Review the Degree Requirements
The Master of Legal Studies The MLS degree will require 30 credit hours, and ordinarily will be completed within one academic year. In addition to introductory courses on Legal Studies and Fundamentals of the U.S. Legal System, all students will take one required private-law class (Contracts) and one required public-law class (Constitutional Law). These courses will lay the foundation for students to choose and succeed in further courses based on their career and personal interests.
General Requirements
The following courses are required for all students in the MLS program:
| Course | Semester(s) Offered | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Law: Legal Studies (B504) | Fall | 1 |
| Introduction to Law: Fundamentals of the U.S. Legal System (B504) | Fall | 1 |
| Contracts for Non-JD Students (B502)1 | Fall | 3 |
| American Constitutional Law for Non-JD Students (B570)2 | Fall | 3 |
1 May also be satisfied by Contracts (B501), four credits.
2 May also be satisfied by Constitutional Law (B513), four credits.
Required Survey Course (3 or 4 credits)
Students must complete one survey course from the following list:
- B511 – Criminal Law (4 credits)
- B521 – Property (4 credits)
- B531 – Torts (4 credits)
- B536 – Health Law (3 credits)
- B601 – Criminal Procedure: Investigation (3 credits)
- B601 – Criminal Procedure: Trial (3 credits)
- B653 – Corporations (3 credits)
- B665 – International Law (3 credits)
- B751 – Survey of Intellectual Property Law (3 credits)
- B782 – Introduction to Environmental Law (3 credits)
Required Capstone Project (2 or 3 credits)
MLS students must complete a capstone experience under close faculty supervision, ordinarily during the second semester of the program. A capstone project may take the form of
- A seminar (typically 3 credits);
- An independent research project (B706);
- A directed research project (B707); or
- An alternative project approved by the faculty Graduate Committee.
The capstone project must focus on legal issues relevant to the student’s chosen career path.
Elective Courses (13 to 15 credits)
MLS Students may earn the remaining credits toward the degree, other than the capstone experience described below, by enrolling in elective courses tailored to their career and personal interests, including any of the survey courses listed above as well as approved courses offered outside the Law School.