Featured Business Courses from AU’s Kogod School of Business:
- Business Law, Ethics, and Governance
- Management of Information Systems
- Cybersecurity Governance
- Database and Big Data
- Insights to Business Analytics
Online Master of Legal Studies
From American University Washington College of LawOnline Master of Legal Studies
From American University Washington College of LawOnline Master of Legal Studies
From American University Washington College of Law
Jump to:
Why Earn an MLS?
Curriculum
Specializations & Certificates
Admissions
Student Experience
Career Services
Gain Core Legal Skills with a Master of Legal Studies Degree
A thorough understanding of the law is not limited to practicing attorneys. The online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) from American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) is designed for professionals, like you, who have law-related responsibilities and understand the law’s important influence on both your daily job functions and your community at large.
The program offers the following specialization tracks: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, Technology, and Cybersecurity. Each specialization track features fundamental legal training and industry-specific knowledge that will improve your ability to make informed decisions that affect your organization and legitimize your credibility with clients, co-workers, and partners.
If you choose the Business, Health Care Compliance, Technology, or Cybersecurity track, you will earn a certificate in addition to your MLS degree.1
Jump to:
Why Earn an MLS?
Curriculum
Specializations & Certificates
Admissions
Student Experience
Career Services
Why Earn a Master of Legal Studies?
No matter how you deal with the law — whether it’s handling contracts, drafting new policies, or ensuring compliance with legal regulations in your field — earning an MLS degree equips you with the legal framework you need to effectively solve legal questions and challenges in your role. With an MLS, you will be able to broaden your leadership potential and open the door to new career advancement opportunities.
Through the online MLS at American University Washington College of Law, you will cultivate a solid foundation of knowledge in the U.S. legal system — including legal concepts and procedures — allowing you to better perform your job and make a difference in your community. Careers in many different industries can benefit from the knowledge gained in the MLS program in a variety of ways.
Paralegals
will gain the specialized legal knowledge needed to better support the lawyers within their firm and to stand out from their peers.
Business executives
will better understand legal terminology and regulations behind contracts and transactions.
Government employees
will understand the policies and legal regulations of government agencies they interact with on a daily basis.
Health care compliance managers
will develop an understanding of complex health care laws and regulations and learn to implement an effective health care compliance program.
Software engineers
will improve their understanding of IP and regulations that are impacting the rapidly changing tech field.
American University Washington College of Law’s Top-Ranked Specialty Programs in 2024 U.S. News & World Report Include2:
#9
International Law
#8
Intellectual Property Law
#15
Health Law
Jump to:
Why Earn an MLS?
Curriculum
Specializations & Certificates
Admissions
Student Experience
Career Services
Curriculum
The online MLS program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that features courses from American University’s Washington College of Law, the Kogod School of Business, and the #8-ranked School of International Service3.
With this unique partnership, you will not only graduate an expert in legal studies but will also will be able to translate your expertise into real-world business and international relations solutions.
The program consists of 30 credits and can be completed on a part-time or full-time schedule.
Focus your studies on one of the following specializations: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, Technology, and Cybersecurity
All MLS tracks include foundational courses, specialization courses, elective courses, and one in-person immersion on our Washington, D.C., campus. If you select the Business, Health Care Compliance, Technology, or Cybersecurity track, you will earn a certificate in addition to your MLS degree.
Foundational Courses
- Introduction to Courts and Law
- Introduction to Regulation and Compliance
- Drafting for Compliance Professionals
- Negotiation and Communication
Featured MLS Electives
- Contract Drafting
- Criminal Justice
- Government Contracting
- Health Care Law and Compliance
- Cyber Law
- Criminal Justice
- Human Resources Compliance
Featured International Relations Courses from AU’s School of International Service:
- Intercultural Communication
- International Negotiation
- Understanding Global Economics and Markets
- Global Economic Governance and Organizations
Increase Your Credibility Within Your Organization in as Few as 12 Months
Gain an advanced understanding of the law with a Master of Legal Studies online from American University Washington College of Law.
Jump to:
Why Earn an MLS?
Curriculum
Specializations & Certificates
Admissions
Student Experience
Career Services
Specializations and Certificates
AtAt the end of your second term, you will choose one of the following industry-specific specialization tracks that best aligns with your goals: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, Technology, Cybersecurity, or U.S. Legislation. If you select the Business, Health Care Compliance, Technology, Cybersecurity or U.S. Legislation track, you will earn a certificate in addition to your MLS degree.
If you choose to earn a Health Care Compliance certificate and meet certain qualifications, you may be eligible to receive an additional certificate accredited by the Compliance Certificate Board (CCB), which enables you to sit for the following exams within one year of completing the MLS program:4
- Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)®
- Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional–International (CCEP-I)®
- Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC)®
- Certified in Healthcare Research Compliance (CHRC)®
- Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC)®
General MLS
Gain a comprehensive understanding of legal concepts, legal procedures, and the overall U.S. legal system. This track is ideal for non-lawyer legal professionals who traditionally deal with the law, such as paralegals, HR professionals, government contractors, or social workers.
Featured Courses:
- Human Resources Compliance
- Government Contracting
- Criminal Justice
- Health Care Fraud and Abuse: Contracting and Compliance
- Anti-Corruption Law
- Business Law, Ethics, and Governance
Business
Learn to make more effective business decisions and ensure compliance with the law. This specialization is ideal for business, finance, or government professionals who could benefit from legal knowledge when dealing with contracts, negotiations, transactions, and other business procedures.
Featured Courses:
- Business Associations
- Banking and Financial Services Compliance
- Database and Big Data
- Business Law, Ethics, and Governance
- Management of Organizations and Human Capital
Health Care Compliance
Develop specialized knowledge needed to gain credibility, further the mission of your organization, and advance your career by implementing effective health care compliance programs. This specialization is designed for health care professionals, such as legal nurse consultants, health care administrators, or health care compliance auditors.
Featured Courses:
- Introduction to Regulation and Compliance
- Health Care Law and Compliance
- Health Care Fraud and Abuse: Contracting and Compliance
- Information Privacy and Data Security Law
- Drafting for Compliance Professionals
Technology
Cultivate fundamental skills needed to stay up to date with the rapid growth of technology and ensure compliance with the constantly changing laws surrounding the sharing and accessing of information. This specialization is designed for tech specialists in areas such as software engineering, e-Discovery, or IT.
Featured Courses:
- Management of Information Systems
- Cyber Law
- Electronically Stored Information
- Information Privacy and Data Security Law
- Cybersecurity Risk Management
- Cybersecurity Governance
- Database and Big Data
Cybersecurity
Learn to comply with internet law and data regulations, protect against data exposure, and better understand the legal and compliance concepts surrounding big data. This specialization is ideal for professionals who want to learn the most effective practices to manage risk in a digital economy.
Featured Courses:
- Cyber Law
- Information Privacy and Data Security Law
- Cybersecurity Risk Management
- Cybersecurity Governance
U.S. Legislation
Gain an in-depth understanding of the legislative processes and procedures used in state legislatures and local government agencies. Designed for emerging, non-lawyer professionals, this specialization features the real-world application of legislative processes legal professionals leverage on Capitol Hill, and beyond.
Featured Courses:
- Ethics in Law & Public Policy
- U.S. Legislative Skills
- U.S. Legislative Process
- State and Local Governments
Jump to:
Why Earn an MLS?
Curriculum
Specializations & Certificates
Admissions
Student Experience
Career Services
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 April 2025 cohort is
February 17, 2025
Jump to:
Why Earn an MLS?
Curriculum
Specializations & Certificates
Admissions
Student Experience
Career Services
Student Experience
The online MLS experience brings the AU campus to you, no matter where you are. While benefiting from the flexibility of online learning, you will gain access to some of the leading voices in the legal sphere and resources unique to AU’s location in the nation’s legal hub, Washington, D.C.
AU has offered fully online programs for over 10 years, and the MLS is designed based on research of what makes online learning successful. Through our combination of a hands-on, experiential approach and advanced technology, you will graduate with the experience, connections, and in-depth knowledge needed to succeed in your legal role.
Online Learning
Everything you need to succeed is located in the digital campus platform. Our mix of asynchronous material and live sessions gives you the flexibility of completing course work on your schedule while also collaborating face-to-face with your classmates and faculty in real time in the Zoom HD classroom.
The digital campus also hosts your self-paced course work and a suite of tools you can personalize to fit your learning style, including dark mode, video transcripts, and various video speed settings. Take a video tour of the digital campus.
Optional In-Person Immersions
Expand on your online learning during an in-person immersion on American University’s beautiful Washington, D.C., campus. At the optional immersion, you will have the opportunity to advance your presentation and negotiation skills in simulation exercises, network with industry experts, and collaborate with classmates on group projects.
There is also time set aside for you to tour the Supreme Court and explore Washington, D.C.—the center of the country’s legal institutions. Learn more about our in-person immersion.
Dedicated Faculty
You will learn from faculty who are deeply immersed in the legal community and bring their extensive professional experiences from various industries to the classroom. Faculty are accessible to serve as mentors who connect you with valuable law connections across different sectors.
Student Support Resources
We offer personalized technical and academic support from the admissions process to graduation. This includes an admissions counselor to help with your application, a student success advisor to keep you on track with classes, and a dedicated career advisor to help you prepare for the next steps in your career. Learn more about our career services.
Earn Your Master of Legal Studies Online in as Few as 12 Months
Gain the legal knowledge required to reach your goals.
Connections in D.C. and Beyond
Located in Washington, D.C., American University is immersed within the legal history and future of our country. You will benefit from the school’s ties to this legal environment and will have the opportunity to gain connections to important D.C. resources.
You will also join our vast alumni network in D.C. and around the world. This includes access to professionals in government, health care, intellectual property law, and international relations who are available to help you reach your career goals.
20,000+
Washington College of Law Alumni
130,000+
AU Alumni
The map displays states of residence for all MLS alumni and currently enrolled MLS students since the inception of the online program in 2019, including: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virgina, and Washington, DC.
Class Profile
American University Washington College of Law values its history of diversity and inclusion and continues to uphold its commitment to increasing accessibility to a quality legal education. The following information reflects enrolled students as of February 2020.
The self-reported data above reflect all-time enrolled students as of February 2020. The circle graph shows percentage breakdown of race: 50% Black/African American, 23% white, 13% Hispanic, 7% two or more races, 5% Asian. 2% of students chose not to report their race.
82%
Female
45%
Over the Age
of 35
9%
Military
Jump to:
Why Earn an MLS?
Curriculum
Specializations & Certificates
Admissions
Student Experience
Career Services
Career Services
As an MLS student, you will have access to a dedicated career advisor, as well as career resources designed to prepare you for today’s job market. Our Virtual Career Center features:
One-on-one Career Coaching
Whether you are looking for a career change or a job promotion, you can meet with your dedicated career advisor to discuss your professional goals, develop a customized action plan, get your resume reviewed, and learn strategic ways to network and negotiate salary.
Development Courses and Resources
Download helpful application materials and access self-directed professional development courses and lectures that will help you enhance personal branding and craft a successful application.
Employment Opportunities
Be in the know about employment opportunities that career advisors and other students share on the Virtual Career Center job wall.
Mock Interviews
Prepare for the big day by scheduling a mock interview with your career advisor, who will ask industry-specific questions, give you interactive exercises, and provide real-time advice.
The Founding Women of Washington College of Law
In 1896, Ellen Spencer Mussey and Emma Gillett were determined to lead the first generation of women into legal practice. Having been denied admission to traditional male-dominated law schools, these two women’s rights advocates recognized their opportunity to make history. That year, Washington College of Law became the first law school in the world founded by women. Two years later, it became the first to have a woman dean and the first to graduate an all-female law school class.
Our founding mothers believed that lawyers had a crucial role to play in the development of society, business, government, and individual freedoms. Today, the Washington College of Law stays true to its founders and continues to be a center for activism and an institution of gender equality. When our students graduate, we ensure that they understand their power and obligation to remove legal barriers to women’s full participation in society.
Washington College of Law founders: Ellen Spencer Mussey and Emma Gillett
Camille A. Nelson, Former Dean at American University Washington College of Law, 2016-2020
At AUWCL, We Champion What Matters
Champion What Matters speaks to the passion and principles that guide this law school community. People here stand up for ideas and ideals and truly want to make a difference. We speak up. We act. We champion the rights of musicians through copyright law. We champion health care legislation. We champion human rights around the world. And we champion environmental policy.
MLS v. JD v. LLM:
Which Degree Is Right for You?
There are many factors to consider when deciding which law degree is right for you. American University Washington College of Law offers on-campus and online law programs so you can earn the degree that best fits your lifestyle and career goals. When assessing the differences between a Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Juris Doctor (JD), and Master of Laws (LLM), it is important to consider your career objectives, the time to complete the degree, and the testing requirements.
Master of Legal Studies
Our online MLS degree is for professionals who interact with the law — legal documents, contracts, or regulations — in their daily lives but are not interested in practicing law in a courtroom. The flexible nature of our online MLS program allows you to continue to work while earning your degree. It also features industry-specific specializations and certificates for roles that require specific legal expertise in areas such as business, health care, compliance, financial services, or cybersecurity.
The MLS does not require GRE or LSAT scores for admission and can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Juris Doctor
Our on-campus JD degree prepares students to represent clients and become practicing lawyers in the private or public sector. Our JD program requires applicants to submit either an LSAT or GRE score for admission. Upon completion of the degree, you must also study for and pass the Bar Exam in order to become a practicing lawyer.
Our JD program takes three years to complete full-time or four years to complete part-time.
Master of Laws
Our on-campus LLM degree is for lawyers looking to advance and enhance their skills in a particular area of law. You can earn an LLM if you already have a JD or an LLB (for foreign attorneys) and are interested in learning new strategies and tools to master a specific area of law, such as advocacy, IP, or international legal studies.
Foreign-trained lawyers can also use the LLM to become eligible to take the Bar Exam in certain U.S. states. Our LLM degree can usually be completed in one year.
Develop Advanced Legal Skills Needed to
Make a Difference
1 The Master of Legal Studies and the associated certificate offerings are not J.D. degree programs and will not qualify a graduate to become a lawyer, practice law, sit for the bar exam, or engage in activities for which a law license is required. Coursework completed in either of these programs is not transferable to a J.D. program.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2 U.S. News & World Report. Accessed August 2024.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
3 Top Master’s Programs for Policy Career in International Relations—Foreign Policy magazine, 2018. Accessed September 2020.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
4 Administered by the Health Law and Policy Program, the Health Care Compliance Certificate (HCCC) designates students in the J.D., L.L.M., and MLS programs who have completed a specialization of courses in health care law and compliance. The Health Care Compliance Certificate is accredited by the Compliance Certificate Board (CCB). MLS students who complete the health care compliance track will earn the certificate and be eligible to sit for the CHC, CHPC, CHRC, CCEP and/or the CCEP-I exams within 12 months of completing the program.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference Return to footnote reference