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Paralegal Master’s Degree

A paralegal master’s degree, typically offered as a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Arts (MA) in Legal Studies, provides advanced training for legal professionals. Schools may also offer titles like a Master in the Study of Law or a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Paralegal Studies. These degrees are designed to be completed in one to two years for full-time students, with part-time and online formats available for added flexibility. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), over 100 master’s-level legal studies and paralegal studies programs are available at not-for-profit colleges and universities across the US.1

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Master’s Degree in Legal Studies Learning Goals

In a master’s in paralegal studies program, students build a deep understanding of legal systems, develop analytical skills to assess the law’s societal impact, and apply their knowledge through practical experiences. These learning goals prepare graduates for advanced roles in diverse legal settings, equipping them with both theoretical insight and hands-on expertise.

1. Develop in-depth knowledge of legal systems, laws, and societal relationships.

Students in a master’s in paralegal studies program gain a thorough understanding of various legal systems and principles of law they will encounter in the field. Electives allow students to focus on areas of interest, preparing them for specialized career paths. This foundational knowledge enables graduates to demonstrate leadership in the paralegal field in management and teaching roles.

2. Develop expertise in the societal impacts of law.

Master’s degrees in legal studies emphasize analyzing how laws and legal procedures affect individuals, communities, and society. This prepares graduates to understand how legal changes influence client interactions and case strategies. These programs also incorporate skills-based learning to strengthen connections with clients, conduct effective witness interviews, and clearly explain legal processes.

3. Apply classroom learning in professional legal settings or capstone projects.

Some master’s degree programs in paralegal studies require students to apply their learning in real-world settings through an internship or clinical placement. Alternatively, students may complete a capstone project involving a simulated case study to demonstrate applied skills.

Master’s Degree in Legal Studies Program Options

Completing a master’s degree in legal studies may lead to career opportunities in paralegal management or teaching. However, it does not qualify graduates to practice law. Since a master’s in legal studies is more advanced than the degree needed to become an entry-level paralegal, but less intense than a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, prospective graduate students should carefully consider their career goals. An MLS degree can help graduates pursue careers in regulatory compliance, risk management, or human resources as arbitrators, mediators, or conciliators. It will also more than qualify them to become paralegals.

At the graduate level, it is important to consider concentration options (also called specialization, specialty, or emphasis) within legal studies. Due to the intense nature of the degree, choosing a sharper area of focus, such as a concentration in Criminal Law, Contract Management, Employment Law, and Sustainability Law, may help graduates find jobs in the field that most interest them.

Another program option to consider is the format. Many people seeking degrees at the graduate level are professionals already working in the legal field, so a part-time program may be preferable to a full-time program and an online program may be preferable to an on-campus one.

Online Degree Program Formats

For those who want or need to continue working while they seek a master’s degree, attending an online or hybrid paralegal studies program may be the best option. Students who learn best in a traditional classroom setting may prefer an on-campus master’s in paralegal studies program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to paralegal master’s degree programs must have a bachelor’s degree, commonly with at least a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA. Students who wish to specialize in a specific area of law may benefit from prior legal studies, but previous paralegal coursework is typically not required. The application package for a master’s degree in legal studies may also require a personal statement, letters of recommendation, a resume, and undergraduate transcripts.

Core Concepts and Coursework

A master’s degree in legal studies allows students to deepen their understanding of legal systems. Coursework often includes topics like family law, business law, and estates and wills. Advanced legal writing and contract work are essential, with optional internships in some programs to help students apply their knowledge. Many master’s degrees in paralegal studies are offered by law schools, which can help students network and make valuable connections for their careers.

Although prior legal study is not required for many paralegal master’s degree programs, it can be helpful as many master’s programs begin with legal courses beyond the foundational level. In most master’s programs, students can also take specialized electives based on their interests. Examples of courses in a paralegal master’s program include:

  • Advanced Legal Writing
  • Business Law
  • Civil Practice Skills
  • Comparative Justice
  • Intellectual Property
  • Legal Research
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • US Legal Systems

Select Master’s in Legal Studies Programs

Traditional Programs

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree through the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Students can choose from many focus areas, such as Criminal Law; Patent Practice; and Science and Technology Law. Each concentration has different required courses, such as International Contracts, Contract Drafting and Negotiation, and Cross-Border Investigations and Procedures. Students can study full-time or part-time and start in the fall or spring term. The program can be taken through on-campus courses or as an online master’s in legal studies. The MLS can also be pursued concurrently with several of ASU’s graduate business degrees. Many of the concentration areas offer optional clinical placement opportunities or externships. ASU also offers a Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB) and a Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL) in addition to Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws (LLM) degrees.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) Nebraska College of Law, students in the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program complete 33 credits either full-time in one year or in a maximum of three years part-time. The curriculum requires students to take a course in legal research, at least one course from contracts, torts, or property, and successfully pass an oral exam to graduate. The remaining coursework can be completed in courses offered by the law school, such as Civil Procedure, International Law, and Law & Psychology. New students are admitted only in the fall term. The College of Law also allows students to combine the Master of Legal Studies program with select other degree programs in order to earn a dual degree.

Online and Hybrid Programs

University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield offers a 100% online Master of Arts (MA) in Legal Studies with an interdisciplinary perspective focused on US law and legal systems. Some examples of courses include Legal Research and Citation, Theories of Justice, and Public Advocacy. The degree includes 40 credit hours and is designed for working professionals. Online courses may be offered through both synchronous and asynchronous methods. While the program officially begins in the fall term, students may apply to the spring or summer terms to take elective courses before beginning the legal core with the fall cohort. The degree is designed to prepare graduates for potential career opportunities in paralegalism as well as many related legal fields. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any subject may apply.

University of Denver

The Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver offers online options for the aspiring paralegal through its Master of Science in Legal Administration (MSLA) degree program. This degree program offers an optional concentration in Law Firm Administration. The degree takes 12 months of full-time study to complete or as little as two years of part-time study and comprises 30 credits. Students also complete a final externship or creative project after finishing all required coursework. Students in all concentrations must complete four required courses: Communication; Writing; Research in Legal Business; and Applied Leadership and Management in Practice. Students then take required courses related to their chosen concentration such as Business of Courts, Legal Practice Seminar, and Court Caseflow Management. The college also offers a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with optional concentrations in Forensic Engineering or Global Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law and a Master of Taxation.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California’s (USC) Gould School of Law offers a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) designed to prepare legal professionals who can benefit from in-depth legal knowledge but are not practicing lawyers. The degree requires 21 credits, including two mandatory courses and 18 credits of electives. Course titles include Constitutional Law, Topics in American Law, and Business for Law. This online master of legal studies program uses multiple delivery methods including live lectures and asynchronous course content. New students are admitted for fall, spring, and summer start dates and can complete the program on a part-time or full-time basis. The school has a strong national reputation and offers students unique opportunities to grow their careers with its expansive alumni network.

Washington University

The Washington University School of Law offers an online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) that allows students to take many of the courses offered in the Juris Doctor (JD) program. Courses in the MLS program are taught by the same faculty who teach courses for the JD program. The program consists of 24 credits and can be completed in one year of full-time study. Students must take one prerequisite course, US Law and Methods, before beginning the program or in the first semester. New students are admitted in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Students may choose elective courses from many areas of law, such as commercial, health, and intellectual property. Elective courses in the degree program include Civil Procedure, Legal Writing, and Trial Advocacy.

Jobs With a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies

Many graduates of master’s in paralegal studies programs will become paralegals; however, a graduate degree can open up more doors than an undergraduate degree. Common job titles for MLS graduates include:

  • Arbitrator
  • Conciliator
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Law Clerk
  • Legal Administrator
  • Legal Advocate
  • Legal Assistant
  • Legal Researcher
  • Legal Secretary
  • Mediator
  • Paralegal
  • Risk Management Advisor
  • Specialized Paralegal

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I earn an online master’s in legal studies without visiting campus?

Yes! Many schools offer online master’s in legal studies programs that do not require campus visits. These programs typically offer the same courses as their on-campus counterparts and are often led by the same faculty. If you earn a paralegal master’s degree online from a regionally accredited program, your transcript will appear the same as if you had attended courses on campus.

What can you do with a master’s in legal studies?

A master’s degree in legal studies offers advanced legal preparation for those interested in more senior legal support positions, which are also typically associated with higher salaries. Possible master’s degree in legal studies careers include titles such as Paralegal Manager, Legal Manager, Senior Paralegal, Contracts Manager/Paralegal, and Paralegal Supervisor.

Do I need a paralegal master’s degree to work as a paralegal?

No, a master’s degree in paralegal studies is not necessary to work as a paralegal. This degree may be most valuable to individuals who want to advance into senior positions in the legal field or specialize in a particular area of law. A master’s in legal studies is also helpful to those seeking leadership or managerial positions in law offices.

How much do paralegals make?

According to a recent report from the BLS, paralegals and legal assistants earned an average salary of $66,460.2 The education level required for this career is typically a paralegal associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in legal studies3 Legal studies careers for master’s degree graduates are frequently focused on management and leadership positions, which tend to be higher-paying than paralegal jobs.

Do I need prior paralegal experience or education to apply to a paralegal master’s degree program?

While many students in legal studies master’s degree programs have prior experience in the field, it is not always a requirement for admission. Most master’s degree programs in paralegal studies do not require any previous study in the field as a prerequisite; however, some programs may ask students to complete foundational coursework before beginning the core curriculum or during the first term. This ensures all students have a working knowledge of legal systems and areas of the law before taking specialized courses. Check with the schools you are interested in for admission requirements.

Can I give legal advice or practice law with a master’s degree in legal studies?

No. To work as a lawyer and provide legal advice, you must complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. A master’s degree in paralegal studies will teach students about legal systems but not how to interpret and apply the law and will not qualify graduates to sit for the bar and become licensed attorneys.

Can I get certified as a paralegal with a master’s degree?

Paralegals are not typically required to be certified or licensed, although some states offer optional paralegal certification through their bar associations. Although a master’s degree in legal studies is not required to work as a paralegal, it fulfills the requirements for voluntary state certification and can enhance eligibility for senior, managerial, or specialized positions in specific areas of law. In addition to state certification, there are multiple national certification options offered by organizations such as the National Association for Legal Professionals (NALS).

Does the ABA accredit master’s in legal studies programs?

To prevent confusion with the accreditation of Juris Doctor (JD) law degree programs, which are also at the graduate level, the American Bar Association (ABA) does not accredit non-JD graduate degree programs. This means that an ABA-approved law school offers an ABA-approved JD program, not that its other graduate programs (including MLS degrees) are ABA-approved.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics, College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
3. O*NET OnLine: Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00