Admissions

Students can begin the online Master of Legal Studies program in either the fall or spring semester.

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Admissions Requirements

UMKC Law’s Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program is designed for working professionals who are seeking to enhance their legal knowledge and skills, but aren’t interested in becoming licensed attorneys. M.L.S. students come from many different backgrounds, and our requirements reflect that diversity:

1. Undergraduate degree: An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required. Although there is no minimum GPA requirement, applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance.
2. No professional experience or prerequisite courses are required: Our program is open to any individual looking to strengthen their legal expertise.

Application Checklist

• Application Form
  It takes less than 10 minutes to start an application for our program, and your progress is automatically saved, allowing you to take your time and come back to the application when you are ready. Start yours now.
• Application Fee
  A $25 application fee is required when you submit your materials.
• Official Transcripts
  Submit transcripts from all colleges or universities you’ve attended. To submit transcripts via mail, send them to:
  UMKC Office of Admissions
  5000 Holmes Street
  Kansas City, MO 64110

  For electronic submissions, send your transcript(s) to the Office of Admissions through Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse or eScrip-Safe.

• Professional Resume
  Take this opportunity to spotlight your achievements! Create a resume that highlights your career journey, educational background and noteworthy accomplishments.
• Statement of Purpose

  This is your chance to demonstrate how you envision this degree supporting your future. Share your professional background, what led you to legal studies and why UMKC’s Master of Legal Studies program is a good fit for you.

  Highlight how the program’s concentrations align with your career goals, and describe how you plan to apply legal knowledge in your desired or current field.

• Letter of Recommendation
  You’ll need at least one letter of recommendation from someone who can vouch for your success in a rigorous academic program. Choose a recommender who’s seen your growth — like a professor, mentor or supervisor — and can share specific examples of your accomplishments.
• English language proficiency scores (for international applicants)

Admissions Decision

Our M.L.S. program follows a rolling admissions process, so you can submit your application at any time and we’ll review it as it’s received.

The admissions team aims to respond to completed applications within five to ten business days.

Transfer Credits

You may transfer credits from other M.L.S. programs, following UMKC’s general credit transfer policies:

• A minimum of 15 credits must be completed at UMKC Law to fulfill degree requirements. Up to 15 credits may be transferred from other accredited M.L.S. programs if they meet UMKC Law standards.