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What is an M.L.S.?
An M.L.S. degree is a graduate degree, similar to a traditional master’s degree in a social science, humanities or physical science discipline. The M.L.S. degree is not a J.D. degree, and its recipients are not qualified to practice law.
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What are the course requirements?
Flexibility in course selection is a hallmark of the M.L.S. program. To provide an introduction to legal reasoning, the M.L.S. candidate is required to take at least two of the following first-year law classes:
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Contracts
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Constitutional Law
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Criminal Law
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Property
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Torts
In addition, the M.L.S. candidate must complete one of the following three-credit courses:
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Legal Process
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Legislation
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Jurisprudence
The remainder of the required 30 credit hours are electives. |
Am I a good candidate for the M.L.S. program?
The M.L.S. program seeks candidates from a variety of backgrounds and with a wide diversity of goals – entrepreneurs, scholars, scientists, journalists, managers, real estate developers, law enforcement officers, design professionals and others. The M.L.S. program provides great flexibility and individualized program design. It can help advance a career, introduce a new field, or simply satisfy intellectual curiosity. Current students range in age from their 20s to 70s, with education and experience in fields as diverse as journalism, construction and medicine.
How long does it take to obtain the M.L.S. degree?
The M.L.S. program requires completion of 30 credit hours at the College of Law (or approved courses elsewhere at Arizona State University). The program is designed to be completed within one academic year. Part-time program participants may take up to three years to complete the program.
Is a written thesis required?
A thesis is not required.
How will I be graded?
M.L.S. candidates participate in regular College of Law classes and take the same exams as J.D. candidates. However, M.L.S. students are customarily graded on a pass/fail basis. Numerical grades may be requested. Credits from the M.L.S. program will not transfer if you later seek to enroll in a J.D. program.
What types of electives are available?
The College of Law offers more than 180 different courses, in almost every imaginable field of legal study, including international law, forensics, constitutional law, real estate, intellectual property, biotechnology, dispute resolution, Indian law, business organizations and securities, income tax, construction, employment, natural resources, litigation and many other fields.
Can M.L.S. candidates concentrate in a specific area of law?
Yes. Each M.L.S. candidate may customize his or her program of study. The College of Law’s Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Program Development is available to assist each M.L.S. candidate in developing a program to fit his or her particular requirements or interests.
When is the application for admission due?
The M.L.S. program utilizes a "rolling" admissions process. Early submission of your application is recommended.
What is the cost of the program?
Refer to the Tuition and Financial Aid section of this website.
What are the admission requirements for the M.L.S. program?
Admission to the M.L.S. program requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States or a comparable degree from a foreign institution. A graduate school entrance exam (for example, LSAT, GRE or GMAT) is not required.
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