Anybody that has an interest in the law but is not interested in practicing it as an attorney would really benefit from this program, whether it’s in their current professional roles or future endeavors that they want to take on.
– Nicole Murphy
Master of Legal Studies Alum
Professionals with a broad understanding of US law have become increasingly valuable as the legal and regulatory landscape has grown more complex. A holistic view of the overarching complexities in the legal system is crucial for employees who apply legal concepts to their everyday work.
The online Master of Legal Studies general track provides students with a foundation in US law that is customized to fit their career goals. Students take the core courses for a well-rounded understanding of foundational concepts, then choose the electives that apply to their careers and interests.
The MLS will set you apart. I got hired into a different role within the company, and they hired me as a direct result of going to school and taking these classes.
– Tim Ellerbe
Master of Legal Studies Alum
Course Structure
The MLS with a general track includes 30 credits total:
- 13.5 credits in our core curriculum
- 16.5+ elective credits
Who Is This Track For?
The general track is ideal for students who need a broader understanding of US law or are seeking ultimate customization in their graduate education experience.
Any professional who needs to understand and apply the law can benefit from this track, especially in a generalist context. Professionals from a variety of regulated industries can benefit from this track, including:
- Government
- Real estate
- Technology
- Public administration
- Insurance
- Finance
- Compliance
- Non-profit administration
- Human resources
- Health care
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.
Industry Market Insights
The median annual wage for legal occupations is $99K.
There are 83,400 new openings for legal occupations expected each year.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the general Master of Legal Studies track different from the specialized tracks?
The Master of Legal Studies program is designed to give non-lawyers a comprehensive understanding of law.
The general track offers the broadest overview, allowing students to choose 16.5 credits worth of electives. This allows students maximum customization, and it is best for professionals who need a broad understanding of US law. It can also be beneficial for professionals with diverse interests.
Specialized tracks offer a more structured deep dive into a specific industry or career. Students take 10.5 credits of track courses, then up to an additional 6 credits of further electives. The industry-focused tracks are best suited for professionals in highly specialized roles or fields, or for those who prefer a more structured learning experience.
Is the general MLS track suitable if I don’t work in a legal or compliance role?
The Wake Forest University School of Law MLS program is applicable to a variety of highly regulated industries. While many of our students work in legal or compliance roles, not all of them do. Any professional who needs to understand and apply law, regulation, or compliance in their work can benefit from the general MLS.
Ready to learn more?
Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions, and FAQ pages.