Application Requirements
Candidates for admission to the online Master of Legal Studies program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Upcoming Start Dates and Deadlines
| Program Start Date | Priority Application Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
January 2025 | October 28, 2024 | November 25, 2024 |
To apply to the program, you must submit the following:
- The online application.
- A nonrefundable application fee of $55.
- A resume or CV. Outline your employment history, scholarships received in college, professional or academic honors, speeches or lectures given, papers published, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant accomplishments.
- Official transcripts. Include transcripts from all colleges, universities, and graduate or professional schools attended.1 Official transcripts need to be ordered and sent electronically to appsvcs@onlinelaw.wcl.american.edu or in a sealed envelope directly from the institutions to the following address:
American University
Application Processing Center
Law@American
PO Box 30096 001-003
College Station, TX 77842 - Two letters of recommendation. Submit two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references who can recommend you for graduate study in law.
- A statement of purpose. Write a statement of purpose that does not exceed 500 words and answers the following questions:
How do you think this program will help you achieve your short-term and long-term professional and personal goals? How does your prior experience make you a well-qualified candidate for this program?
International applicants must submit either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment, the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the International Legal English Certificate (ILEC). The score you submit may not be more than two years old. The score must be sent from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) using institution code 8188 and department code 03, or from IELTS directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
1 Please note: To be considered an official transcript, the transcript must be sent directly from your institution(s) or through an electronic transcript vendor retained by that institution. Transcripts submitted by enrolled or prospective students are considered unofficial documents, even if they are in a sealed envelope provided to you by the issuing university.arrow_upward
Take the First Step Toward Earning a Master of Legal Studies