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American University’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program empowers nonlawyer professionals to leverage their legal fluency in a variety of industries. Our rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum taught by AU’s experienced faculty blends legal, business, and international relations courses to provide a dynamic online learning experience.American University’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program empowers nonlawyer professionals to leverage their legal fluency in a variety of industries. Our rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum taught by AU’s experienced faculty blends legal, business, and international relations courses to provide a dynamic online learning experience.American University’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program empowers nonlawyer professionals to leverage their legal fluency in a variety of industries. Our rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum taught by AU’s experienced faculty blends legal, business, and international relations courses to provide a dynamic online learning experience.

  • No GRE or LSAT Required—AU believes standardized test scores may not fully reflect a student’s legal proficiency or ability to apply expert problem-solving skills in environments of rapidly evolving policies and regulations. That’s why we prioritize you over your test scores.
  • 6 in-depth specializations to help you meet your career goals—Focus on general MLS, business, health care compliance, technology, cybersecurity, or U.S. legislation.
  • Scholarships Guaranteed—The online MLS program is guaranteeing a tuition scholarship of $15,000 to students who are accepted to and enrolled in an upcoming cohort.

Gain an Advanced Understanding of the Legal System with a Master of Legal Studies

Legal competence continues to prove its importance as the law permeates almost every industry. Designed for professionals, like you, who interact with the law but are not practicing lawyers, an online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) will improve your understanding of the U.S. legal system so you can make more informed decisions, enhance your credibility, and advance your career.

The American University Washington College of Law online MLS program prepares you with a solid foundation of legal knowledge and is designed so that you can customize your degree to align with your specific interests and career goals. You can choose from the following MLS specialization tracks:

General MLS | Business | Health Care Compliance | Technology | Cybersecurity | U.S. Legislation

Learn More about the MLS Program

$15,000 Scholarships Guaranteed

Applicants admitted to the October 2024, January 2025, or April 2025 cohort will be guaranteed a scholarship of $15,000.

About American University Washington
College of Law

Over 120 years ago, at a time when women were generally excluded from the legal profession, American University Washington College of Law became the first law school in the world to be founded by women. It followed by having the first woman dean and the first all-female law school class.

American University Washington College of Law has a tradition of providing opportunities for those historically outside of the mainstream of the legal profession. Since its founding, the school has remained committed to creating a law school that values equality, diversity, inclusivity, and experiential learning. Key to student success, the respected faculty embrace the school’s values and play an essential role as mentors who help build connections in the legal field.

#9

International Law

#8

Intellectual Property Law

#15

Health Law

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools rankings for American University Washington College of Law’s Specialty Programs. Retrieved August 20241

“I am truly honored to lead Washington College of Law and American University and look forward to building upon the foundation of WCL’s impressive tradition of scholarly and teaching distinction, commitment to inclusive excellence, and service to the legal profession and society – in the District of Columbia, throughout the nation, and around the world.”

Heather Hughes,
Interim Dean at American University Washington College of Law

Admissions

Application Requirements
Learn about what you need to apply.

Upcoming Events
Learn more about the program by attending one of our events.

The final application deadline for the upcoming January 2026 cohort is

November 24, 2025

Request Information

Student Experience

The online MLS program combines online collaboration with face-to-face learning to create an engaging learning experience. As a student in the program, you will participate in live online classes, complete self-paced coursework, and attend an in-person immersion on our Washington, D.C. campus.

By attending American University Washington College of Law, you will gain access to the legal hub of Washington, D.C. and will be at the center of some of the world’s most valuable legal resources and connections. You will also join a large alumni network of talented legal professionals who can support you in reaching your career goals.

Get Started Today

Request more information about the online Master of Legal Studies from American University Washington College of Law.

American University’s Washington College of Law Master of Legal Studies distance education degree program has been granted acquiescence by the American Bar Association.

For information regarding the accreditation and state licensing of American University, please visit American University’s State Authorization Information page.

1U.S. News & World Report. Accessed August 2024.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference