Gain a global perspective on law and business
at Arizona State University
Come get your Master of Legal Studies
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is one of the country’s preeminent law schools with a wide range of focus areas and unique experiences. Ranked #49 Academic Ranking of World Universities, ASU Law offers a 30 credit, one-year Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program for people who want to expand their knowledge of the U.S. legal system and business environment. No prior legal training is needed.
Elevate your career through unique experiences
ASU Law’s world-class faculty provide students with unparalleled opportunities to gain insights and practical skills needed to address legal challenges on a global scale. Spend a year with us to improve your English, network with future lawyers, and develop the knowledge and skills you need to help you succeed, no matter where your future leads you.
Get a leg up on other candidates by gaining knowledge of the U.S. legal system and how it affects all aspects of US business. A Master of Legal studies degree provides graduates with the experience in highly coveted focus areas where familiarity with the legal system provides students with both the skills and knowledge to gain employment and succeed in a wide range of careers.
Flexible schedule
The MLS program is flexible, offering fulltime and part-time schedules, as well as in-person and online options. The program offers start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Students may also be able to take classes in Washington, D.C..
ASU Law is located in Phoenix, Arizona, known for its Southwest culture, food, shopping and more. It is also three to six hours from popular weekend destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles and Mexico.
ASU Law is located in a new, state-of-the art building in downtown Phoenix, just steps away from the legal, political and economic heart of Arizona.
The in-person MLS is fully customizable to fit student interests and career goals. Students gain unparalleled opportunities to master legal principles in a variety of fields that prepare them to thrive within the changing global legal landscape, including:
The Business Law emphasis helps students develop critical insights into the legal environment in which businesses operate. Students learn how to assist companies and their leaders regarding regulatory issues, strategic decision making, and profit maximization. Our business-oriented classes prepare students to help businesses of all levels and sizes, from established multinational corporations to companies just getting off the ground.
MLS in Contract Management
Businesses interact with one another primarily though contracts. Thus, a basic knowledge of how contracts work is essential for those working for a wide variety of companies. A mastery of contract law allows professionals to effectively create, revise, and enforce the agreements that connect businesses to one another and make commerce possible. This program is an excellent option for students exploring careers in business, compliance, or HR.
MLS in Entrepreneurship Law and Strategy
The Entrepreneurship Law and Strategy degree program trains entrepreneurs, future entrepreneurs, and others in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to identify and address the legal and strategic issues facing new ventures.
MLS in Intellectual Property
The MLS in Intellectual Property introduces students to the U.S. legal system and U.S. intellectual property law, including patents, trademark, and copyright. Almost every business has intellectual property of some kind. Students focused in this area gain a detailed understanding of U.S. intellectual property law and the skills necessary to assist clients in securing and protecting their intellectual property.
Application Deadlines
Fall: June 1 (for students requiring a visa) Spring: November 1 (for students requiring a visa) Summer: April 27
Application Process
Admission to the MLS program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States or a comparable degree from a foreign institution. Graduate school entrance exams (e.g. LSAT, GRE, GMAT) are not required.
Applications must include the complete application and the following documents:
Personal statement no longer than 1,250 words on double-spaced, typed pages.
Resume that does not exceed three typed pages.
Writing sample
Explanations to affirmative answers to any conduct questions
Two letters of recommendation
Transcripts from all institutions attended, including the transcript showing a bachelor’s degree was conferred
For MLS applicants with foreign education credentials, please have all transcripts evaluated by the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc. (ACEI). ACEI independently evaluates all academic documents issued in countries other than the United States.
Please contact ACEI at acei-global.org to obtain an application for an evaluation. You must request a course-by-course evaluation and order that an official copy be sent directly to: Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law | Arizona State University | Office of Admissions and Financial Aid | 111 E Taylor St. | Phoenix, AZ 85004
English fluency
Evidence of English proficiency must be provided for non-English speaking prospective students who have not completed a four-year degree in the U.S.
Competitive applicants should have a TOEFL score at or near 90 (internet), an IELTS score at or near 7.0, OR a PTE score at or near 64.
Students may qualify for an exemption to the English Proficiency requirement by successfully completing ASU’s Global Launch Intensive English program. Learn more about the Global Launch Intensive English program. ASU’s institutional code is 4007.
International Student Tuition and Fees
The overall cost of attending ASU Law is among the lowest of all American Bar Association accredited law schools. The tuition and fee estimates below assume full-time enrollment (12+ semester hours per semester) for the entire academic year.
Online: $40,702
In-person: $42,365*
* Students attending academic institutions that have entered into agreements with ASU Law may qualify for reduced tuition and fees.
All estimates of tuition and fees are subject to change. Prospective and current students should verify tuition costs and fees prior to registration. See ASU Tuition and Fees Schedule.
ASU Law offers the unique opportunity for students to study and work in Washington, D.C.
ASU Law’s D.C. programs connect students to the breadth of externship and networking opportunities available only in D.C. Students can set themselves apart by gaining experience and contacts in Washington, whether or not they foresee staying in the nation’s capital after graduation.
ASU Law’s D.C. programs are led by faculty with decades of first-hand experience in the government, nonprofit, and private sectors in Washington. Students can explore federal regulation, legislative advocacy, tribal policy, intellectual property, international law and foreign policy, national security and much more. Master of Legal Studies students can take courses in-person or online while pursuing an externship opportunity in D.C. Externship opportunities may be subject to restrictions associated with federal student visa regulations.
The Barrett & O’Connor Center serves as home base for ASU Law students, faculty, and staff, and enables students to study in D.C. For more information about ASU Law’s programs in Washington, D.C., please contact the Washington, DC Program at asulawdc@asu.edu.
