In many fields, the need for legal skills in non-lawyer jobs is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the demand for professionals with MLS and similar degrees in law for non-lawyers is growing 15% through 2026. As law firms seek to increase efficiency, they are hiring more non-lawyer roles. Large companies are also expanding their in-house legal teams with non-lawyers rather than hiring additional attorneys. In these cases, the advanced knowledge and skill from a non-JD graduate degree (such as an MLS) benefit both the career professional and the company.
Through our Masters of Legal Studies curriculum, you will be better equipped to:
Masters of Legal Studies Career Opportunities
Due to how the law intersects with every industry in one way or another, it is very likely there is some aspect of your current role that could be enhanced with an MLS degree. Here are some common titles for in-demand jobs:
Average Salary for MLS Graduates
Students pursue an MLS degree to build the skills and expertise needed to advance their careers. As a result, they frequently see higher salaries post-graduation. In general, regardless of industry or profession, an individual who holds a master’s degree will earn an average salary of $68,000, as compared to $50,000 for those with a bachelor’s degree.
For those specifically with an MLS degree, data from PayScale shows that graduates earn an average of $72,000 per year; however, certain job titles see higher levels of compensation.
The Master of Legal Studies degree is a fully online, asynchronous program designed for working professionals who would benefit from a sophisticated understanding of the U.S. legal system but do not intend to practice law. Legal matters are interwoven with business operations as organizations must follow laws and regulations to legally operate. Graduates of the MLS degree program have the expertise to help their current employers stay within the legal regulations of operation.
You may have always had an interest in law but aren’t sure if law school is for you. Maybe your current work has you collaborating with legal professionals, and you want to increase your knowledge so you can move into a new role or accept new duties.
Our MLS degree with the University of Cincinnati Online provides you with new skills and knowledge to enhance your existing career.
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The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree provides options for people who are interested in furthering their education in law but do not necessarily want to attend law school to become an attorney. Our program is a fully online, asynchronous program designed for working professionals who would benefit from a sophisticated understanding of the U.S. legal system but do NOT intend to practice law. The MLS program provides new skills and knowledge to enhance your existing ones rather than to prepare you for an entirely new career. This degree will not permit you to take the bar examination and so it is not intended for people who want to practice law. Potential students may, but are not required to, submit a LSAT score upon application.
You may have always had an interest in law but unsure if law school is for you. If you have your bachelor’s degree, regardless of what subject it’s in, you’re eligible to apply for an MLS degree. Obtaining your MLS degree may provide you with opportunities to move into a new legal-focused career or advance your current career path, without becoming a lawyer.
Successful applicants to the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program will have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Applications will be reviewed holistically, such that work experience and other factors indicating the likelihood of success will be given considerable weight.
While the University of Cincinnati Online MLS program is not requiring any admissions test, prospective students may submit a GRE, LSAT, GMAT, or other standardized admissions test score to supplement their application. This is encouraged if the potential applicant does not meet the GPA requirement above.
Still have additional questions, contact an advisor today!
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