@WashULaw

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 school 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
Receive a free WeWork membership to all locations worldwide

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. The degree can be completed in as little as one year.

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, research seminar or on-campus weekend immersion.

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.

Dual Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. Law and Transnational Legal Practice

The dual LL.M. degree offers foreign-trained lawyers the chance to earn a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. Law from Washington University School of Law, a top 20-ranked U.S. law school, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Legal Practice from Tecnológico de Monterrey Graduate School of Government and Public Transformation, the No. 1-ranked private university in Mexico. Students will graduate with a fundamental understanding of both U.S. and international law — including key topics like U.S. transnational litigation and arbitration, and international business transactions. Graduates are eligible to take the bar exam in California and Washington state.