August 21, 2025

Master’s students begin transformative journeys at ASU Law

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University welcomed a new class of master’s students this fall, representing a wide range of backgrounds, interests and goals.

 

ASU Law’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL) programs — offered both online and in-person — help students deepen their understanding of the law while tailoring their education to their personal and professional aspirations. ASU Law is ranked No. 1 in the nation for legal master’s graduates, reflecting the strength and reach of these programs. This fall’s entering class includes 340 students, among them 23 international students from 17 countries, one military-affiliated student and students from 13 different Tribes.

 

“We have a lovely, diverse group of legal master’s students this year,” said Annie Stone, director of graduate program academic services at ASU Law. “We encourage our students to challenge themselves, prepare for the intensity of classes, and to take initiative with networking and developing relations while in their legal master’s program.

 

For many students, that journey began with master’s orientation on Aug. 13, where they connected with faculty, staff and peers while preparing for the rigor of the semester.

 

“It was an excellent opportunity to attend the orientation and get to know my faculty and classmates,” said Micah Stark, an MLS student with an emphasis in conflict resolution. “Whether it was learning about some of the nuances of the program or hearing from current and former students on how to succeed through my time with the MLS, I am grateful for the support ASU has set up.”

 

Stark said he is eager to apply what he learns to leadership and problem-solving in daily life. 

 

“Since my area of focus centers on conflict resolution, I am most excited about learning different ways to employ legal knowledge to the interpersonal challenges which we inevitably face every day,” he said. “Having legal reasoning skills coupled with an understanding of the conflict resolution process can be invaluable when it comes to developing leadership skills in the 21st century.”

 

For international student Palida Puangsuk, who is pursuing an MLS with an emphasis in international law, orientation provided a helpful preview of the semester ahead.

 

“Although I was a bit surprised to realize the courses may be more challenging than I initially expected, it definitely helped me feel more prepared for the upcoming semester,” Puangsuk said. “As an international student with only a partial background in law, I have felt welcomed and supported since day one.”

 

She added that studying alongside JD and LLM students is motivating her to push herself while also opening the door to new opportunities.

 

“It gives me the chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds while also pushing me toward my goal of expanding my legal knowledge for future career growth in the field of international relations,” she said. “I already know this will be one of the most memorable and transformative years of my life.”

 

With students like Stark and Puangsuk leading the way, ASU Law’s master’s programs continue to attract learners seeking to expand their legal knowledge, develop career-ready skills and make an impact in their chosen fields.

 

To learn more, read ASU Law Talks resource blog at asu.law/talks.

Written by Kourtney Kelley