The M.L.S. Program: Professional Advancement through the Study of Law
Designed for professionals who need to understand the law but not become practicing lawyers. Options to work and learn online, hybrid and on-campus.
- Program Structure
- Specializations
- Student Profile
- Career Advancement
- Tuition and Scholarships
- Application Information
- Admission Events
What is a Master of Legal Studies?
This online, hybrid and on-campus program provides graduate‐level legal education for non‐lawyers whose professional success will be aided by obtaining a working knowledge of the law. Earn a master's degree that is ideal for non-lawyers in any field – from the private, nonprofit or government sectors – who need to understand complex legal matters and navigate laws, regulations, disputes, or attorneys.
Why earn a Master of Legal Studies?
With online, hybrid and on-campus, this program is suitably designed for both working professionals and full-time students who are looking to learn the language of the law, challenge themselves, and create new career opportunities.
Read why these students chose to attend our program at the #1 Public University in America and the #1 law school in Southern California:
![MLS Student Victoria Hong](https://law.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/inline-images/MLS_Program/VictoriaHong.png)
Law is a part of every single profession. Knowing the law and knowing how to think like a lawyer puts you well ahead in any position.
Victoria Hong (MLS '24)
Director of Corporate Communications
Delaware North Companies
![MLS Student Aaliyah Williams](https://law.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/inline-images/MLS_Program/AaliyahWilliams.png)
This program can help you expand your comfort of the law. It challenges you to use your brain in different ways and it's helping me expand my work and my own business.
Aaliyah Williams (MLS '23)
Founder/Producer
Just a Rebel, Inc.
![MLS Student Daniel Lafeir](https://law.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/inline-images/MLS_Program/DanielLafeir.png)
The skills I have learned even after just one semester have directly made an impact on how I approach my work.
Daniel LaFeir (MLS '23)
Lead Consultant Developer
ThoughtWorks
![MLS Student Patrick Ip](https://law.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/inline-images/MLS_Program/PatrickIp.png)
In any business, you want to pick up the skillset of thinking like a lawyer; how lawyers argue and the techniques they use. You already start to pick that up when you go through the classes and can apply that to your current role and to a wide range of topics.
Patrick Ip (MLS '23)
Chief Executive Officer
Solar Plus Investments
Program Highlights
- Flexibility for the working professional with online and hybrid options
- Complete in nine months full-time or 2-4 years part-time
- 9 specializations to tailor the program to your career interests
- Acquire the legal knowledge and skills to enhance and accelerate your career
- Earn a legal degree from the nation's most applied to university that is ranked both as the #1 public university & Southern California's #1 ranked law school
- Engage in our vibrant community and join UCLA's extensive alumni network
- Network with like-minded individuals within and across industries in Southern California and beyond with the vast UCLA network
- Learn from world-renowned faculty who are leading experts in their fields of law
- Scholarships and financial aid available
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I recently started a position with the Walt Disney Company. I had been trying for years to work there, but never broke through. After I updated my resume with my MLS degree from UCLA, I started to get more interviews and eventually was offered a position! I truly feel that my MLS degree contributed significantly to landing a role at Disney. Dave Holtkamp (MLS '21) Human Resources Business Partner The Walt Disney Company |
Program Structure
A flexible curriculum with online, hybrid and on-campus options to meet the needs of the working professional.
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2. Employment & HR Law 3. Entertainment & Media Law 4. Health Law & Policy 6. Criminal Law (NEW!) 7. Gov't and National Security 8. Public Interest Law |
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Specializations: A Tailored Curriculum
![UCLA Rankings and Alumni Network](https://law.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/inline-images/MLS_Program/rankingsimagelong.png)