Introduction
Is A Masters In Legal Studies Worth It? People with a Masters in Legal Studies (MLS) degree have options if they wish to continue their legal education but don’t necessarily want to go to law school to become an attorney.
Business operations are entangled with legal issues. Organizations must adhere to rules and regulations to function legally, and those with a Masters in Legal Studies (MLS) degree know it is necessary to assist these organizations in doing so.
Even though you’ve always been interested in law, you might not be sure if law school is right for you. You might collaborate with legal experts as part of your current job, and you want to expand your knowledge so you can take on new responsibilities or move into a new role.
Read on to know if a Masters in Legal Studies can help you develop your career and other options to the Masters in Legal Studies (MLS) if you’re debating whether a masters in legal studies is worth it.
Legal Studies
The large discipline of legal studies includes all aspects of law, including legal procedures, ideas, and guiding principles. What is justice, and how can we ensure that it is maximized via the application of well-considered laws and ethical legal procedures? are among the problems that legal studies strive to address. How does law relate to politics, the economy, and other facets of society?
Legal studies give students a comprehensive knowledge of the legal systems, how laws are made, and who the major players are in the legal system. Political science, economics, history, sociology, international relations, and philosophy are among the disciplines represented. The interaction between businesses and governments, individual liberties and privacy, social equality, and fair resource allocation are just a few of the significant topics that law students learn how to address.
Legal studies are broken down into major disciplines including criminal justice, international law, government and law, commercial law, environmental law, and legal theory.
Legal Studies prepare individuals with skills like language and communication proficiency, analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and respect for ethical conduct who can employ an in-depth understanding of legal ideas. The more practical aspects of legal education are enhanced by community service and extracurricular activities.
Legal studies give students a foundation for graduate work in law, business, legal studies, and administration of justice as well as careers in legal-related industries like social services, insurance, and social security. Graduates pursue professions in the legal field as arbitrators, mediators, attorneys, judges, magistrates, legal secretaries, consultants, investigations, etc.
Masters In Legal Studies
Professionals who don’t want to practice law but need a thorough understanding of the subject might earn a master of legal studies degree. Professionals in many different areas can benefit from this degree.
For those who do not desire to practice law, the masters in legal studies (MLS) is a graduate-level program in legal study. A master’s in legal studies (MLS), also known as a Master of Science in Law (MSL), Master of Studies in Law, or Master in the Study of Law, is the degree of choice for mid-career professionals who are serious about gaining knowledge that is highly applicable to their line of work.
How to Determine if Earning a Masters in Legal Studies Is Right for You
You can apply for a master’s in legal studies (MLS) degree or an online master’s in legal studies if you have a bachelor’s degree, regardless of the field (MLS). Having a master’s in legal studies (MLS) degree may open up options for you to change careers and work in the legal field or to develop in your current career path. Here are some explanations for why you might want to think about earning an MLS in legal studies.
- You’re Intrigued By Legal Issues.
A master’s in legal studies (MLS) degree can assist you in pursuing your interests in legal fields such as regulatory compliance, privacy, contracts, risk management, taxation, intellectual property, negotiations, and human resources management.
- You Want To Use Your Knowledge Of Law To Better Your Career.
Holders of master’s degrees in legal studies (MLS) are employed in a variety of fields, including social work, healthcare, politics, business, finance, cybersecurity, real estate, and education. These kinds of professionals can gain from understanding the nuances of how to apply legal theories and processes to settings like these in numerous ways.
- You Are Interested In A Career In Law But Are Unsure About Attending Law School.
To work in the legal area, you don’t need a law degree. The masters in legal studies (MLS) degree can be earned in as little as 16 months, saving you both time and money compared to the three years required for a JD law degree. A master’s in legal studies (MLS) degree can help you succeed if you want to work as a legal assistant, conciliator, mediator, arbitrator, or paralegal.
Common Courses For A Masters In Legal Studies
If their occupations need an awareness of legal principles, the curriculum in a master’s program in legal studies informs students about the legal concerns they need to be aware of. These courses cover material that is relevant to a wide range of professions in numerous industries. For people who do not plan to practice law, the program attempts to develop an understanding of the law.
A specialization in a field such as tax law and policy, human rights, business law, intellectual property, immigration, compliance and risk management, regulatory law, or civil litigation may be required by some master of legal studies programs. If you select a concentration, you’ll probably take courses outside of your core legal studies requirements as well.
The following are a typical master of legal studies courses.
- Law of Information and Records
The policies and practices for recordkeeping, privacy rights, conflicts of interest, contractual and legal liability, investigations, and evidentiary outcomes are covered in this course.
- Law and Organizational Management
This course focuses on the legal and regulatory framework that governs businesses, partnerships, NGOs, and other organizations. Workplace rules and employment-related topics may be covered in the course material.
- Law and Strategy
The legal implications of strategic planning and execution are the main topic of this course. Issues involving intellectual property, administrative law, contracts, and regulation may be covered in the content.
- Introduction to the U.S. Law and the Legal System
The fundamental concepts of American law are covered in this course, including constitutional law, case law, statutes, regulations, and the interpretation of existing laws.
- Procedure
The purpose of legal rights in the American legal system and how they are upheld under criminal, civil, administrative, and constitutional law are covered in this course.
- Legal Writing and Research for Non-Lawyers
This course provides the proper formats and methods for corresponding with governmental authorities and legal experts.
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility
The ethical concerns related to the legal system are examined in this course, including attorney-client interactions, conflicts of interest, and secrecy.
Who Would Benefit the Most from a Master of Legal Studies (MLS)?
The Master of Legal Studies was developed for people who frequently interact with the law and who would gain from having a deeper understanding of the subject but who do not plan to practice law.
These people frequently work in sectors with strict regulations, such as banking, healthcare, biotech and pharmaceuticals, and government jobs. They may deal with the law or lawyers, but they are not required to complete the required three years of full-time training to become qualified attorneys.
Is A Masters In Legal Studies Worth It?
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree can have several advantages for people who work in fields where legal and regulatory knowledge is crucial for defending people’s rights. A masters in legal studies (MLS) degree gives professionals the legal knowledge they need to make judgments at work that uphold the rights of those they represent. You can decide if a master’s in legal studies (MLS) degree is a good fit for you by learning more about it.
A master’s degree in legal studies might be quite advantageous. The following are some benefits of obtaining a master’s degree in legal studies:
- Brings About A Rapid Return On Investment
Depending on whether you choose to enroll in full- or part-time study, the majority of masters in legal studies (MLS) degrees can be finished in one to two years. Graduates of these degree programs immediately receive a return on their investment because they take only a short time to complete. While receiving a law degree can take three years or longer, gaining a master’s in legal studies (MLS) needs less time and money, allowing you to finish school sooner and begin preparing for your maximum earning potential. You can get your degree while working full-time thanks to the flexible alternatives offered by many masters in legal studies (MLS) programs, which are designed to suit working professionals.
- Increases Possibilities For Earning
A master’s degree in legal studies (MLS) may boost your earning potential in addition to boosting your job prospects. Your typical pay will likely grow if you are qualified for more advanced employment, which often comes with a master’s degree. You might be given more responsibility at work as you further your education and learn new, position-relevant abilities. Promotion to a mid- or senior-level management job could be one of these new duties. Developing a more specific set of abilities and taking on extra responsibilities might boost your value at work even if you don’t receive a more advanced job title.
- Expands Your Options For Employment
Expanding your professional options is one important benefit of having a master’s in legal studies (MLS) degree. Having a master’s degree in your field may make your application stand out during your job hunt, even if many professional occupations require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in a field linked to their sector. A master’s degree in legal studies may also improve your chances of moving up the corporate ladder. For instance, obtaining a master’s in legal studies (MLS) in addition to a career in healthcare administration will provide you with the knowledge and abilities to evaluate medical regulations if you are a nurse interested in transitioning into an administrative position.
Career Paths For A Masters In Legal Studies
Numerous occupations can benefit from legal studies. People who frequently deal with lawyers or legal issues at work benefit the most from earning a master’s in legal studies (MLS).
With a master’s in legal studies (MLS) degree, you could apply for the following legal and non-legal employment.
- Medical And Health Services Manager
The healthcare sector is heavily regulated. As a result, to properly carry out their duties, medical and health services managers need to be aware of current healthcare legislation and regulations. Medical and health service managers may work in clinics, hospitals, or outpatient facilities.
- Arbitrator
Arbitrators hear cases and render decisions in the capacity of unbiased third parties. The work of arbitrators resembles that of attorneys in a court proceeding. Arbitrators, on the other hand, deal with legal matters outside of the courtroom, in places like offices and boardrooms.
The median annual salary for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators in 2018 was $62,270, and employment is expected to expand by 8% from 2018 to 2028, which is more than average.
- Human Resources Manager
Managers of human resources must have a solid understanding of how businesses operate as well as how laws and regulations impact businesses and their employees. HR deals with things like sexual harassment, equitable employment opportunities, and employee benefits.
Students pursuing a master’s in legal studies (MLS) study the role of human resources managers in conflict resolution.
- Labor Relations Specialist
Specialists in labor relations engage in collective bargaining with businesses and labor unions. They might be responsible for handling complaints, making sure that corporate policies and practices adhere to collective bargaining agreements, and advising management on contracts.
- Compliance Officer
By keeping abreast of federal, state, and local laws and regulations, compliance officers assist firms in operating legally. They provide risk management assistance, establish rules for external communications, direct internal procedure audits, and enforce compliance requirements.
- Police Officer/Detective
Police officers protect and serve the people by ensuring that they follow the law. Detectives acquire information, question potential witnesses of crimes, and gather evidence. Since many jobs include the law, earning a master’s in legal studies (MLS) degree could help you grow in your career.
- Management Analyst
Management analysts assist firms in increasing productivity, boosting profitability, and cutting costs. They accomplish this by collecting and analyzing data to conclude practices, tools, people, and systems, then recommending ways to make them better.
From 2021 to 2031, the employment of management analysts is anticipated to grow by 11%.
Alternatives to the Master of Legal Studies
Here are several masters in legal studies (MLS) options if you’re considering continuing your education to pursue new employment prospects in law or another sector but aren’t sure an MLS degree is the best choice for you.
| Juris Doctor | MBA | Masters in Library Science |
| A Juris Doctor (JD) program can assist you in obtaining your legal license. Graduates from law schools can pursue a career in legal practice in courts, corporations, and other organizations, as well as in private or public settings. | An MBA program, whether on-campus or online, can help if your objectives are more management-oriented. MBA specializations can include business analytics, accounting, and financial management, whereas MLS degrees concentrate on legal issues. | Some candidates for the masters in legal studies (MLS) are drawn to the field of library science because they wish to become legal librarians. Consider getting a master’s in library science if you want to work as a librarian. Librarians facilitate access to books, media, and other sources of information for students, instructors, and the general public. |
Conclusion
Is A Masters In Legal Studies Worth It?
You must be aware of your primary reasons for pursuing a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) if you want to decide whether or not you should pursue the degree. The decision as to whether the degree is worthwhile for the time, money, and effort required of you will only be made at that point.
Some of the most important factors that influence people’s decisions to pursue a master’s in legal studies (MLS) are more career opportunities, greater wages, and improved employee retention. If you value them, obtaining a Master in Legal Studies can help you achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is A Master’s Degree In Legal Studies Worth It?
- Yes, obtaining a master’s degree in legal studies is worth it if your objective is to work in a job requiring a thorough understanding of the law. Having this advanced degree demonstrates your knowledge of legal concerns that pertain to your field.
What Degree In Law Is The Highest?
- The doctor of juridical science is the highest legal qualification. For lawyers who already hold advanced degrees in law and desire to enhance their studies to become professors or legal scholars, this degree is the next stage.
You can also read, “Is A Masters In Human Rights Worth It In 2023?“
