Best Online Master’s in Business Law Programs 2024
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As you review potential online master’s in business law programs, you’ll find plenty of different options to suit your specific interests. For instance, a master of legal studies requires a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite, while the master of laws (LL.M.) in business law mandates all applicants hold a juris doctor (JD) before applying.
On this page, you can learn more about the available business law master’s degrees and discover the differences among them.
Featured Online Master’s in Business Law Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2024 Best Online Master’s in Business Law Programs
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,616
- Out-of-state$18,746
- In-State$10,662
- Out-of-state$26,657
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled44,134
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,796
- Out-of-state$33,960
- In-State$13,426
- Out-of-state$35,377
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled39,238
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Can I Do With a Business Law Degree?
Earning a master’s degree focused on business law can give you the skills and qualifications necessary to apply for many jobs. Some graduates may decide they want to work in the courtroom and pursue work as a paralegal or litigation attorney after graduating.
Others may find they enjoy the business side of things and move toward finance or human resources positions. If you feel passionate about educating the next generation of business law experts, a professorship may offer the right path.
| Jobs | Median Pay (2023) | Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Intellectual Property Paralegal | $60,970 | 4% |
| Business Law Professor | $84,380 | 8% |
| Financial Analyst | $99,890 | 8% |
| Human Resources Manager | $136,350 | 5% |
| Litigation Attorney | $145,760 | 8% |
Additional Career Options
- Compliance manager: According to Payscale, compliance managers currently earn an average base salary of about $86,261 per year and work in many different industries. Business law knowledge is highly valued in this sector, as these professionals frequently work on legal, regulatory, and compliance issues. They also often work alongside attorneys to develop systems and policies.
- Policy manager: As the title implies, policy managers oversee the policies of their organization, ensuring they follow all regulations and laws. They may review existing policies for legality or develop new policies to meet new needs. As of 2024, these professionals earned an average base salary of just over $54,099 annually, per Payscale.
- Corporate counsel: Corporate counsel, also known as in-house counsel, provides legal and non-legal guidance to businesses and acts as their attorneys, responds to legal complaints, and ensures compliance with all laws and regulations. They also advocate for their clients within trials and appeals. These members earn an average annual base salary of about $131,195 as of 2024, according to Payscale.
Which One Should I Choose: Master of Arts or Master of Science?
With so many different master’s degrees centered around business law, it’s important to understand how these programs compare and contrast. Below, you can read about four options you may encounter during your research.
Master of Laws vs. Master of Science in Law
LL.M. programs approach the study of law from a humanities perspective, emphasizing studies in history, communications, and philosophy.
A master of science in law focuses more on technical aspects, including the study of data, technology, and business topics. Graduates may decide to work in more scientific realms, such as medicine or technology.
Master of Legal Studies vs. Master of Science in Legal Studies
Master of legal studies programs appeal to those who don’t want to become lawyers but do want to work within legal systems. Earning one of these degrees qualifies graduates for roles such as compliance officer, court administrator, and paralegal.
MS in legal studies programs can help students think like legal professionals, enabling them to navigate legal issues and understand the business law landscape. Common classes may include employment law, business contracts, regulatory policy and process, and corporate governance.
What to Expect: Types of Master’s in Business Law Programs
After deciding whether a master of arts or a master of science more closely aligns with your professional goals, it’s time to figure out which type of law program will work best for your trajectory. We examine some of the most common ones below.
MA or MS in Legal Studies With an Emphasis on Business Law
Master of legal studies programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in business or a related subject and demonstrate an interest in business law. These programs typically require between one and two years of study and cover topics such as U.S. law and legal systems, legal research and writing, and business law ethics.
MA or MS of Law in Business
These programs look for candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree and some professional experience. Designed to include courses from both the LL.M. and JD curricula, these programs present students with a nice blend of topics. These commonly include general business law, navigating the regulatory state, and contracts and negotiations.
Master of Dispute Resolution
Both lawyers and non-lawyers are drawn to master of dispute resolution degree programs, as they provide specialized training in an important area. Typically lasting between one and three years, these programs typically include coursework in arbitration practice and advocacy, cross-cultural conflict and dispute resolution, and negotiation theory.
Master of Jurisprudence With an Emphasis in Business Law
While an MJ doesn’t allow you to practice law, it does offer valuable knowledge, particularly focused on business law. Most programs take between one and two years to complete and emphasize studies in topics such as global regulatory compliance, risk management and auditing, and advanced compliance analysis.
JD/MBA Joint Degree Program
Designed for those who want to become lawyers and possess a thorough knowledge of the legal landscape, joint JD and MBA programs usually take between three and four years to complete and require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree and supply LSAT/GRE scores. Classes focus on both legal and business topics and typically vacillate between the schools of law and business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Law Programs
It depends. Any person who wants to practice as a licensed lawyer must successfully earn a JD, pass their state’s bar exam, and seek licensure. Unless you specifically pursue a JD, you cannot be a lawyer.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 29, 2024.
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