The Master of Legal Studies program is designed for professionals who are looking to advance their career through the study of law. It is ideal for non-lawyers in any field – from the private, nonprofit or government sectors – who need to understand and navigate law, regulation, disputes or attorneys. The program has eight specializations to choose from: Business Law; Employment & Human Resources Law; Entertainment & Media Law; Environmental Law; Government & National Security Law; Health Law & Policy; Law & Technology; and Public Interest Law. Students can also customize their curriculum to suit their professional interests.
The M.L.S. Program: Professional Advancement through the Study of Law
Our Master of Legal Studies degree is specially designed for professionals who need to understand the law but not become practicing attorneys.
Courses
Students must complete a minimum of 26 semester units in order to earn an M.L.S. degree. There are three categories of courses:
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Required Core Courses
(1) Required core courses, designed exclusively for M.L.S. students (12 units total):
- Introduction to Law (1 unit, taught from August 17-21, 2020)
- Private Law: Property and Contract (3 units, fall semester)
- The Modern Regulatory State (3 units, fall semester)
- Legal Analysis and Communication (2 units, fall semester)
- Business Law for Non Lawyers OR The American Dispute Resolution System (3 units, spring semester)
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Elective Courses
(2) Elective courses, selected from the UCLA Law J.D. curriculum (11-15 units total). 200+ courses to choose from.
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Capstone Seminar
(3) A capstone seminar (3 units), which allows students to deeply engage with issues relevant to their career focus or intellectual interest.