Is a Master of Legal Studies Worth It?

Almost every sector is regulated by laws, and the penalties for not following them can be steep. Just ask Honda. In March 2025, the California Privacy Protection Agency fined the company $600,000 for misusing consumer data.¹ OKX offers another cautionary tale. It agreed to pay a $500 million penalty—yes, million—for not properly registering its cryptocurrency exchange in the US.²

Businesses need savvy legal professionals to help them toe the line and stay out of the headlines. Traditionally, that meant hiring people with a Juris Doctor (JD), but not everyone has the desire or the need to practice law as a JD. That’s where Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programs come in.

An MLS degree lets students immerse themselves in the legal field without the pressure and commitment of becoming a lawyer. It can lead to many exciting career paths, from compliance officer to an agent for Hollywood celebrities.

But is a Master of Legal Studies worth it? It all comes down to your goals and the program you choose. This blog post explores the benefits of an MLS degree and factors to consider before applying to a program.

What Is a Master of Legal Studies Degree? 

An MLS deepens your understanding of legal histories and practices in the US. It’s designed for people who don’t plan to become lawyers. It’s meant for professionals who must understand laws and regulations for careers outside the courtroom.

Most MLS programs are 30 to 36 credits and include several core courses, including the following:

• The American legal system 
• Constitutional law 
• Contracts
• Criminal law 
• Legislation and regulation 
• Property law 
• Torts
  

Some programs also offer specializations in niche areas, such as human resources (HR) law or international business law. These courses are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in one industry’s regulations and ethical dilemmas. If you study HR law, for instance, you can learn how to navigate tricky hiring situations.

You might be wondering, “Couldn’t I learn about those topics in a JD program?” It depends. An MLS and a JD cover some of the same topics, but an MLS may offer different opportunities for specialization.

Time is another major consideration. An MLS typically only requires one to two years of study, and graduates can start working immediately. By contrast, a traditional JD takes three years. And that’s not all. JD graduates also need to pass the grueling bar exam to become lawyers.

You may also come across Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs, but don’t waste your time applying without a JD. It’s only for practicing attorneys who want to deepen their knowledge of specialized areas like cybersecurity or environmental law.

What Can You Do With a Master of Legal Studies? 

Every industry needs legal experts, but not all situations require a lawyer. That’s where an MLS comes in.

Some graduates pursue careers as corporate compliance officers. They stay updated with ever-changing regulations and help businesses adhere to them.³ Many companies also hire contract administrators to negotiate and uphold legally binding agreements.

The health care industry offers numerous career paths, too. For instance, medical and health services managers need to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by protecting patient data.⁴ Graduates could also apply their legal knowledge as health care compliance officers and patient advocates.

Additionally, the sports, entertainment, and arts industries often hire people with legal knowledge. Some MLS holders become agents for athletes or entertainers, negotiating contracts for their clients. Others help artists comply with intellectual property laws.

Career Advantages 

For many students, the ability to gain broad legal knowledge is why a master of legal studies is worth it. This degree allows you to study a wide range of concepts, from criminal law to torts.

You can apply this knowledge in many professional contexts. Take corporate compliance, for instance. Professionals in this area can use their understanding of laws to identify and fix compliance risks before their organizations get penalized.³

An MLS degree also enables you to support legal teams. You could help draft contracts, research case studies, and more. It could be an excellent option if you’re passionate about the law but don’t want the expense or pressure of becoming a lawyer.

Salary Expectations 

While this path has clear career benefits, you might ask, “Is a master's in legal studies worth it financially?” It depends. Salaries can vary drastically by experience level and industry. Geographic location is another significant factor.

MLS holders can earn healthy salaries in compliance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that compliance officers earn an average salary of $75,670. This career is also relatively stable, with a projected growth of 5% from 2023 to 2033.⁵

HR is another potentially lucrative area. Human resources managers earn an average salary of $136,350, and this job is projected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033.⁶

Time and Cost Considerations 

As you weigh your options, consider the return on investment (ROI) of your degree. Most MLS programs take one to two years to complete. That means you can start earning faster than if you went to law school for a JD.

Tuition expenses vary by school, typically ranging from approximately $30,000 to $150,000 or more. These prices might seem steep, but scholarships can ease some of the burden. Plus, you might qualify for financial aid, such as grants and federal student loans.

Think about your future prospects, too, and don’t just take the school’s word for it. Research alumni from each program on LinkedIn to get a sense of their career paths and earning potential.

Program Accreditation and Quality 

Set yourself up for success by choosing an accredited MLS program. Colleges must demonstrate that they meet rigorous quality standards set by an external organization to earn accreditation. That means you can trust that you’re receiving a comprehensive education that will prepare you for a legal career.

You should also look for professors with practical experience in the legal field. They have the kind of firsthand knowledge and anecdotes that you can’t get from reading a textbook alone.

Is an MLS Right for You? 

Choosing a degree is a highly personal decision, but here are a few signs you might find a Master of Legal Studies worth it:

• You’re hoping to transition into an in-demand legal career or advance your existing career 
• You’re interested in learning more about the law but don’t plan to become a lawyer 
• You’re thinking about going to law school for a JD but aren’t ready to commit yet  
• You work in a highly regulated industry, such as health or tech, and need to deepen your knowledge 
• You collaborate with your employer’s legal team and want to take on more responsibilities  
• You enjoy researching legal case studies 

Apply a Legal Lens to Your Work 

Deepen your understanding of U.S. law with the University of Pittsburgh’s Online Master of Studies in Law program. You’ll learn foundational legal concepts and develop essential skills, such as analyzing cases and applying contracts. After you complete the core curriculum, you’ll expand your knowledge with the specialization of your choosing. Along the way, you’ll receive expert mentorship from our seasoned faculty.

Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more about how an Online MSL can fit your career goals and interests.