ASU Law Talks
What is the difference between a Juris Doctor and a legal master's degree?
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.
If you're considering becoming a legal professional, one of your first decisions is choosing the right law degree and law school for your goals. At Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, we offer both Juris Doctor (JD) and legal master's degree programs with flexible learning options online, on campus, full-time or part-time. Each is designed for different career paths and lifestyles, yet all are backed by ASU Law's commitment to excellence and our mission to reimagine legal education.
What is a JD degree?
A JD is the professional degree required to practice law. At ASU Law:
- The JD program is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)
- Requires 88 credit hours
- Typically takes three years full-time on campus and three and a half to four years part-time online
- Financial aid and scholarships are available
- Prepares students to sit for the bar exam in most U.S. jurisdictions
What is a legal master’s degree?
A legal master’s degree, such as the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), is designed for professionals who want to bring legal literacy, knowledge and skills to their work without becoming a practicing attorney. Many emphases align with professional organizations such as SHRM, HCCA and SCCE, which provide added credibility in the workplace, as well as career advancement or new options for career changers.
- Degree options include the MLS, with more than 20 emphasis areas like Business Law, Criminal Law, Health Care Law and Administration, and Corporate and Health Care Compliance; Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL); and Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB)
- Programs require 30–36 credits
- Can be completed in as little as one year
- Flexible formats: online or on campus, part-time or full-time
- Financial aid and scholarships are available
How do the career outcomes differ between a JD and a legal master’s?
JD graduates
- Attorney, public defender or judge
- General counsel
- Government or nonprofit policymaker
- Corporate or academic leadership
MLS graduates
- Leadership roles in which law intersects with business, compliance, HR or health care
- Compliance officer
- HR director
- Executive leader, vice president or CEO
- Sports GM, executive, commissioner or agent
- Health care administrator
- Public safety officer
- Non-lawyer limited legal practitioner in the the State of Arizona through the Legal Paraprofessional (LP) license eligible to graduates with an MLS in Arizona Paraprofessional studies.
Student perspectives
“I decided to pivot from the MHREL program to the JD program when I realized I was more interested in the behind-the-scenes legal and compliance work than in managing daily employee issues. While both programs are valuable, the JD felt like a better fit for me. I was ready to move away from constant interpersonal challenges and focus on the legal aspects of workplace management. The JD program offered broader opportunities beyond traditional HR, which made the decision worth it.”
– Kelly Rockhold Halfwassen, MHREL to JD student
“I chose ASU because of its strong reputation for innovation, especially in legal education. The MLS program stood out to me because it offered exactly what I was looking for — a specialized focus in health care law and administration… I want to dive even deeper into health care policy, exploring how legal frameworks can drive systemic improvements in care delivery, compliance and equity. My experience in the MLS program has solidified my passion for the intersection of law and health care, and I’m excited to keep building on that foundation.”
– Chanel Okosun, Master of Legal Studies alum with an emphasis in health care law and administration
What resources does ASU Law provide for students?
At ASU Law, both JD and legal master’s students benefit from:
- A top-ranked law school dedicated to helping students achieve their goals
- World-class faculty and innovative coursework
- ABA accreditation
- Access to job placement assistance, student advising and a world-class law library
- Affordable, flexible learning pathways
Which law degree is right for me?
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you think through your options.
| Factor | Juris Doctor (JD) | Legal Master’s (MLS, MHREL, MSLB) |
|---|---|---|
| Career goals | Become a licensed attorney, represent clients in court, work as a judge or legal counsel | Advance in your field with legal skills (compliance, HR, health care, sports, business, etc.); Legal paraprofessional |
| Practice of law | Yes – required to sit for the bar exam | Not eligible for bar licensure; Arizona Legal Paraprofessional program |
| Length of program | 3 years full-time; 3.5–5 years part-time online | 1–2 years, depending on pace |
| Enrollment options | Full-time, on campus in Phoenix; part-time and online option | Fully online or on campus in Phoenix; full-time or part-time options |
| Flexibility | Structured, especially in year one; limited ability to work while enrolled full-time; part-time, online option provides more flexibility to balance other commitments alongside JD coursework | Designed with flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals and those balancing family responsibilities |
| Admissions | Bachelor’s degree; competitive qualifications; LSAT or JD-Next test score or test-optional pathway (for fall 2026 full-time, on-campus applicants) | Bachelor’s degree; no test requirements; FastApp option available |
| Tuition* | $87,111–$154,077* (total amount for 88 credits based on residency, pathway and duration) | $31,200–$57,053* (varies by residency, degree and duration) |
| Specializations | Certificates in Indian Law, Health Law, Trial Advocacy and more; 7 core areas of emphasis | 20+ emphasis areas including Business Law, Compliance, Sports Law, Tribal Self-Governance and more |
*All estimates of tuition are subject to change. Prospective students and current students are responsible for verification of tuition costs and fees prior to registration. See ASU Tuition and Fees Schedule.