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Legal Studies, MLS

Advance your career with an Master of Legal Studies in General Studies. Gain in-depth legal knowledge for various industries and legal settings without a traditional attorney path.

About this Program

Gain In-Depth Legal Knowledge to Advance Your Career

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a program for students who want an in-depth understanding of the legal principles necessary to navigate complex business operations, public policy, government regulations, and compliance and risk management.

The purpose of the MLS degree program is to educate professionals who work in areas related to the law by providing them with general knowledge of law and specific legal knowledge in their field of interest.

The MLS General Studies track is specifically tailored to students’ area of interest, depending on their professional goals and learning objectives.

Our students and alumni use their legal training in a variety of industries and legal settings, without pursuing a traditional law degree to become a licensed attorney.*

The program is designed for students who have an interest in law, work with legal issues, would like to research the law, or who are seeking ways to expand their career opportunities. It is not intended to train students to become lawyers, nor to prepare them for the bar exam.

Examples of professional or academic areas students may wish to focus their studies include environmental law, labor and employment, intellectual property and many more.

Evening Classes, Designed for Working Professionals

  • The program is designed to accommodate working students who wish to attend classes in the evening.
  • Students may complete their studies by attending classes part- or full-time.
  • Courses are mostly taught in-person, with two online.
  • Full-time students can complete their studies within 9-12 months.
  • Part-time students can complete their studies within 18-24 months.

*ABA requirements do not allow MLS coursework to count toward a future Juris Doctorate (JD) degree. The MLS does not enable you to sit for a bar exam or practice law.

Legal Studies, MLS, at a Glance

Learn how this MLS degree will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

The MLS program requires the completion of 30 credits, which includes required courses and a specific number of core courses, with the remaining credits chosen from approved electives and independent study.

Students work with program staff to create an individualized curriculum plan based on their chosen track.

Please note that courses listed below may not be available or offered within a semester or an academic calendar year. The law school reserves the right to schedule courses based upon demand and to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and responsive to industry and emerging trends.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your individual curriculum plan with program staff to ensure you achieve your academic goals and meet program requirements:

Administrative Law*

Business Entities*

The Business of Intellectual Property*

Contract Drafting*

Copyright Law

Corporate Governance

Corporate Finance

Employment Law

Environmental Law

Immigration Law

Mediation Skills

Natural Resources

Negotiations

Patent Law

Trademark Law

Transactional Law: Making the Deal

*Core courses — at least four are required to complete a degree unless a waiver is granted.

The purpose of the MLS degree program is to educate professionals who work in areas related to the law by:

  • Providing them with general knowledge of law and
  • Specific knowledge of law in their field of interest.

The MLS in General Studies track is specifically tailored to the individual student’s area of interest depending on the student’s professional goals and learning objectives.

Students engaged in various activities within a university hall.

Top 20

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Career-Ready Education in an Inclusive Environment

Professor Paula Enguidanos working with a law student

Renowned Legal Writing Program

Our top-ranked Legal Writing Program will give you the tools to become a highly effective legal writer who can communicate legal knowledge to get results for your organization.

Seattle University law students in conversation outside of Sullivan Hall

Global and Inclusive Community

Earn your degree at one of the nation's most diverse law schools, marked by an inclusive community that is welcoming to all.

From Our Student

Barbie Weaver

Barbie Weaver, ‘25

“My experience as an MLS student has given me a deeper understanding of legal principles without committing to a full law degree. The experience has challenged my critical thinking and problem-solving skills – assets that will extend beyond the legal realm.”

Master of Legal Studies

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about MLS programs at Seattle University, contact:

Seattle University School of Law

901 12th Avenue, Sullivan Hall 209