Part-Time and Full-Time Students can take the Core Curriculum either 1) Online OR 2) Hybrid:

• Online: Tuesday & Thursday evenings live online (6:30-9:30 PM Pacific)
• Hybrid: Tuesday evenings on campus & Thursday evenings live online (6:30-9:30 PM Pacific)

These courses are designed exclusively for M.L.S. students.

1. Introduction to American Law
2. Private Law: Property, Torts, and Contract
3. Public Law: Constitutional and Statutory Analysis
4. Legal Analysis and Communication
5. Business Law for Non-Lawyers OR The Civil Dispute Resolution System

Capstone Experience: Apply Your Learning in Depth
The Capstone gives students the opportunity to engage deeply with issues connected to their career focus or intellectual interests. There are two ways to complete this requirement:

• Capstone Seminar
  Work closely with faculty to develop an academic paper on a topic of your choice within your specialization.

• Seminar Course
  Choose from a selection of paper-based, on-campus seminar courses that fulfill the capstone requirement.

PART-TIME STUDENT TIMELINE: YEAR 1

Acceptance: See here for application deadlines 

Connection: February-June - Optional online and in-person networking events, mixers, & Admit Day (optional: 1-2 hours / week)

Online Orientation: July - Mandatory online in the evenings orientation sessions once a week (2 hours / week)

M.L.S. Launch Week:  August 1-5, 2026 - Mandatory live, on-campus @ UCLA Law class sessions (5 days, 8am-5pm).  Mark your calendars!  

Fall 1 Semester: Late August to Early December - Online or hybrid classes in the evenings (1 course: 9 hours of work / week OR 2 courses: 18 hours of work / week)

Spring 1 Semester: 

Early January: Optional J-term short courses (2 weeks)

Late January to Mid-May: Online or hybrid classes in the evenings (1 course: 9 hours of work / week OR 2 courses: 18 hours of work / week)

PART-TIME STUDENT TIMELINE: YEAR 2 (3 & 4)

Summer Break: Mid-May to Late August - The summer is off!  Optional:  Join us on campus for our MLS Community Day!

Fall 2 (3&4) Semester: Late August to Early December - Online classes in the evenings and/or on-campus classes during the day (1 course: 9 hours of work / week OR 2 courses: 18 hours of work / week)

Spring 2 (3&4) Semester

Early January: Optional J-term short courses (2 weeks)

Late January to Mid-May: Online classes in the evenings and/or on-campus classes during the day (1 course: 9 hours of work / week OR 2 courses: 18 hours of work / week)

Commencement: Mid-May - Final Year.  An on campus graduation ceremony and celebration!

FULL-TIME STUDENT TIMELINE

Acceptance: See here for application deadlines 

Connection: February-June - Optional online and in-person networking events, mixers, & Admit Day (optional: 1-2 hours / week)

Online Orientation: July - Mandatory online in the evenings orientation sessions once a week (2 hours / week)

M.L.S. Launch Week: August 1-5, 2026 - Mandatory live, on-campus @ UCLA Law class sessions (5 days, 8am-5pm).  Mark your calendars!  

Fall Semester: Late August to Early December - 

If online only:  Monday/Wednesday night (6-9 PM Pacific) elective classes and Tuesday/Thursday night (6:30-9:30 PM Pacific) core curriculum classes.  Legal Analysis & Communication class online during the day.

If on campus:  Tuesday/Thursday night (6:30-9:30 PM Pacific) core curriculum classes.  Legal Analysis & Communication class during day.  Elective classes:  choice of during the day on campus or online MLS electives in the evening

Spring Semester: 

Early January: Optional J-term short courses (2 weeks)

Late January to Mid-May: 

If online only:  Monday/Wednesday night (6-9 PM Pacific) elective classes and Tuesday/Thursday night (6:30-9:30 PM Pacific) core curriculum classes.  Capstone Seminar course.

If on campus:  Tuesday/Thursday night (6:30-9:30 PM Pacific) core curriculum classes.  Elective classes:  choice of during the day on campus or online MLS electives in the evening.  Capstone Seminar course.

Commencement: Mid-May - Final Year

Join us at an information session where we discuss all the relevant details!  Bring your questions.

View upcoming sessions here.  

M.L.S. Orientation: July 2026 (Online 1X per week @ night)

M.L.S. Launch Week: August 1-5, 2026 (On campus @ UCLA Law:  Full days)

For full academic calendar, see here.  

For all previous academic calendars, see here.  

Yes, this is extremely common for our part time students. Courses will be offered between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on weeknights with flexible online and hybrid options for our working professionals. Courses for 3 units of credit typically meet twice a week during the semester for approximately 80 minutes each, while courses for 2 units of credit typically meet once a week for 120 minutes. Specialization courses can be completed completely online in the evening for certain specializations.  If you prefer on campus courses, the core curriculum can be completed in a hybrid fashion in the evenings.  Limited courses are available on campus in the evenings.  Numerous (over 100+ a semester) course options are available on campus during the day if you can make that work in your schedule.  Our academic advisors will work with you to create a plan that balances your work requirements with the opportunity to access the unmatched curriculum of UCLA Law.

The M.L.S. course of study is not a pre-J.D. program. While students who earn an M.L.S. degree may subsequently apply to J.D. programs at UCLA or elsewhere, under American Bar Association regulations, no law school may award credit toward a J.D. for any coursework taken during an M.L.S. degree program. If you wish to become a licensed lawyer, you should earn a J.D., not an M.L.S.

No. The M.L.S. degree will not qualify you to sit for a bar examination or obtain a license to practice law.

For completely remote students:  We are authorized to offer the program in all locations except Arkansas, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, where we are not yet authorized.  Any student who is fully remote and has an address on file in one of those jurisdictions may not enroll in the program.  

2025-26 Campus and University Fees 

• Campus-Based Fees each semester: $437.34*
• All M.L.S. students are charged the above fees regardless of program option (whether remote, hybrid, on-campus, part-time or full-time). See Fee Disclaimer below.
• UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP): $6,882 ($3,441/semester)
  • If you are covered by an insurance policy that meets waiver criteria and do not want to utilize UC SHIP benefits, you can request to waive UC SHIP enrollment annually by submitting an online waiver application with supporting documentation during a waiver period.  You will be required to show that you have at least comparable coverage.
• Full-time students are eligible for university housing at an additional cost.
• The UC Student Association/Graduate and Professional Council (UCSA/UCGPC) fee is a UC systemwide fee which can be waived per semester or academic year if requested by the student: $3.50 per semester.

*This includes the Student Services Fee, Ackerman Student Union Fee, Ackerman/Kerckhoff Seismic Fee, Wooden Center Fee, SPARC fee, Graduate Students Association Fee, Graduate Writing Center Fee, and the BruinGO Universal Access Transit Pass Fee.  Expect the total aggregate fees to go up about 2-4% each year.  There is a $100 document fee in your first semester in the program.

The law student budget – to cover books, supplies and living expenses for the nine-month school year – is assigned to all students regardless if one lives on or off-campus. 

For Informational Use Only

The above budget represents the living allowance costs for M.L.S. students. Students enrolled part-time may see these figures adjusted.

The tuition, fees, and charges posted to the student billing statement are estimates based on existing amounts. These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by state funding reductions. Accordingly, final approved tuition and fee levels (and thus a student’s final balance due) may differ from the amounts shown.
 
Some or all instruction for all or part of the academic year may be delivered remotely. Tuition and fees have been set regardless of the method of instruction, and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the academic year. Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved or proposed amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.

This scholarship is awarded to those who have dedicated, or aspire to dedicate, their full-time career (or aspire to dedicate their full-time career) to service in specific sectors.   The following sectors are eligible: government, non-profit, university/community college, and healthcare. 

Application Statement Required. Must be submitted at time of program application.

In no more than 500 words, the statement must demonstrate: 1) a history of service engagement in area of employment, academic studies, or volunteer work; and 2) planned future full-time employment in the field.

This scholarship will be awarded to admitted students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit,  based on performance in undergraduate and/or graduate studies.

Application Statement Required. Must be submitted at time of program application.

In no more than 500 words, the statement should demonstrate your outstanding academic performance.

This scholarship is awarded to admitted students who have demonstrated exceptional career success, leadership skills, or other notable achievements outside of academics.

Application Statement Required. Must be submitted at time of program application.

Write up to 500 words displaying why you should qualify based on the above description.  

This scholarship is awarded based on one or more of the following factors:  1) a demonstrated extraordinary financial need; or 2) personal circumstances that  warrant additional aid.

Application Statement Required. Must be submitted at time of program application.

In no more than 500 words, the statement should demonstrate one or both of the above circumstances and must provide at least one of the following items: household income, net worth, any medical expenses, and or family assistance.

Substantiating documentation should be provided for all claims made in the statement.  This could include:  bank statements, tax returns, or other relevant documents.

This scholarship is awarded to one admitted full-time career professional in media, broadcasting, or journalism. Program application must be submitted by April 1st for consideration.  This scholarship replaces all other scholarship awards.

Application Statement Required. Must be submitted at time of program application.

In no more than 500 words, the statement must demonstrate: (1) An active professional history in the fields of media, broadcasting, or journalism, engaging in areas of public interest, such as (but not limited to) poverty, civil rights, human rights, public health, immigration, criminal justice, housing, or the environment; and (2) a commitment to achieving lasting change that transforms people's lives through work in the fields of media, broadcasting, or journalism.

For those admitted starting in the Fall 2025 matriculating class

An admitted student will receive a "funding letter."  This funding letter will outline all aid received.  It will include a total award amount.  It will be broken down as follows:

• Full-time students: For admitted students who are projected to finish the program in two semesters, the award will be divided by the two semesters and allocated evenly between the Fall and Spring semesters.  This is regardless of the number of chosen units in each semester.
• Part-time students:  For admitted students who are projected to finish the program in three or more semesters, the total award will be divided as follows:
  • Total awards at $45k or lower:  The award will be divided evenly over four semesters.
  • Total awards over $45k:  The total award will be divided by 26 and awarded each semester based on the number of enrolled units.  The award will only be posted for the first 26 units, no award will be posted for units over 26 total earned units.
• Conversion:  
  • If a student converts from a pace to complete in two semesters to a pace to complete in three or more semesters: 
    • The award will convert to the "Part-Time" mechanics outlined above in a manner deemed most appropriate by the Master of Legal Studies office.  
  • If a student converts from a pace to complete in three or more semesters to a pace to complete in two or less semesters from the date of matriculation: 
    • The total award remaining will be evenly divided over the remaining number of semesters.  
• Maximum award:
  • MLS scholarships are tuition paying awards only and cannot be used to cover other expenses.  

For those admitted before the Fall 2025 matriculating class

Scholarships are administered as outlined in the funding letter.  

Conditions of Scholarship

To be eligible for the aid awarded, students must be in academic good standing.  

M.L.S. students enrolled in at least 6 units in a term are eligible to apply for student loans from the federal government to cover tuition and living expenses. 

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a government form which enables the school to determine students' eligibility for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan. The FAFSA must be completed each year by all who wish to be considered for federal financial aid at UCLA.

Completing the FAFSA online reduces errors and improves turnaround time. You can do this by going to studentaid.gov. Request that a copy of the FAFSA be released to UCLA by indicating our school code: 001315.

The FAFSA should be submitted as early as possible after January 1

Even though your Social Security Number is not required on the admission application, the school will not receive your FAFSA and thus will be unable to determine your need eligibility unless you provide us with your SSN. If you have omitted the SSN from your admission application, you can add it via your MyUCLA portal.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

On July 4, 2025, a reconciliation bill was signed into law that significantly impacts federal financial aid programs.  We are actively monitoring the implementation of this policy change and as more information becomes available, we will update this site to keep you informed.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Starting July 1, 2026, it is expected that a full-time incoming MLS students will be eligible to borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to $20,500 annually, with a maximum aggregate eligibility of $100,000.  The $100,000 limit is only applicable to graduate programs that start on July 1, 2026 or later.  

For the 2025-26 academic year, the Direct Unsubsidized Loan had an interest rate of 7.94 percent, and a loan origination fee of 1.057 percent. The federal government automatically deducts the loan fee from each disbursement; therefore, the original (gross) amount requested and the disbursed (net) amount differ.  Interest rates for the 2026-27 academic year will be set by the Department of Education during the summer of 2026. 

The student is responsible for the interest, which accrues immediately upon disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation or upon dropping below half-time enrollment.

All applicants must submit a FAFSA in order to be considered for a federal student loan. 

Entrance Counseling

Important! All first-time federal loan borrowers at UCLA need to be informed about borrowers’ rights and responsibilities. Law students will satisfy this requirement by completing an online Entrance Counseling Session. This can be accomplished by reviewing the counseling session materials and taking an online quiz. All quiz results are transmitted electronically to the UCLA Student Loan Services and Collections Office.

Please be sure to indicate "UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles" as your institution when registering your account to ensure that you are directed to the entrance exam.

Failure to follow through with this requirement will delay disbursement of your eligible Federal Direct Loan proceeds.

Credit-Based Private Student Loans

Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide a range of repayment options, including income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness benefits, which other education loans are not required to provide.

Private student loans can help close the gap between tuition costs and other financial aid. It also is possible to jointly borrow private educational loans and federal loans up to your total cost-of-attendance budget minus any gift aid received.

The majority of private lenders will conduct a credit check, and your credit score will play a role in determining loan’s interest rate. Some private lenders will require a co-signer based in the United States. The loan “terms” (interest rates, repayment schedules, co-signer requirement’s, etc.) will vary based on the lender.

Application Process

1. Research the various private lender options available to you.
     
   • UCLA maintains a Preferred Private lender List which can be found here: UCLA Lender List
      
     • M.L.S. students select Program = Graduate School
     • International students select Program = International
        
   • Our Preferred Private Lender List is provided for informational purposes only.
       
   • You may choose to use other search tools like the AccessLex's Private Loan Exchange, and you may choose any private student loan lender not just one from UCLA's Preferred Lender List.
      
2. Determine which private student loan lender's terms are best suited for your specific needs,  For additional information see the AccessLex Guide to Private Student Loans.
    
3. Submit an application directly with the lender of our choice. Make sure that your name, address, and social security number in your loan application exactly match your information in your MyUCLA account.
    
4. Once your application is completed the lender will request UCLA certify your attendance and the amount of the loan eligibility based on our cost-of-attendance. Private loan certification for the upcoming academic year will begin in July.

Application Deadline

While you may apply for a private loan throughout the academic year, if you need funds to pay for the fall semester tuition, it is recommended that you apply in June.

Code of Conduct – Preferred Lenders.

Students may enroll in the BruinPay Plan to pay tuition and fees in four monthly installments at the start of each semester. See here for more information about the BruinPay Plan.

• FAFSA
• Federal Student Aid Info
• Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID (this has replaced the FSA PIN)
• National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
• ​Debt Management Session (Entrance Loan Counseling)
• Graduate Division
• Residency Requirements
• Free Credit Report
• MAX by AccessLex

Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of M.L.S. tuition fee refund.

University and campus-based fees will follow the withdrawal refund schedule set by University of California.

Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of M.L.S. tuition fee refund.

University and campus-based fees will follow the withdrawal refund schedule set by University of California.

Spring 2025

Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of M.L.S. tuition fee refund.

University and campus-based fees will follow the withdrawal refund schedule set by University of California.

Fall 2024

Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of M.L.S. tuition fee refund.

University and campus-based fees will follow the withdrawal refund schedule set by University of California.

Spring 2024

Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of M.L.S. tuition fee refund.

University and campus-based fees will follow the withdrawal refund schedule set by University of California.

Fall 2023

Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of M.L.S. tuition fee refund.

University and campus-based fees will follow the withdrawal refund schedule set by University of California.

Yes, but you will need to have some flexibility in your work schedule.  Core M.L.S. courses will be offered between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on weeknights.  Courses for 3 units of credit typically meet twice a week during the semester for approximately 80 minutes each, while courses for 2 units of credit typically meet once a week for 120 minutes.  Specialization courses range in time from the morning into the evening.  Limited courses are remote.  Our academic advisors will work with you to create a plan that balances your work requirements with the opportunity to access the unmatched curriculum of UCLA Law. 

The M.L.S. course of study is not a pre-J.D. program.  While students who earn an M.L.S. degree may subsequently apply to J.D. programs at UCLA or elsewhere, under American Bar Association regulations, no law school may award credit toward a J.D. for any coursework taken during an M.L.S. degree program.  If you wish to become a licensed lawyer, you should earn a J.D., not an M.L.S.

No.  The M.L.S. degree will not qualify you to sit for a bar examination or obtain a license to practice law.

Absolutely!  The M.L.S. program is designed for professionals in the private, nonprofit or government sectors who have a growth mindset and believe that deeper knowledge of the law can help them be more successful in their field.  The program's admissions evaluation will give substantial weight to an applicant’s work experience and expertise.

Yes.  This degree has helped graduates launch their career in a variety of industries.  The admissions committee will look closely at your academic record and statement of purpose to determine what your goal and expectations are with this degree.

No.  You must finish any other degree before the start of this program at the beginning of August.

The exception to this is UCLA's MD/MLS program.  Contact us at mls@law.ucla.edu for questions regarding this program.

The M.L.S. Core Classes are exclusively designed for and attended by M.L.S. students. In addition to several exclusive M.L.S. electives, M.L.S. students have over 200 advanced law courses to choose from as specialization courses or electives. These advanced law courses are taken alongside J.D., LL.M. and other UCLA graduate students.

In addition to the courses that are part of the core M.L.S. curriculum, more than 200 UCLA Law courses are open as electives to M.L.S. students.  A small number of UCLA Law courses are not available to M.L.S. students because of American Bar Association restrictions, graduation and bar association requirements for J.D. and LL.M. graduates, and the fact that completion of prerequisites not available to M.L.S. students is necessary for some courses.  Courses only offered to first-year J.D. students are not open to M.L.S. students.  If you are concerned about being able to register for specific courses that do not satisfy a specialization requirement, please contact the M.L.S. office.

At this time, students may only earn one specialization.  However, students may either:

1. Elect General Studies, which allows flexibility on selection of specialization courses; or
2. Take additional units in whatever topic areas are of interest.

For specialization courses, yes!  This can be done by either:

1. Electing General Studies, which allows flexibility on selection of specialization courses; or
2. Proposing a “self-designed” specialization.  This can be done for any topic area using courses already taught at UCLA Law.