“We teach our MLS students how to think analytically. We want them to be able to look at a problem and figure out how to apply these tools and their knowledge of the law at their place of work.”
– Christopher Martin
Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at Wake Forest University School of Law
Customize Legal Education Designed for Career Growth
Online Master of Legal Studies
Request BrochureThe 100% online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) provides professionals with advanced knowledge of US law so they can confidently navigate industry regulations, meet compliance requirements, and excel in their careers.
At Wake Forest University School of Law, we are committed to delivering a strong return-on-investment for working professionals, offering academic excellence in a flexible format at an affordable cost. The online MLS program is taught by experienced faculty, who provide practical knowledge that students can apply from day one.
As a mission-driven university, we believe that legal education is about impact as well as advancement. The Wake Forest Law motto, Pro Humanitate (For Humanity) reflects our commitment to providing students with legal expertise and ethical leadership ability, empowering our graduates to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Program Details
- Format: 100% online and part time
- Track Options: Four
- Tuition Rate: $1,222 ($36,660 total)
- Start Date Options: Fall, spring, summer
- No Application Fee
- Next Start Date: January 12, 2026
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
Request Information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Master of Legal Studies at the Wake Forest University School of Law, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 336.863.8438.
Why Wake Forest Law’s Online Master of Legal Studies?
Working professionals can complete this 30-credit legal studies master’s degree on a part-time schedule, offering a rigorous law school education without disrupting personal or professional responsibilities. Students in this program benefit from:
- Flexible courses that can be completed asynchronously and 100% online
- Expert professors and instructors who teach in Wake Forest Law’s on-campus programs (including the JD)
- Curriculum topics designed specifically for non-lawyers who need to understand and apply the law to workplace challenges
- Competitive tuition rate from a prestigious law school
MLS Tracks
Wake Forest Law goes beyond standardized education: every student customizes their online Master of Legal Studies curriculum according to their career goals and industry demands. We offer four popular track options that build the essential competencies for achievement across specialized industries:
Graduate Certificates
Boost your career with one of five graduate certificates, which can be completed in as few as two semesters. Gain an overview of legal fundamentals or focus on one particular industry. Still deciding between an MLS or certificate for your career goals? Connect with an enrollment specialist to start the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MLS degree?
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is a degree program for non-lawyer professionals who need expertise in US law to better understand legal implications in their work. The coursework provides them with a working knowledge of the legal system so they can apply the law to their decision-making.
In Wake Forest Law’s online MLS, students choose a track to customize their degree with the specific legal knowledge they need. Wake Forest Law offers four in-demand tracks: Business Law and Compliance, Health Law and Policy, Human Resources, and Financial Services.
Who can benefit from the online MLS degree?
Any working professional who regularly encounters legal issues, contract negotiations, or regulatory challenges in their work can benefit from an online MLS degree. Typically, advanced legal studies education is most relevant to professionals in highly regulated industries.
What jobs can benefit from a Master of Legal Studies?
A Master of Legal Studies is a versatile degree that can benefit a number of professionals in different industries. Here are a just a few roles that our graduates pursue:
- Compliance manager
- Contracts manager
- Corporate ethics and compliance officer
- Government affairs manager
- Healthcare administrator
- HR compliance specialist
- Labor relations specialist
- Legal operations analyst
- Policy analyst
- Regulatory compliance analyst
- Risk manager
Is a master’s in legal studies worth it?
A legal studies master’s degree is a valuable opportunity for professionals who need legal knowledge to excel in their careers, but do not need to earn a Juris Doctor or pursue licensure as an attorney.
A Master of Legal Studies can provide professionals with skills that enhance job performance and lead to career advancement opportunities. Most of all, legal studies students gain the confidence to navigate complex legal landscapes with precision and authority.
MBA vs. MLS
The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) are both highly respected, beneficial degrees designed for career enhancement and advanced expertise.
The right degree for you depends on several factors, including your career goals and how much time and money you want to invest in graduate school. MBA degrees focus on cross-functional business leadership and strategy, while a Master of Legal Studies prepares students to manage complex legal and regulatory challenges. MBA programs typically have higher tuition rates and a longer time commitment.
Many students consider MLS programs as a smart alternative to an MBA, offering a focused curriculum that provides targeted industry expertise without the heavy quantitative core.
MLS vs. JD: Does the MLS program help me get into a JD program?
Most MLS programs do not help you get admitted to a JD program. The coursework in programs such as the Wake Forest Law MLS is geared towards professionals in highly regulated industries who interact with certain aspects of the law in their current professions.
For professionals who want to become licensed attorneys, a Juris Doctor (JD) should be pursued instead of a Master of Legal Studies degree.
Ready to learn more?
Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions, and FAQ pages.