10 reasons the legal master’s degree at ASU Law could be your next big move

Joey Dormady

Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs and New Education Initiatives

Joey Dormady leads ASU Law’s growing portfolio of master’s degree programs and is passionate about creating accessible, high-quality legal education for students from all backgrounds.

In today’s world, understanding the law is not just for lawyers, it’s for anyone who wants to lead, serve and make a difference in their career field. This is why ASU Law created our Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree – to give professionals the tools to navigate complexity, uphold fairness and bring legal skills into every field, from hospitals to boardrooms to tribal nations. For over a decade, we’ve been national leaders in this space – empowering more legal master’s graduates than any other program in the country, because when more people understand the law, more people can protect what matters.

If you are thinking about advancing your career, expanding your knowledge or making a meaningful change with a legal master’s degree for non-lawyers, the ASU Law MLS offers a flexible, powerful way to get there. Here are 10 reasons why this degree may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

1. Join the nation’s top-ranked program

Pioneering the legal master’s landscape, ASU Law is ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for legal master’s graduates (NCES, 2019–2023), ahead of schools like Northwestern, Georgetown, USC and Texas A&M. That means when you earn your MLS here, you’re part of the country’s largest and most respected legal master’s network.

2. Study your way – online, in person or both

Life doesn’t pause for school. With the MLS, you can learn fully online, fully on campus in Phoenix, or through a mix of both. No matter which path you choose, your degree is the same, with no “online” distinction.

3. Graduate on your timeline

Finish the program as a part-time or full-time student, in as little as one year, or take up to five. Whether you want to pivot quickly or balance studies with work and family, the MLS adapts to your schedule.

4. Learn tools lawyers use every day

You’ll develop core skills like legal analysis, case reading and understanding statutes and regulations that you can apply to your job immediately. ASU Law’s expert faculty bring decades of real-world experience into the classroom to prepare you for practical success.

5. Unlock versatile career pathways

The ASU Law MLS is intentionally designed so you can adapt it to nearly any field. With more than 20 emphasis areas – including business law, intellectual property, health care compliance, sustainability and more – you can design a program that gives you a competitive edge. Whether you’re aiming for leadership in corporate compliance, seeking a policy role in government or strengthening your expertise in a growing industry, the MLS offers a tailored pathway.

6. Make an impact in areas you care about

Beyond professional advancement, the MLS helps you channel your education into causes that matter to you. Many students choose this program to deepen their ability to influence criminal justice reform, advocate for environmental sustainability or support stronger health policy. The degree equips you with the legal knowledge to turn personal convictions into meaningful impact, ensuring your work reflects not just your career goals but your values.

7. Understand the rules that shape our world

The law is more than rules and statutes — it’s the foundation of a just society. Every industry operates within a legal framework, and the MLS helps you see how laws are created, applied and enforced – and why they matter in business, government and daily life.

8. Boost your credibility and confidence

Legal knowledge commands respect. Earning a graduate degree from an ABA-accredited law school not only enhances your professional credibility, it also fuels your confidence as a leader and problem solver. Furthermore, many of the MLS emphases are accredited by or in alignment with affiliated professional organizations, including the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE), the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Compliance Certification Board (CCB). 

9. Gain skills that stand the test of time

Technology and industries evolve, but the ability to think critically, interpret laws and apply them to complex issues remains invaluable. These are skills you’ll carry throughout your career.

10. Expand your worldview

In ASU Law’s MLS program, you’ll collaborate with classmates from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds. This broad network enriches your perspective and can open unexpected career doors.