Online Master of Legal Studies
Program Overview
The University of Cincinnati’s Master of Legal Studies program is designed to grant students a working knowledge of the law that they can put to use in an industry or career that interacts with the law. This degree provides new competencies and knowledge to enhance your existing skills rather than prepare you for a new career. The MLS program can provide an alternative for individuals who do not want to attend law school or practice law, but want to increase their legal knowledge.
Master of Legal Studies
Want to know more about what to expect from UC’s online Master of Legal Studies program? Hear from program director Susan Stephan, J.D., LL.M.. In this video, you’ll learn about the scope of the program and what you can expect to gain from the online MLS program.
Benefits of a Master of Legal Studies Degree
- Add value to your current role through greater understanding of how the law intersects with your responsibilities.
- Increase your competitiveness as a job applicant by holding a master’s degree in legal studies.
- Enhance your resume by developing skills in specialized areas of the law.
Program Highlights
High Quality Education
Master of Legal Studies students may enter the program for a variety of reasons, such as working with legal professionals regularly, working in highly regulated industries, or being business owners that want to be able to handle more legal aspects of their business.
This fully online, asynchronous legal studies program is designed for working professionals who would benefit from a sophisticated understanding of the U.S. legal system but do not intend to practice law. It helps professionals understand laws and regulations so they can perform better in their current and future roles.
MLS Certificate Options
Add even more value to your degree and look into the MLS certificates:
Flexibility
- Fully online and asynchronous: No campus visits are required and the program’s online format enables students to complete all degree requirements without having to relocate to the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area.
- Employment opportunities: University of Cincinnati’s College of Law partners with businesses to create pathways for their employees to become MLS online students and participate in a capstone related to their field of interest. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the demand for professionals with MLS degrees in law for non-lawyers is growing 15% through 2026.
- Flexible Scheduling: Students will earn their degree in five terms, taking two seven-week classes per semester, equaling less than two years to complete the degree. This allows students the opportunity to work at their own pace, while maintaining their full-time jobs and balancing family life. We offer three start dates per year for your convenience.
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your partner through the application process, getting enrolled, and starting your program
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Curriculum
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 6001 | Introduction to Law The course introduces students to the essential vocabulary and concepts needed to work within the U.S. legal system. The course provides an introduction to substantive areas of the law which serve as the foundation for upper-level courses. The Constitutional Law portion of this course introduces students to the Constitution’s enumeration and limitation of the powers of the national government, the principles of federalism and the sovereignty of states in the federal system, the distribution of powers across the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the national government, and the practice of judicial review. Additional content areas included Tort Law and Property Law may be included. Finally, this course will also include an orientation to the MLS program. |
3 |
| LAW 6002 | Legal Research and Communication This course introduces students to different levels of legal authorities, from the legislative bodies to administrative agencies, and to the court system. Students will learn the relationship between federal and state authorities, and the hierarchical structures within the federal and state court systems. The course will also teach methods for identifying and locating the right authority on an issue of consideration. The course will allow students to hone their writing skills with an emphasis on formulating well documented legal positions in a clear and concise style. |
3 |
| LAW 6003 | Business Law This course covers major topics in the law of agency, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations, as well as select aspects of the federal securities laws. Using real-world examples and documents, students will learn the default legal rules governing the internal and external relationships of business entities. Students also will consider ethical issues relevant to the substantive legal issues addressed in the course. |
3 |
| LAW 6004 | Compliance This course focuses on the importance for business entities to adopt strong internal controls, federal and state regulation of minimum internal control standards, and best practices with respect to structuring internal controls. Students will evaluate control paradigms against the goal of maintaining efficient communication channels between management and employees, ensuring the accuracy of information submitted to regulatory authorities, and detecting illegal or disruptive conduct in a timely manner. The course will also discuss investigation protocols as well as issues and challenges in the investigation process. Students will consider ethical issues relevant to the substantive legal issues addressed in the course. |
3 |
| LAW 6005 | Risk Management This course introduces students to best practices related to the management of legal and related business risk. The course explores risk management processes and strategies as well as the metrics used to measure compliance with regulations. Students will learn how to identify, assess, and prioritize risk and to develop a risk management plan. |
3 |
| LAW 6006 | Privacy and Cybersecurity Law This course focuses on the legal and regulatory framework governing data privacy and cybersecurity. With an emphasis on financial data and personally identifiable information, the course will introduce students to regulations and safeguards that protect organizational and client privacy. Students will develop skills essential to the implementation of strategies for maintaining security compliance and managing related risks. |
3 |
| LAW 6007 | Contracts: Negotiation, Formation and Interpretation This course introduces students to the law that governs agreements for the future exchange of performances. Topics include conditions for contract formations, interpretations, resolution of ambiguities, and remedies for breach. This course will also take students through a hypothetical contractual process from negotiating the term sheets, to drafting the contract, to closing the transaction, and ending with post-closing obligations. Through this exercise, students will acquire a detailed understanding of the practical aspects of deal negotiations and execution, the timelines, and the major components of a negotiated contract. Students will consider ethical issues relevant to the substantive legal issues addressed in the course. |
3 |
| LAW 6008 | Employment Law This course covers regulations on the relationship between employees, managers, and business owners that are implemented to ensure a safe, fair, and respectful work environment. The course discusses the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers, introduces students to the law against discrimination in hiring, promotion and termination, and covers issues such as privacy in the workplace, adequate compensation, as well as workplace safety. The course also introduces students to theories and research on labor unions and labor-management relations, encouraging them to consider how insights from social theories and research can inform legal practice. Students will consider ethical issues relevant to the substantive legal issues addressed in the course. |
3 |
| LAW 6009 | Administrative Law Government agencies increasingly regulate the marketplace, establish and enforce rules pertinent to the health and safety of people, and provide basic services. This Administrative Law course explores the constitutional powers and limitations on agency actions, judicial review of agencies, and the procedures with which agencies must comply in regulating or providing benefits. Students will consider ethical issues relevant to the substantive legal issues addressed in the course. |
3 |
| LAW 6010 | Labor Law This course will introduce students to the principles of labor law, including union organizing, collective bargaining, contract enforcement, strikes, and relations between management and unions as well as unions and their members. Students will focus on key regulations that employers, including professional sports franchises, must follow in a unionized work environment. |
3 |
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s Degree (in any field of study) from a regionally accredited university.
- Statement of Interest and one professional or academic letter of recommendation from an individual you have known for a minimum of one year.
- Minimum of two years of professional work experience.
- An overall 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or higher from all previous undergraduate coursework.
*While we do not require an admissions test, prospective students may submit a GRE, LSAT, GMAT or other standardized test score to highlight applicant’s academic success.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees*:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
*Application fees are waived for Fall 2026 applications submitted by July 1st, 2026
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to grad.admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Graduate Admissions
2618 University Circle
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Applicants must submit a Statement of Interest expressing their experience as a working professional and identify the key factors of why/how the Master of Legal Studies degree will help them advance professionally.
In addition to the Statement of Interest, please include one professional or academic letter of recommendation from individuals you have known for a minimum of one year, presented on corresponding professional letterhead.
A resume demonstrating two years of professional experience. *
*Our program is designed to build on an existing career and relies on practical experience in the workplace.
International applicants must have a minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores below to be considered for acceptance. International students are not eligible for student visas for online programs.
- Score of 550 (paper version)
- or 190 (electronic version)
- 80 internet based test (iBT)
- 6.5 score on the IELTS is also acceptable
Application Deadlines
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Fall 2026 Spring 2027 |
August 8, 2026 December 22, 2026 |
August 24, 2026 January 11, 2027 |
Tuition & Fees
The University of Cincinnati's online programs allow students to pursue degrees without having to quit their jobs. Our online courses offer the same quality education found on campus in a modern format that fits students’ tight budgets and busy schedules.
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Accreditation & Rankings
- The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- The University of Cincinnati’s online programs consistently rank among the nation’s very best by U.S. News and World Report.
- Our program ranks as the #1 most affordable law school in Ohio.
- UC’s College of Law ranks in the top 100 public law schools among the 2024 Best Law Schools report from U.S. News & World Report.
Testimonials
Amanda F.'s experience:
Edreece R. shares his thoughts on the Legal Studies Master’s program.
“I’m 100% confident I’m a better professional because of the program. This degree has helped me have more meaningful input and discussions of managing distinct aspects of my current role and prepare for future opportunities. Specially, it has allowed me to enhance my legal literacy for the purposes of engaging in contract law and employment law.”
Amanda R. reflects on the program as a recent graduate of Legal Studies.
“It’s a great way to expand your legal knowledge without making the huge commitment of law school. The material was interesting and can be applied to many different situations.”
Amanda’s experience in the University of Cincinnati’s online MLS program serves as a source of inspiration for other professionals who may be considering a master’s degree in legal studies. Her transformative experience offers a glimpse into the potential benefits of combining healthcare and law.
Luke N. explains how the curriculum impacted his decision to enroll in the Legal Studies program 
“I wanted to increase my knowledge of the legal system and I was motivated to enroll because the Master of Legal Studies curriculum covers material that is found in nearly every profession and can provide a new perspective to my current position.”
Hope K. speaks highly of the Master of Legal Studies Experienced Faculty
“I was thoroughly impressed with the UC Master of Legal Studies program. As a UC Alumni, I knew this program would be taught by top notch faculty but once I started the program I found their credentials, professional backgrounds, and professional level of knowledge surpassed my expectations. Not only are they exceptionally knowledgeable, but they are also dedicated to teaching, being responsive to students, and are very approachable with questions. I feel that as a student I am valued and that my success is important to them.
Kirk B. shares how the Legal Studies Capstone Project applied to his current role
Kirk’s end-of-program capstone project dealt with Florida’s Sunshine Law. He describes it as an intricate piece of legislation that concerns public access to government meetings and records and says, “This statute was one I had to follow to assure compliance by my agency. This statute also has a lot of litigation, in part, because of the way it is written.”
Ready to get started?
We offer over 130 degrees from undergraduate to doctoral programs. Each program is supported by a team of Enrollment Services Advisors (ESAs) who are here to help answer any questions you have.