Online Master's Degrees From Washington University School of Law

Build the Legal Skills to Advance Your Career

The Washington University School of Law offers master's degree programs online for professionals who want to advance their careers by building a foundation in U.S. law and legal procedure. Our programs allow you to earn a degree from a top-20 law school¹ without relocating or putting your career on hold. As a student in the program, you will:

  • Attend live, weekly virtual classes led by School of Law faculty
  • Follow a curriculum taught in the interactive, discussion-based Socratic method
  • Complete self-paced, weekly course work designed by on-campus faculty
  • Select from a range of electives such as health law, corporate compliance and intellectual property
  • Attend an optional weekend learning experience on campus in St. Louis, Missouri
  • No LSAT or GRE scores are required for admission.

We offer the following online degree programs:

Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program is designed for non-lawyers who would benefit from foundational legal knowledge but do not wish to become practicing attorneys. This degree is designed for a variety of professions such as paralegals, health-care administrators and social workers. Course work includes foundational legal processes such as contracts, civil procedure and legal writing, and examines how these topics apply across a variety of industries. Students in the MLS program can choose from five concentrations that allow them to specialize in a particular area of law: Business Law, Conflict Resolution, Litigation, Regulatory Compliance, and Employment Law. The degree can be completed in as little as one year.

Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Taxation

Designed for professionals who do not hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.), the online MLS in Taxation program equips professionals with a fundamental understanding of tax law, including the procedural and technical aspects. Students will gain critical thinking and analytical skills as well as the tools needed to anticipate and address changing tax legislation. Graduates are prepared to assist individuals and organizations in all major areas of tax law, such as accounting, government and corporate taxation.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation equips lawyers and law school graduates with a comprehensive and specialized understanding of the complexities of tax law. Students will graduate prepared to assist individuals and organizations in all major areas of tax, such as estate planning, employee benefits and corporate taxation. There are no in-person requirements, but students can enhance their online learning experience with an optional externship or research seminar.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. Law

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. Law is designed for international attorneys who would like to build a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. legal system and practice law in the United States. Course work covers a range of core legal topics — including contracts and legal writing —and students graduate prepared to think, write and practice like U.S. attorneys. The degree can be completed in as little as one year, and graduates are eligible to take the bar exam in California and Washington state.

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¹ 2022 Best Law Schools. (2020). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June 2021, from https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings