Frequently Asked Questions

A Master of Legal Studies degree is intended for non-lawyer professionals who want to gain a better understanding of US law.

In programs like the online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) at Wake Forest School of Law, students have the opportunity to customize their degree with concentrations or tracks. Wake Forest Law offers four industry-focused tracks: Business Law and Compliance, Health Law and Policy, Human Resources, and Financial Services.

Most MLS programs do not help you get into 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.

Individuals who know they are interested in becoming lawyers should pursue a JD instead of a Master of Legal Studies degree.

A Master of Legal Studies is a valuable degree for any professional who regularly encounters legal, regulatory, or compliance challenges in their work. However, it is especially beneficial for working professionals in highly regulated industries. The degree, also commonly known as a Master of Legal Studies, provides career-focused information that can be applied to complex legal challenges in the workplace.

Career paths that can benefit from an MLS degree include:

• Healthcare compliance and regulatory affairs
• Data privacy and legal operations positions at tech firms
• HR, contract management, and ethics roles in public institutions
• Risk and compliance positions in finance

This flexible program can be completed asynchronously when it is most convenient. Students can take as few as three credits per semester, but can elect to take more courses to complete the degree in as little as 21 months.

Yes, the core requirements of the Wake Forest Law MLS program can be completed entirely online. We do offer optional residential intensives, which allow students to interact in person with their peers and faculty. These experiences are engaging and beneficial, but they are not required.

Yes, all students choose one of four tracks: Business Law and Compliance, Health Law and Policy, Human Resources, and Financial Services.

For more information about admissions and application deadline dates, please visit the admissions page.

Here is what is needed to apply:

• Completed application
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Professional résumé documenting at least one year of professional experience
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• English language proficiency test scores

This program doesn’t require legal experience and isn’t intended for lawyers. However, the MLS is designed to give working professionals a deeper understanding of the law, so applicants need at least one year of professional experience in any field.

The Wake Forest Law online MLS is competitively priced versus other programs of the same caliber. Visit the tuition and financial aid page to learn more about cost and financial aid options.

To learn more about the online Master of Legal Studies at Wake Forest Law, fill out our quick form, or reach out to an enrollment specialist directly by phone at 336.863.8438 or email at mls@wfu.edu. We are happy to answer questions about the program and to help you fill out the application.