Online vs. On-Campus Legal Master’s Programs: Pros and Cons
Thinking about pursuing your Master of Legal Studies or Master of Laws degree? One of the first steps you'll need to take is to decide between an online, on-campus or hybrid program format. With a better understanding of what to expect from each and some potential pros and cons to consider, you can decide which learning format best suits you.
Overview of Legal Master’s / MLS Programs
Even if you have no aspirations to become a lawyer, many professions call for extensive legal training and education. In these law-adjacent fields, ranging from human resources to real estate, having a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree can be an excellent way to advance your legal knowledge and pursue new career opportunities.
Meanwhile, lawyers who do already have a Juris Doctor and are looking to further specialize their education might consider pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) degree for the same purpose.
Program Formats
Regardless of the degree you may be interested in, choosing a program with the right format is critical to your experience. These days, more schools offer online LLM and MLS programs that work around students' busy lives. These programs may be synchronous (live) or asynchronous (self-paced) in nature, using learning management systems (LMS) to connect students to course materials.
Of course, many schools also continue to offer more traditional LLM and MLS programs on a physical campus, where students meet face-to-face during set days and times each week. Some programs may even offer the best of both worlds through a hybrid format, meeting both in-person and online.
Specifics of Drexel University’s MLS Program Format
At Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, we proudly offer a career-ready MLS program that’s flexible with our studentsc lifestyles.
Online Delivery: Fully Online, Flexible Scheduling
Our 45-credit MLS program is delivered in a convenient, 100% online format and can be taken either part time or full time. With no on-campus requirement, you'll save the time and expense of commuting while engaging in online interactions with classmates and faculty.
Concentration Options at Drexel
Additionally, our flexible MLS program presents the choice of nine different concentration areas, allowing you to narrow your studies to the area of law that's most relevant to your career goals. Available concentrations include:
- Criminal Law
- Cybersecurity and Information Privacy
- Entrepreneurship and Law
- Financial Regulatory Compliance
- Health Care Compliance
- Higher Education Compliance
- Human Resources Compliance
- NCAA Compliance and Sports Law
- Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Regulatory Compliance
Accreditation, Credit Hours and How Programs Are Paced
Choosing an accredited program matters — not just to employers but also to the quality of your education. The Drexel Kline School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), giving you added peace of mind with your enrollment.
This program, consisting of 45 credit hours, is broken up into 25 credits of core courses and 20 credits of more advanced courses (including concentration-specific classes). Most MLS programs are designed to be completed in anywhere from one to three years, depending on whether you complete classes part or full time.
Support and Resources Available to Online Students at Drexel
Students enrolled in an online legal degree through the Kline School of Law enjoy access to numerous resources both during their programs and after graduation. This includes a Virtual Career Office (VCO), which offers everything from one-on-one coaching to employer connections, career resources and an up-to-date job board.
Pros of Online MLS Programs
Considering an online MLS? Keep in mind its key benefits, such as:
Flexibility and Accessibility
A fully online MLS program with no in-person requirements offers optimal flexibility for demanding schedules. With no need to commute to a physical campus, you can complete your coursework from anywhere — all on your own time.
Ability to Balance Work, Life and Family
At the Kline School of Law, we understand adults have a full range of other commitments and responsibilities outside of school — whether that’s working full time, caring for family, raising children, remaining involved in your community or all of the above. With the versatility and self-paced nature of an online MLS program, you can maintain your sense of work/life balance even as you pursue a degree.
Variety of Concentrations Accessible
Kline School of Law's online MLS program is offered with your choice of nine different concentrations as mentioned above, allowing you to pursue the niche that's most relevant to your own career goals and interests.
Pros of On-Campus MLS / In-Person Experience
For those considering an on-campus LLM or MLS program, there are certainly advantages of that in-person experience.
Face-to-Face Student-Faculty, Peer Interaction
Some students simply thrive in a face-to-face learning environment, where they have the ability to interact with students and faculty in real time. Although an online program can mimic this experience through virtual meetings, the experience cannot be fully replicated in a digital format.
Access to Campus Resources: Law Library, In-Person Events, Live Seminars
Being on campus also means easy access to a wider variety of academic resources, from a dedicated law library to in-person networking events and workshops. Fortunately, many online legal programs have made these resources available in a digital format as well for students' convenience.
Structured Environment Fosters Accountability
For students who may struggle with accountability and/or time management, the structured environment of an in-person program can sometimes be more conducive to learning. This isn't necessarily true for all students, but for others, the accountability aspect of being expected to attend class at scheduled times and places can make all the difference.
Cons/Challenges of Online Format
Both online and in-person degree formats come with some inherent drawbacks. Here are a few to consider for an online program:
Self-Discipline and Strong Time Management
As mentioned, completing an online program calls for a strong sense of self-discipline, accountability and time management. While having the freedom to work at your own pace can be convenient, it can also be easy to fall behind if you don't stay on top of required readings and assignments.
Less Direct: In-Person Mentoring or Face-to-Face Networking
Without face-to-face meetings, online programs may also suffer from a lack of direct mentoring and professional networking. Students in an online program may need to put in a bit more effort to build their networks and seek mentorship/guidance online in order to get the most out of the experience.
Connectivity and Limited Campus Feel
There's simply something about being on a physical campus that cultivates a sense of connectivity and community among students. This feeling can be difficult to replicate online, especially with an asynchronous program that doesn't require students to meet in real time.
Cons/Challenges of On-Campus/Hybrid Format
Despite the challenges of an online program format, on-campus and hybrid formats accompany their own drawbacks, too.
Relocation, Commuting, Housing, Living Expenses
Choosing a legal program that requires you to meet for classes on campus means you'll either need to live close to a physical campus or take on a regular commute — both of which can be costly. A commute also detracts from your already-limited free time, which could disrupt your sense of work/life balance.
Fixed Schedules: Needing to Be on Campus Physically
On-campus programs also entail fixed meeting dates and times, resulting in less flexibility for students with busy schedules. This can present additional challenges, particularly if you run into a scheduling conflict where you're forced to choose between attending class or fulfilling another responsibility.
Balancing Full-Time Job or Family Commitments
Many students enrolled in MLS or LLM programs are professionals with full schedules. Adding the demands of an in-person or hybrid degree program can make life even more hectic and challenging to balance professional life and family life with academic commitments. This can lead to greater stress and even the onset of burnout.
How to Decide: Key Factors to Consider
Is an online or on-campus LLM/MLS program right for you? There's no one-size-fits-all answer here; you'll want to carefully consider a few factors to reach your decision.
Your Learning Style and Discipline
Think about your own strengths and weaknesses. Are you the type of person who is able to smoothly manage your time and hold yourself accountable for completing tasks? If so, you might do well in an online program. On the other hand, if you tend to struggle without a structured learning environment, then the flexibility and self-paced nature of an online program may actually work to your disadvantage.
Career Goals and Time Constraints
Factor in your short- and long-term career goals as well. If you're eager to complete your degree as efficiently as possible so you can advance to the next stage of your career, completing an online MLS or LLM degree through an accredited program could be the quickest and most direct way to achieve those goals — because you'll have the freedom to work at your own pace without any time-consuming on-campus course requirements.
Budget, Return on Investment (ROI)
Cost is another important factor when deciding on a legal degree program. For many students, an online program is the most cost-effective option because it allows them to avoid the costs of relocating to a physical campus or commuting to classes each week. Plus, you may be able to complete your degree faster (which could yield a quicker return on your investment).
Reputation, Accreditation, Program Support
Whether you opt for an online or on-campus degree, be sure that the program you select is accredited — ideally by the American Bar Association. Take time to research the program's reputation with current students, past students and even employers to get a better feel for what to expect.
Is a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Program Right for You?
An MLS or LLM degree could be the perfect path for advancing your legal knowledge and taking the next step in your career — but deciding on the optimal format to suit your learning style and scheduling needs is an essential first step.
Interested in earning an online LLM or online MLS degree from the Kline School of Law at Drexel? Get in touch to learn more or apply today!
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