How to Apply to the M.L.S. Program

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law offers the Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program for students who do not wish to practice law but believe that some education in the law would be beneficial to their advancement in their careers in other fields. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall or spring entry.

In order to be admitted to the M.L.S. program, an applicant must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States or attained a comparable degree from a foreign institution and have submitted a complete application to the program. Selection will be based on a variety of factors including academic background and potential, diversity of experience and background, career experience and ambitions, space and resource limitations in the law school, and any other factors.
  

The Application Process

Application for the M.L.S. Program
Application for admission

Personal Statement
Academic background and academic record, though important, are not the only criteria evaluated in the application process. For this reason, a statement, written by you and no longer than 1250 words on double-spaced, typed pages, is a required part of the application. In this statement we seek information about your distinctive qualities, talents, successes, achievements, interests, and life experiences as well as an explanation of your professional aspirations as they relate to the M.L.S. program.

Résumé
Attach a descriptive résumé of no more than 3 typed pages. Please include details about your educational background, honor societies, scholarships, work history, military service, extracurricular activities, public/community service, honors and awards, publications, and any other significant achievements and involvements. As to work, include a complete and chronological list of positions (including organization, name, phone number, dates of employment, and hours worked).

Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for consideration for the M.L.S. program.  They must be sent directly to the Admissions Office by your recommenders or sealed by each recommender and submitted with your application. The most helpful recommendations usually are those that address the candidate’s strength of character, academic background, analytical abilities, and communication skills.

Academic Transcripts
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions of higher education that you attended must be submitted to the College of Law. "Official transcript" means a transcript certified by the issuing school to us or delivered to us in a sealed envelope with a seal intact. Applicants who have received undergraduate or graduate degrees from foreign institutions must have their transcript(s) evaluated by World Education Services (WES) and have that evaluation sent to our office by WES.

Written Sample
A personal, academic, or professional writing or report, produced by you and of no less than 2 typed pages, must be submitted with your application.

Graduate School Entrance Exams - Optional
Graduate school entrance exams (e.g., LSAT, GRE, GMAT, etc) are not required. Nevertheless, applicants who have taken a graduate school entrance exam are invited to report their scores.
  

Priority Deadline for Submission of M.L.S. Application

  • Fall Application Priority Deadline: July 30
    • International Applicants Who Require a Visa: June 15
  • Spring Application Priority Deadline: November 30    
    • International Applicants Who Require a Visa: October 30
  

More Information

For an application to be considered complete, it must include the following:
  • A $65 application fee (check / money order);
  • A personal statement that is no longer than 1250 words on double-spaced, typed pages;
  • A resume that does not exceed three typed pages;
  • A writing sample
  • Explanations to affirmative answers to any conduct questions;
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended, including the transcript showing that the bachelor's degree was conferred; and
  • The complete M.L.S. application form. 

     

Applicants who have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a foreign institution please refer to the special instructions for Foreign Educated Applicants section on our website.