Best Online Master’s in Legal Studies Programs of 2022

This introductory course provides a framework for graduate-level study of law and the American legal system. Focus is placed on ethics and terminology. Common topics include history and philosophy of justice; legal institutions; and overviews of major areas like contracts, property, and criminal law.

In this course, students practice and develop their research and writing skills. Coursework introduces effective formats and styles used for written communication with lawyers and other professionals. Skills are also developed in identifying, locating, and using legal resources found in law libraries and through computer-aided research.

This course focuses on the ethical and professional responsibilities of legal professionals. Students examine issues like confidentiality, unauthorized practice, conflicts of interest, and corporate social responsibility. Attention is paid to providing students with frameworks to handle moral dilemmas in the face of increasing expectations of transparency and accountability.

Students taking this course examine the concept and evolution of constitutionalism, the role of constitutional law in protecting individual liberty, and the relationships between federal government branches. Other common discussion topics include judicial review, separation of powers, and constitutional interpretation.

Prior to graduation, master's programs commonly require students to complete a culminating experience in the form of a thesis or capstone. Specific requirements vary, but students can expect to integrate knowledge from all prior courses, participate in extensive research, and craft a major written project.

A concentration in human resources provides students with expert knowledge of the legal system and employment law. Courses cover critical compliance issues commonly faced by HR professionals, including hiring, termination, negotiation, and mediation.

A legal studies concentration in criminal law prepares students to function within the complex regulatory environment of the modern criminal justice system. Suitable for mid-level and managerial professionals, courses cover key concepts and issues in criminal law, criminal procedure, and corrections law.

A concentration in dispute resolution provides students with a formal background designed to help them compete in a growing field. Courses cover the theory and practice of arbitration and mediation, alongside topics in psychology, communication, and conflict. Graduates can find work as arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators.

This concentration provides education about healthcare law and regulation. Courses cover concepts including state and federal regulatory requirements, liability issues, family law, and employment. This area of study is ideal for professionals working in a variety of healthcare sectors, such as hospitals and doctors' offices, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, and government agencies.

This concentration prepares and trains students for careers in compliance and risk management. Courses commonly cover the American legal system, corporate compliance, and legal research. Students can further focus their study toward field-specific compliance issues, including human resources, healthcare, taxation, and environmental law.

A master's in legal studies is not a law degree, meaning graduates are not qualified to work as lawyers or attorneys. Rather, the curriculum of a legal studies program helps prepare industry professionals to navigate complex regulatory environments. Graduates can work in a variety of positions relating to business, law, and compliance.

Legal studies programs are offered by many top law schools. However, a legal studies degree varies significantly from law degrees like a juris doctor or master's in law, which prepare graduates for work as attorneys and lawyers. Legal studies programs are specifically designed for nonlawyers working in industries like business, healthcare, and compliance.

Program completion times vary depending on a student's schedule. When studying full time, an online master's in legal studies typically takes about one year to complete. Online programs may also offer part-time scheduling options, which allow students to study while maintaining obligations to work and family.

Although the value of any academic degree is largely subjective, earning an online master's in legal studies can prove incredibly useful for professionals working in complex regulatory environments. Legal knowledge and skills can help mid-level employees advance and allow current managers and executives to handle new, emerging challenges.

A master's in legal studies program is designed for nonlawyer professionals who desire additional education and training about legal concepts and issues. Graduates may apply their newfound knowledge to careers in compliance, human resources, management, and other fields.