Master of Legal Studies Programs in New York: A Guide for 2025

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a legal degree for anyone who wants a career in law without the time and expense of a law degree. The MLS gives you a shorter path to a career in legal fields like compliance, contract law, medical insurance, and business. If you’re already in these fields and seeking career advancement, an MLS is a way to broaden your employment horizons.

New York City is the center of finance in America and one of the busiest business hubs in the world. Many of the world’s top-tier law firms have homes and branch offices in and around the city, as well as many international trade centers along the nearby eastern seaboard. Getting your MLS degree in New York means access to a thriving networking community.

What Is a Master of Legal Studies?

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is similar to the juris doctor (JD). You’ll graduate with the same legal knowledge, without the ability to practice law. The MLS does not prepare students to sit for any state bar exam. Instead, you’ll be prepared to take your skills straight from school into the field.

If you want to work in the legal field but don’t plan to litigate or spend much time in court, the MLS is the degree you will want to pursue. Healthcare and financial compliance, safety and regulatory work, human resources, and related work all demand legal knowledge but don’t need an attorney’s courtroom skills.

Those who already work in compliance or insurance can advance their careers with the help of an MLS degree. Enhancing your legal knowledge improves your employability and advancement potential.

Why Study Legal Studies in New York?

New York is home to Wall Street, the World Trade Center, the United Nations, and dozens of white-glove law firms. Just down the road, you’ll find the seat of American governance and jurisprudence, Washington, D.C. In New York itself, you’ll find some of the top law schools in the country.

Cornell, Columbia Law School, Fordham University, and NYU all feature MLS programs close to the legal and financial center of New York. Reviewing your options with these schools is the best way to improve your legal career and upgrade your education.

MLS Programs in New York

• Cornell Law

Cornell Law School is one of the most prestigious legal institutions in America. Their fully online MSLS (Master of Science in Legal Studies) degree is tailored for business professionals who need a flexible degree program designed for a working lifestyle.

Cornell’s program is a 30-unit course. The asynchronous courses can be taken at any time, with five core requirements and 15 electives, plus a capstone project.

• Fordham Law

Fordham University has an online and in-person compliance MSL (Master of Studies in Law) and a unique in-person MSL in fashion law. Fordham’s MSL is restricted to those with a four-year degree; students with existing graduate or post-graduate degrees should apply for the LLM degree.

The MSL is a 30-unit course with three core courses and a capstone project. Students should discuss their thesis/capstone with their advisor before selecting their elective classes.

• NYU Law

New York University, better known as NYU, has an online, part-time MLS for tax law professionals. The single required course, Survey of Tax Procedure, is supplemented by 24-30 additional credit hours. Students have up to five years to complete the completely asynchronous degree. This class is designed for tax professionals who already work within the field and have degrees or certificates, and want to improve their legal tax knowledge.

• Seton Hall Law

Seaton Hall University has a 30-unit two-year course designed for working legal professionals who want to upgrade their legal knowledge and need to fit school into their busy schedules. Seaton’s MLS features specializations in Compliance, Healthcare, Gaming, Cybersecurity, and Sports Law.

Online MLS Programs Accessible in New York

Nearly all online programs are accessible to students wherever they live. Online courses are designed for working professionals who live outside the state or who need flexible classes. Some fully online or hybrid MLS programs include:

• AU Law

American University : A full- or part-time 30-unit course, with an in-person option for those who want to take part in the college experience. American University is located in Washington, D.C., and has multiple course specializations and a healthcare compliance certification.

• Drexel Law

Drexel University: The 45-unit online or hybrid MLS program has concentrations in Criminal Law, Cybersecurity, and Financial or Healthcare Compliance.

Career Paths and Outcomes for MLS Graduates in New York

If you’re already working in your chosen field, an MLS improves your salary negotiating position and increases your chances of promotion. If you plan to start your career after graduation, an MLS prepares you for jobs in a range of legal professions.

• Regulatory or Safety Compliance

Most fields must comply with some kind of safety or industrial rules. Healthcare, finance, construction, and even childcare all have state and federal regulations to follow. In-house and independent compliance officers help businesses stay within the confines of the rules.

• Human Resources

Human resources officers and managers must explain current state and federal policies and laws, monitor employee rights, and mediate grievances. They are also the ones who oversee changes in contracts and handbooks.

• Academia and Research

Legal professors in law schools may need an LLM or JD, but you can take your MLS to a community college or state college and teach legal theory, criminal justice, and other disciplines.

• Law Enforcement and Social Services

There’s more to law enforcement than being a police officer. Probation and parole, juvenile court, and many other areas need people with legal knowledge to bridge the gap between civilians and the court system.

If you’re still not sure where you belong, don’t worry. Law schools and colleges have career counselors to help you find your niche and create your graduate program.

Admissions and Application Considerations

All schools have their own admissions requirements. You’ll need to contact the admissions offices for the current list of requirements before applying to each school. Keep in mind that admissions requirements may change from year to year. In general, admissions requirements may include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree:

To obtain a master’s degree, you must have a bachelor’s degree or have completed your bachelor’s degree before the first semester of your graduate program.

• Official Transcripts:

You will need to have your official transcripts either mailed or emailed directly from the college where you earned your bachelor’s degree. Some schools may let you send transcripts with your GPA, but you’ll still need to get official transcripts.

• A Statement of Purpose:

You’ll need to write a statement of purpose, or similar essay, explaining why you want to attend the school and your reasons for studying law.

• A Resume or CV:

This should highlight any accomplishments, publications, or other legal achievements.

• Letters of Reference:

Some schools want two or more, and some want none; be sure to check the requirement carefully.

• A Writing Sample:

Some schools may request a writing sample or essay separate from the statement of purpose.

• International Applicants:

May need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or similar proof of English competency.

Financial Aid

As of 2025, FAFSA student loan applications are being accepted. Students should use caution and speak with a loan officer or financial advisor before signing any student loan application.

Law schools and universities have their own scholarships and financial assistance programs. Applications include requests for FAFSA and scholarships, and students should apply for all academic and merit-based assistance when applying.

FAQs: What You Need to Know

What do you learn in a legal studies degree program?

In a legal studies degree program, you will learn many of the same things that are taught in first-year law school. MLS programs teach legal theory, constitutional law, contracts, business law, and more. In the second half of your degree, you’ll specialize in your practice area and obtain in-depth knowledge of compliance, healthcare, or cybersecurity.

What is intellectual property law?

Intellectual property law covers all intangible property, such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets.

What are the admission deadlines for MLS programs?

The admission deadlines for MLS programs differ by college and the type of program. Asynchronous online programs may have many admissions deadlines per year. You should contact the college to get the admissions dates and requirements.

Conclusion and Next Steps

If you think a Master of Legal Studies is the next step in your legal career, take some time to investigate your academic options. Whether you want the experience of an in-person school in New York or need the flexibility of an online course, there are many options available to you. Spend some time researching and requesting more information to see which one is right for you.