M.L.S. Specialization: Government & National Security Law


Available on campus with some potential online classes for Part-Time and Full-Time Master of Legal Studies students.

Effectively Lead in the Government

UCLA Law's Master of Legal Studies in Government and National Security Law equips you for a dynamic career working for the government.  Our program is designed for working professionals seeking expertise in government agencies, advocacy, navigating the bureaucracy, and effectively working within the court system.

Sharpen Your Understanding of Governance

UCLA Law's Master of Legal Studies in Government and National Security Law offers a comprehensive program, delving into the intricate workings of local, state, and federal governments. Gain a deep understanding of how laws are formed, implemented, and enforced – equipping you with the legal knowledge and skills to thrive in your chosen government or public policy career. Our esteemed faculty fosters critical thinking, legal analysis, and effective communication.  This specialization empowers you to navigate the complexities of the government landscape, preparing you to make a significant impact.

Eduardo Miranda (MLS '23)

I am in an office mixed with investigators and attorneys, and I wanted to better understand how the attorneys think when preparing for trial. I highly recommend this program to anyone that would like to be challenged, learn how the law applies to your career, develop analytical skills, and understand how lawyers think.
Eduardo Miranda (MLS '23), District Attorney Investigator at County of Ventura

Sample Curriculum

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

  • Contract Analysis*
  • Privacy, Data and Cybersecurity Law*
  • Administrative Law
  • Civil Dispute Resolution System (core curriculum course)
  • Courts of Today
  • Federal Courts
  • Civil Rights
  • Constitutional Criminal Procedure
  • National Security Law
  • Local and Government Law
  • Capital Punishment in America
  • Anti-Terrorism and Criminal Enforcement
  • Prison Law and Policy
  • European Union 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?

Lucy Ortiz (MLS '24)

I want to grow professionally...to learn from all the professors and meet other students with similar interests. This is the perfect program for me.
Lucy Ortiz (MLS '24), Industrial Security Analyst at Northrop Grumman

 

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

Criminal Justice Program

CJP is designed to help students build a foundation in criminal law while gaining meaningful experience.

Learn More
Centers of Excellence

Transnational Program on Criminal Justice

Performing scholarship on international and transnational criminal justice systems.

Learn More
Centers of Excellence

UCLA-RAND Center for Law & Public Policy

Grounded in multidisciplinary empirical analysis, the center guides legal and public policymakers in the 21st century.

Learn More
Centers of Excellence

Prison Law and Policy Program

Taking an expansive view of the criminal legal system and aiming to deepen our understanding of the role the law plays in shaping all aspects of the carceral experience.

Learn More

News
See All
Nov 06, 2024

CILP Message to Students on 2024 Presidential Election

Read More
Nov 05, 2024

On election day, Rick Hasen writes an opinion piece for MSNBC about why voting should not be so hard

Read More