a Master’s degree earn roughly 16% more than those with a Bachelor’s degree, according to the BLS.

UC’s MLS Degree at a Glance

Are you interested in law, but not sure if a law degree is the right move for you? UC’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS degree) is a 100% online program designed for working professionals like you — students ready to jump-start their career in a law-adjacent field and amp up their salary without completely pivoting to a career practicing law.

Accelerate Your Law Career with an MLS from UC

The University of Cincinnati’s fully online, fully asynchronous Master of Legal Studies program is ready to help you open the door to a world of new possibilities. With flexible scheduling and no campus visits, you can study without interrupting your current professional and personal life.

UC’s comprehensive curriculum includes Business Law, Risk Management, Compliance, Legal Research and Communication, and many more courses that help you understand and react to today’s most important legal issues and trends.

Begin today! Apply to UC’s affordable and flexible Master of Legal Studies program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Value of a Master’s in Legal Studies?

A Master’s in Legal Studies (MLS) provides valuable legal knowledge that can enhance your career in many non-law fields, such as healthcare, government, and business. It not only boosts your resume but also equips you with critical skills like contract analysis, legal writing, and problem-solving, making you a more competitive candidate in today’s job market.

Is a Legal Studies Degree Worth It?

Yes, an MLS degree is worth it because it opens doors to new career opportunities, higher earning potential, and a broader skill set that’s highly valued across industries. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current job or pivot to a new career, the knowledge and skills gained from an MLS can make a significant impact on your professional growth.