Inside the MLS Curriculum: What You’ll Actually Learn
Interested in advancing your legal knowledge and compliance skills — but aren't looking to commit to the rigor of a Juris Doctor (JD) program? If you're in a law-adjacent field or pursuing a career in the legal realm, you might consider pursuing your Master of Legal Studies (MLS).
What an MLS Degree Is and Why Curriculum Matters
Could an MLS be right for you? With a better understanding of what this degree is and what to expect from an MLS curriculum, you can make an informed decision.
Defining the MLS Degree and Who It’s For
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is a graduate-level degree designed for professionals in law-adjacent fields who already hold an undergraduate degree and are looking to further their understanding of law-related topics.
MLS Curriculum Expectations
A typical MLS program consists of approximately 45 credit hours, divided into core credits (required of all students) and elective credits. Depending on whether a student enrolls part- or full-time and other factors (such as transfer credits), it usually takes between one and three years to earn an MLS degree.
Foundational Courses: The "Thinking Like a Lawyer" Core
At Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law, our MLS program comprises 25 credits of core courses in key legal topics along with 20 credits of advanced elective courses.
Learn more about our core courses below and how they fit into the overall Master of Legal Studies curriculum.
Introduction to the American Legal System
One of the first courses MLS students typically take in our program is LSTU 550 - Introduction to the American Legal System. This class provides a comprehensive overview of the different areas of law in the United States, ranging from common law to constitutional law and the court process.
Legal Research and Writing
Legal research and writing skills are essential for those in law-adjacent professions, too. Through required coursework, such as LSTU 553 - Legal Research and Analysis, students learn how to leverage legal databases and other trusted sources to gain a better understanding of case law and additional legal topics.
Because solid legal writing often looks quite different from "everyday" writing, MLS students should also expect to sharpen their legal writing skills in an MLS degree program.
Basic Contract Law/Business Law
Professionals in law-related industries may also benefit from a strong comprehension of basic contract and business law. With foundations in our core courses, MLS students can better understand the elements of a legally binding contract, plus related topics like due diligence and contract dispute resolution.
Foundations of Torts and Civil Liability
In addition, core coursework in an MLS program should cover legal topics such as torts and civil liability, which come up regularly in issues surrounding civil law.
Practical Focus: Legal Risk and Policy Integration
Once students have completed the foundational coursework of an MLS program, they may be ready to move into more practical legal topics through advanced and elective courses.
Administrative and Regulatory Law
This area of law governs the activities of local, state and federal governments — as well as industries where compliance regulations are in place. Professionals in highly regulated fields, such as healthcare and technology, should have a firm grasp of these areas of law to inform compliance practices.
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
All professionals in law-related fields should also complete MLS coursework that focuses on the importance of ethical decision-making and professional responsibility on the job. Even for non-lawyers, cultivating a sense of trust and accountability is vital to doing your job well.
Statutory and Policy Interpretation
All laws and policies are inherently subject to interpretation — which is exactly why understanding case law is so crucial. Coursework in an MLS program is designed to help professionals in law-adjacent fields better understand how laws and policies are interpreted, the common methods used and the role of context in each case.
Specialization Tracks: The Deep Dive
Because legal studies is such a broad field, some professionals pursuing an MLS degree will choose a specialized concentration or track that allows them to focus on a more targeted area of law.
While not a comprehensive list of every concentration available, below are some of the most in-demand specializations in MLS programs today:
Corporate Compliance
An MLS with a corporate compliance track may cover a wide range of relevant topics, including industry-specific regulations (like anti-money-laundering and tax compliance laws) as well as issues related to ethical conduct and internal policymaking.
Health Care Law
Healthcare laws and regulations have evolved significantly over recent decades, and today's healthcare professionals have an imperative to be well-versed in the latest regulations to maintain compliance. An MLS track in healthcare law should include coursework in essential topics such as:
- Healthcare laws and regulations
- Healthcare quality, patient safety and risk management
- Patients and privacy (HIPAA and similar regulations)
Human Resources (HR) Law
For those in human resources roles, knowledge of the most up-to-date employment laws and regulations is key to ensuring compliance and avoiding legal issues while fostering a positive company culture. An MLS program with an HR track will include coursework in career-ready topics like:
- Employee hiring and termination law
- HR compliance in the employee/employer relationship
- Negotiation, mediation and dispute resolution
Intellectual Property (IP)
As intellectual property laws continue to emerge and evolve worldwide, professionals in industries dealing with IP need to stay up to speed on the latest laws, not just in the United States but also across the globe. An MLS program with an IP concentration, then, may include coursework in topics spanning data security, trade secrets, patents/copyrights and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Environmental Law
Real estate developers, investors, and even manufacturing professionals need to stay on top of the latest environmental protection laws to maintain regulatory compliance. For these types of roles, an MLS with an environmental law or similar track may be useful for sharpening your understanding of topics including:
- International environmental law
- U.S.-specific environmental laws (e.g., the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act)
- Environmental impact assessments
Key Skills Acquired (The "Takeaways")
Earning your MLS degree can be an optimal way to build practical, versatile and career-ready skills that can translate to any number of law-related positions.
Risk Identification and Mitigation
With a more thorough understanding of the legal system and the regulations that apply to your specific industry, you may be better prepared to identify and mitigate compliance risks in your everyday work. This, in turn, helps protect your organization from legal issues and fines/penalties related to non-compliance while improving public image and trust.
Policy Analysis and Decision-Making
Through the knowledge gained in an MLS program, law-adjacent professionals may also be better suited to interpret and analyze policies, which could lead to better informed decision-making and more effective policies that serve populations well. Meanwhile, solid policy analysis skills provide organizational decision-makers with the evidence-based data they need to fully understand issues before reaching a definitive conclusion.
Structured Communication and Legal Writing
Strong communication skills are essential in any law-related field, especially when it comes to keeping all stakeholders informed and on the same page. In MLS coursework, students have many opportunities to practice and sharpen their legal writing skills while becoming more capable communicators. This can help MLS-educated professionals build trust and keep everyone on the same page.
Research Fluency and Analytical Thinking
Through the extensive legal research conducted as part of an MLS program, professionals can develop research fluency and analytical skills. With advanced research and critical thinking abilities, professionals can engage in more effective problem-solving and innovation regarding a range of topics and issues.
Comparing MLS Programs — What to Look For
As you explore MLS degrees, you'll find no shortage of program options, with no two being precisely the same. How can you know which is best suited to your needs?
Credit Hours and Completion Time
For many considering an MLS degree, time is a central factor. Many don’t want to put their professional lives on hold to spend several years in school — so be sure to research a program's required credit hours and average time-to-completion. Keep in mind, too, that some programs may only allow part- or full-time enrollment, so it’s important to find one that works with your game plan.
Required vs. Elective Courses
MLS programs can also differ widely in their curricula. In general, an MLS will include a number of core or required courses that all students in the program must take. However, the number of core credit hours can vary from program to program. The remaining courses can be filled with elective credits, enabling you to customize your education to suit your interests.
Before you choose a program, review its required courses versus elective options to ensure that you'll be able to study the areas of the field most important to you.
Specialization Options and Customization
Speaking of customizing your education, some MLS programs may offer specialization and/or concentration options — allowing you to focus your degree on an in-demand area of law. If you have a niche in mind, check with your prospective school(s) to see if they offer a concentration that aligns with your interests.
At the Kline School of Law, our MLS is offered with the following concentration options:
Discover More in an MLS Program at Kline School of Law
Today, many industries require a solid understanding of laws, regulations and the legal process as a whole. When it comes to enhancing your knowledge of law-related topics without the time commitment of a JD program, a Master of Legal Studies from the Kline School of Law could suit your needs.
Our MLS program is available as a flexible general studies program or in your choice of eight concentrations, so you can tailor your education to meet your unique interests and career goals. Along the way, you'll enjoy the small classes and personalized guidance offered by our supportive faculty, plus plenty of resources to help you succeed.
Drop us a line to learn more about our MLS program, or get started with your application for admission today.
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