Seattle University quad and fountain looking north

Legal Studies, MLS

Advance your career with an Master of Legal Studies in General Studies. Gain in-depth legal knowledge for various industries and legal settings without a traditional attorney path.

  1. Academics
  2. All Programs
  3. Legal Studies, MLS

About this Program

Gain In-Depth Legal Knowledge to Advance Your Career

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a program for students who want an in-depth understanding of the legal principles necessary to navigate complex business operations, public policy, government regulations, and compliance and risk management.

The purpose of the MLS degree program is to educate professionals who work in areas related to the law by providing them with general knowledge of law and specific legal knowledge in their field of interest.

The MLS General Studies track is specifically tailored to students’ area of interest, depending on their professional goals and learning objectives.

Our students and alumni use their legal training in a variety of industries and legal settings, without pursuing a traditional law degree to become a licensed attorney.*

The program is designed for students who have an interest in law, work with legal issues, would like to research the law, or who are seeking ways to expand their career opportunities. It is not intended to train students to become lawyers, nor to prepare them for the bar exam.

Examples of professional or academic areas students may wish to focus their studies include environmental law, labor and employment, intellectual property and many more.

Evening Classes, Designed for Working Professionals

  • The program is designed to accommodate working students who wish to attend classes in the evening.
  • Students may complete their studies by attending classes part- or full-time.
  • Courses are mostly taught in-person, with two online.
  • Full-time students can complete their studies within 9-12 months.
  • Part-time students can complete their studies within 18-24 months.

*ABA requirements do not allow MLS coursework to count toward a future Juris Doctorate (JD) degree. The MLS does not enable you to sit for a bar exam or practice law.

Legal Studies, MLS, at a Glance

Learn how this MLS degree will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

The MLS program requires the completion of 30 credits, which includes required courses and a specific number of core courses, with the remaining credits chosen from approved electives and independent study.

Students work with program staff to create an individualized curriculum plan based on their chosen track.

Please note that courses listed below may not be available or offered within a semester or an academic calendar year. The law school reserves the right to schedule courses based upon demand and to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and responsive to industry and emerging trends.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your individual curriculum plan with program staff to ensure you achieve your academic goals and meet program requirements:

Administrative Law*

Business Entities*

The Business of Intellectual Property*

Contract Drafting*

Copyright Law

Corporate Governance

Corporate Finance

Employment Law

Environmental Law

Immigration Law

Mediation Skills

Natural Resources

Negotiations

Patent Law

Trademark Law

Transactional Law: Making the Deal

*Core courses — at least four are required to complete a degree unless a waiver is granted.

The purpose of the MLS degree program is to educate professionals who work in areas related to the law by:

  • Providing them with general knowledge of law and
  • Specific knowledge of law in their field of interest.

The MLS in General Studies track is specifically tailored to the individual student’s area of interest depending on the student’s professional goals and learning objectives.

Students engaged in various activities within a university hall.

Top 20

Most Innovative Law Schools —National Jurist/PreLaw 2020-23

people group icon

A+

Racial Justice —National Jurist/PreLaw 2020-23

balanced scale icon

A

Diversity, International Law, Business Law —National Jurist/PreLaw 2020-23

Career-Ready Education in an Inclusive Environment

Professor Paula Enguidanos working with a law student

Renowned Legal Writing Program

Our top-ranked Legal Writing Program will give you the tools to become a highly effective legal writer who can communicate legal knowledge to get results for your organization.

Legal Writing Program
Seattle University law students in conversation outside of Sullivan Hall

Global and Inclusive Community

Earn your degree at one of the nation's most diverse law schools, marked by an inclusive community that is welcoming to all.

Student Life

From Our Student

Barbie Weaver

Barbie Weaver, ‘25

“My experience as an MLS student has given me a deeper understanding of legal principles without committing to a full law degree. The experience has challenged my critical thinking and problem-solving skills – assets that will extend beyond the legal realm.”

Master of Legal Studies

Discover more programs to explore

Program Directory

  • American Legal Studies, LLM

    Master's

    With the Master of Laws in American Legal Studies, you may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in Washington and several other states—and begin a rewarding career as a U.S.-based lawyer.

    • Master of Laws

  • Compliance & Risk Management, MLS

    Master's

    The online MLS in Compliance and Risk Management gives non-attorneys a legal education to manage and assess risks and opportunities.

    • Master of Legal Studies

  • Health Law, MLS

    Master's

    The Master of Legal Studies in Health Law helps non-attorneys gain an in-depth understanding of legal principles related to healthcare to advance their careers.

    • Master of Legal Studies

  • Juridical Science, SJD

    Doctorate

    In the Doctor of Juridical Science program, you will research and write a dissertation, while auditing courses and participating in the intellectual life of Seattle University.

    • Doctor of Juridical Science

  • Juris Doctor (JD)

    Juris Doctor (JD)

    Earn your law degree in a full-time JD program. Through a demanding values-based curriculum that integrates classroom instruction with real-world learning opportunities.

    • JD

  • Juris Doctor (JD), Global Accelerated

    Juris Doctor (JD)

    If you’re a foreign-trained lawyer or graduate of a non-U.S. law school, you can earn a JD degree in less time and have the opportunity to sit for the bar exam in any state.

    • JD

  • Juris Doctor (JD), Part-Time Flex

    Juris Doctor (JD)

    Earn your law degree through a highly ranked, part-time hybrid online JD program. Launch a rewarding legal career as a lawyer committed to justice, dignity and equity.

    • JD

  • Legal Studies, MLS

    Master's

    With the Master of Legal Studies, non-attorneys gain an in-depth understanding of legal principles to advance their careers. The General MLS provides legal training for a variety of industries.

    • Master of Legal Studies

  • Political Science, BA

    Major, Minor

    As a political science major, you will explore the realities of political behavior at local, state, national and international levels.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Public Affairs, BA

    Major, Minor

    In the public affairs major, you will build a solid base in leadership, economics, public policy, management and finance to prepare you to take action for social change.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Sports Law, MLS

    Master's

    The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Sports Law provides non-attorneys with an in-depth understanding of legal principles related to the sports industry to advance their careers.

    • Master of Legal Studies

  • Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship, LLM

    Master's

    Get advanced skills and legal knowledge in the areas of privacy, cybersecurity, digital commerce and financial technology, with opportunities to study in a global capital of innovation.

    • Master of Laws

  • Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, MLS

    Master's

    With the Master of Legal Studies in Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, non-attorneys gain an in-depth understanding of tech-focused legal principles related to advance their careers.

    • Master of Legal Studies

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about MLS programs at Seattle University, contact:

Seattle University School of Law

901 12th Avenue, Sullivan Hall 209