M.L.S. Specialization: Public Interest Law


Available online and/or on-campus for Part-Time Students. On-campus classes required for Full-Time Students.

Join a Vibrant Community of Changemakers

UCLA Law is a national leader in public interest law education. Become part of a supportive network of passionate students and distinguished faculty dedicated to public interest advocacy. UCLA Law fosters a collaborative learning environment where you'll develop the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact.

Grapple with Critical Issues

The specialization's intellectually rigorous curriculum delves into the fundamental questions driving public interest law. Explore areas like civil rights, environmental justice, and criminal justice reform, preparing you to tackle society's most pressing challenges.

Mia Colación (MLS '22)

I became interested in pursuing an M.L.S. degree because I realized it would allow me to obtain an advanced degree focused on law but tailored to my passion for social justice.
Mia Colación (MLS '22), Executive Director/Regional UniServ Staff at California Teachers Association

Sample Curriculum
  • Contract Analysis*
  • Civil Rights
  • Disability Law
  • Education and the Law
  • Election Law
  • Environmental Law and Policy
  • Human Rights and Animal Rights
  • Immigration Law
  • Public Benefits Law and Anti-Poverty Policy
  • Tax-Exempt Organizations
  • Women and the Law
  • Policing, Race, and Sexuality
  • Policing Poverty
  • Nonprofit Tax and Advocacy
  • ...and about 50 more a year....

* 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?

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde (MLS '23)

I'm aware of how the legal system touches so many of our lives. Being from Los Angeles and born to immigrant parents and covering Latino L.A., I feel a responsibility to learn more about law.
Alejandra Reyes-Velarde (MLS '23), Reporter at CalMatters

 

Jon Deutsch (MLS '22)

This program is full of problem solvers; people who, no matter where they are in their careers, are interested in taking it to the next level and delving deeper.
Jon Deutsch (MLS '22), Former Community Relations Coordinator at Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority

 

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

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

Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits

A hub for philanthropy and nonprofit education, thought leadership, and scholarship.

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Centers of Excellence

The Promise Institute for Human Rights

We are the center of human rights education, research and advocacy at UCLA and around the region. Join us!

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Centers of Excellence

Critical Race Studies

Led by renowned scholars, this program is the premier setting for studying the intersection of race and the law.

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News
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Oct 14, 2024

Jill Horwitz speaks with the AP about OpenAI's charitable interest and changes in its nonprofit structure

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Oct 14, 2024

Rick Hasen writes an opinion piece for MSNBC about Elon Musk's impact in the election

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