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To learn more about the online Master of Legal Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and download a program brochure, please fill out the form. You can also talk one-on-one with an enrollment specialist directly by calling 816-282-1433.
To be a compliance professional, you don’t need to be a lawyer. The MLS offers more flexibility, a faster timeline and a more affordable price. It’s a great career pathway for those interested in legal issues.
Barbara Zabawa, Associate Professor of Law
Why Choose UMKC’s Online Master of Legal Studies?
Our online MLS (30 credits) is a hands-on legal studies degree program designed with your responsibilities in mind. In our program, you will:
- Move through coursework week by week with no required live sessions
- Benefit from the expertise of professors and instructors who are certified in online teaching and teach in UMKC Law’s J.D. and LL.M. programs
- Learn in a program designed specifically for non-lawyers and the legal issues they face the workplace
- Earn your MLS online at a highly affordable tuition rate
MLS Concentrations
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, UMKC School of Law lets you customize your degree to fit career goals and industry needs. Choose from our in-demand concentrations and gain the skills for success.
- Health Law
Build a legal foundation in healthcare compliance, regulation and risk management that prepares you to manage the unique legal challenges of the healthcare industry. - Human Resources Law
Work through key employment laws, workplace policies and regulatory issues critical for HR professionals, enhancing your ability to manage personnel challenges and mitigate risks. - Compliance
Gain expertise in corporate compliance, policy development and organizational risk. This concentration is ideal for those managing legal and ethical standards in their organizations. - General
Choose from any electives we offer to craft a curriculum that fits your goals.
By enrolling in UMKC’s online Master of Legal Studies program, you’re choosing an affordable, flexible and highly respected legal studies degree that opens new doors for your career.
We’re not just teaching students how to think like a legal expert or how to act like a legal expert; we’re teaching them what it means to be a legal expert. It’s about values, the skills of serving people and a commitment to professional excellence and continual growth.
Barbara Glesner Fines, Professor of Law
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Master of Legal Studies is a graduate degree designed for professionals who work in highly regulated fields or regularly interact with the law but do not intend to become practicing attorneys. UMKC Law’s MLS program equips you with essential legal knowledge and analytical skills to interpret laws and regulations relevant to your field without a J.D. or bar licensure.
While a J.D. prepares students to become licensed lawyers, an MLS provides a foundation in legal knowledge for those who need legal expertise to support their professional roles. In an online MLS, you’ll gain knowledge in areas like contracts, compliance, ethics, regulatory law and legal research so you can effectively navigate legal issues and make better-informed business decisions.
Graduates of UMKC’s MLS program are equipped to take on specialized roles within their industries, manage complex legal issues and support their organizations’ compliance and risk needs. According to Payscale, the average Master of Legal Studies salary is $72,000. Here are some potential MLS careers:
- Compliance manager
- Contract specialist
- Human resources director
- Regulatory analyst
Talk to an enrollment specialist to learn more about potential legal studies careers.
The online MLS program tuition is $660 per credit hour, totaling $19,800 for 30 credits. Additional costs include an online course fee ($58.50 per credit), books and supplies.
See our tuition page for more information.
Yes, students can focus on one of four areas: compliance, health law, human resources law or general legal studies.
UMKC Law’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program is designed for working professionals who are seeking to enhance their legal knowledge and skills but aren’t interested in becoming licensed attorneys. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must:
- Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
- There is no minimum GPA requirement, but applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance
No professional experience or prerequisite courses are required. Visit our admissions page for more information.
Our program can be completed in two years on a part-time schedule. Learn more about the workload and flexible learning structure on our curriculum page.
Ready to learn more about our online MLS program?
Download our brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions and FAQ pages.
