M.L.S. Specialization: General Studies & Self Designed


Available online and/or on-campus for Part-Time and Full-Time Master of Legal Studies students.

General Studies: Explore Your Horizons

Unleash your intellectual curiosity. The General Studies program allows you to pursue a variety of courses across disciplines, fostering a broad and well-rounded understanding. Craft your own academic journey and discover unexpected connections between fields.

Self-Design: Chart Your Course

Forge a one-of-a-kind academic path. The Self-Design program empowers you to create a personalized curriculum tailored to your specific interests and goals. Work with academic advisors to design a program that transcends traditional specializations, preparing you for a unique career with specialized study. (Approval required)

Examples of Past Self-Designed Specializations:

  • Law and Social Justice
  • Environmental and Food Law
  • National Security and Technology
Sample Curriculum

All students start with the core curriculum and then complete electives from this list.  

  • Contract Analysis* 
  • Law for Entrepreneurs*
  • Compliance Law*
  • Principals of Tax Law*
  • Privacy, Data and Cybersecurity Law*
  • Entertainment Law*
  • Entertainment Transactions*
  • Intellectual Property: Copyrights and Trademarks*
  • The Changing Landscape of Entertainment and Media*
  • Contract Analysis*
  • Health Law and Policy*
  • Bioethics and Healthcare Privacy (includes HIPAA)* 
  • Health Care Access*
  • FDA Law*
  • Compliance Law*
  • Employment Law* 
  • Employment Discrimination*
  • Compensation and Working Conditions*
  • Disability Law
  • Public Health Law and Policy
  • Future Law: Law and Governance under Transformative Societal Trends
  • Internet Law

* available online

This list is offered as an example, with over 200 courses available. The exact list of courses that will satisfy each specialization will vary from year to year.

 

How will the Master of Legal Studies help you?

Christine Shaw (MLS '22)

Legal studies aren't something you learn overnight. Being able to dig in, practice, and refresh to apply those core topics to future courses is structured really well. The [MLS] program offers you real life, real time utilization of what you're learning.
Christine Shaw (MLS '22), Senior Vice President of Communications at FX Networks

 

Victoria Canales-Torres (MLS '23)

As I continue growing in the field, I'm eager to explore the intersection of technology, journalism, and the law, so that I can apply theories, methods, and frameworks to story production. [The MLS] is a perfect fit for a journalist, like me, who wants to learn to think like a lawyer.
Victoria Canales-Torres (MLS '23), News Assistant at KABC7-TV

 

Programs and Centers

Connect with UCLA Law’s leading centers and programs to gain real-world experience and expand your professional network.

Centers of Excellence

Lowell Milken Institute for Business Law and Policy

Focusing on entrepreneurship and practical business law training, LMI creates outstanding leaders in law and business.

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Centers of Excellence

David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law & Policy

The Epstein Program trains public interest leaders who are making a difference in communities around the world.

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Centers of Excellence

Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology & Sports Law

With experienced teachers, innovative clinics and prominent alumni, the Ziffren Institute creates media law leaders.

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Centers of Excellence

The Williams Institute

Recognized nationally for its impact, this institute leads research on sexual orientation and gender identity law.

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