As such, the master of legal studies (MLS) degree has become a popular choice at the graduate level for working professionals seeking to gain fundamental knowledge of law without becoming licensed attorneys. Taught across several industries and tailored to your interests, this degree is designed for those seeking legal studies, not for lawyers.

The master of legal studies (MLS) is, at its essence, about learning how laws are created, interpreted, and applied. Students often learn about topics such as contracts, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, employment law, health care law, and ethics. The curriculum tends to teach students not so much how to litigate as the ability to think like a lawyer and analyze risk policy: essential skills in environments that are ever more regulated.

The system offers several benefits through its functional design. Alumni have gone on to work in business management, human resources, healthcare administration, finance, education technology, and government. These roles involve regular interaction with the law, yet they do not require a Juris Doctor (JD). An MLS educates them on how to speak the language of lawyers, read legal documents, and make sound decisions that limit an organization’s exposure.

The MLS is also appealing for being “easy to use. Admission standards tend to be more relaxed than for law school, and some programs do not require testing, such as the LSAT. The programs are available in full-time, part-time, and online modes and work well for working professionals who want to advance their careers without quitting their current jobs.

Another vital aspect is specialization. Several MLS programs offer specializations in compliance, corporate law, health care regulation, or human resources law. These concentrated study options help students prepare for specific career objectives and increase their professional credibility, while offering access to leadership roles.

An ML is different from a JD, as an ML or MLS degree does not qualify graduates to practice law or appear in court. This, however, is a limitation that tends to be of little use to a practitioner whose job consists of having legal knowledge rather than grappling with it. MLS provides focused education in several instructional areas without the time and cost of attending law school.

With regulations constantly changing, legal literacy is more valuable than ever. Employers are placing more emphasis than ever on professionals who interpret and enforce rules and make ethical decisions. An MLS helps fulfill this need by providing a mixture of legal theory and real-world application.

At the end of the day, the MLS is designed for people looking to gain legal knowledge to enhance their current professions or move into a field with a strong legal component. Given its adaptable format, wide range of applications, and hands-on approach, the degree is increasingly seen as an essential investment in your career.

Paul Thomas is the author of this article. For more details about access and equity in law school admission  please visit our website: lsac.org.