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Online Master of Science Degree in Legal Studies

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Program at a Glance
  • Purdue Global is one of the largest providers of legal studies programs in the U.S.*
  • Curriculum focuses on the legal system, dispute resolution, legal research and writing, legal reasoning and analysis, ethical decision-making, jurisprudence, legal history, and substantive areas of law.
  • Select the curriculum track that best suits your needs and choose electives to enhance your area of expertise.
COURSE EFFORT 15 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10-Week Terms
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 55
COST PER CREDIT $420
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How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Master of Science in Legal Studies Overview

From business to government to health care, nearly every industry has a need for professionals with an advanced legal education. Our online master’s in legal studies program is designed for working adults seeking to expand their career opportunities by arming themselves with knowledge of the law, legal terminology, and procedures.

Purdue Global’s online master’s in legal studies program will challenge you to solve real-world issues by applying legal principles in a case study format. Learn from faculty who are industry professionals in law, social science, and teaching. Start building a strong foundation of legal knowledge by completing specialized online courses designed to teach you:

  • Legal principles: Apply legal principles and concepts to the analysis of complex social, political, and economic issues.
  • Ethics: Reflect on the ethical and moral implications of the law and legal processes.
  • Leadership: Apply principles of leadership to shape change and improve the application and direction of the law and the legal system in relation to institutions and society.
  • Reflective practice: Use the skills of a reflective practitioner to analyze and solve problems within a professional context.

Choose From Two Tracks of Study

Customize your master's in legal studies by choosing from the following tracks:

  • Applied research: Develop a better understanding of applied research methods and their application to legal studies.
  • Comprehensive exam: Complete a written examination covering the core curriculum courses.

See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Opportunities for Professional Development

Online discussion boards provide the opportunity to engage with students from around the country and learn from their experiences.


You can also take advantage of the Graduate Resource Center, a self-paced course that includes information on professional memberships and clubs, career services, social networking, and more.

Purdue University Global Is Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

This accreditation covers all academic programs, all regional locations, and all programs provided via distance education. For more information, please visit HLCommission.org or call 800-621-7440.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Legal Studies?

Demand for legal services is growing and shifting. In addition, the need for legal professionals with regulatory and global compliance expertise is increasing.†

The knowledge, skills, and experience you acquire in an online master’s in legal studies program can help you stand out to employers when competing for senior management and administration positions in settings such as corporations, membership groups, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Reading Comprehension
  2. Active Listening
  3. Speaking
  4. Writing
  5. Critical Thinking

Top Jobs With This Degree

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Graduates are not authorized to practice law and will not be eligible to sit for any state's bar examination. This program was not designed to meet any specific state's requirements for licensure or certification, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information.

Coursework provides a solid foundation in legal doctrine while allowing you to develop and refine your ability to identify and analyze legal issues. Choose electives that build focused expertise in your chosen career field.

All courses are reviewed and revised continually by legal experts to ensure they reflect the most recent developments and legislation. 

Sample Courses
  • Legal Methods and Process
  • Ethics and the Professional
  • Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing
  • Jurisprudence and Legal History
  • Applied Research in Legal Studies
See All Legal Studies Courses
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits40
  • Elective Credits15
  • Total Credits55
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits35
  • Major Credits20
  • Total Credits55

Ways to Save

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Maine residents will pay $420.00 per credit for all graduate programs, with the exception of the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Legal Studies Faculty Directory
grad hat icon 97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 231 Faculty publications in 2018–2019
student at desk icon More Than 50,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2018–2019

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2019. 2018–2019 academic year.

Earn an Executive Juris Doctor Degree 1 Year Sooner

Upon graduating, you can apply some of your courses toward an Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) degree at Concord Law School. Save up to $10,690 in tuition and graduate a year sooner. You could earn both a master’s and EJD degree in as few as 3.5 years.‡ See which courses transfer.


Unlike the JD, which prepares you to sit for the bar exam and practice law, the online EJD is designed to help you build legal expertise to use in your career. Learn more.

Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Master of Science in Legal Studies and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2016-2017 Total Degrees and Certificates Conferred, First Major, Legal Professions and Studies, nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. Based on total number of degrees and certificates granted by Kaplan University compared to other Title IV institutions. Note: these data were reported prior to the March 2018 purchase of Kaplan University by Purdue University and subsequent creation of Purdue University Global.

†Source: Deloitte, Future Trends for Legal Services: Global Research Study, June 2016.

‡Purdue Global alumni are eligible for a 20% tuition reduction on Concord programs. Tuition savings calculated as 27 credit hours x reduced per credit tuition rate of $396 = $10,692. Savings will vary based on the courses completed in the student’s master’s degree program. Credits apply toward open elective and/or specialty electives in the EJD program.

Time savings based on a student who applies 27 credit hours toward the 3-year EJD program; remaining 45 credits can be completed in 2 years of study. MSLS can be completed in 1.5 years of study when adhering to the recommended course-load each term, taking courses in sequence, and without interruptions such as a leave of absence.