Legal fluency starts here.
The University of California Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) offers a flexible, affordable Master of Legal Studies (MLS) built for career-driven professionals who work with law, policy, or regulation but don’t plan to become attorneys.
Whether you work in business, healthcare, tech, government, advocacy, or another regulated field, an MLS degree helps you understand how to responsibly apply the law to the high-impact decisions you make every day.
Quick Facts
Format
Online, hybrid, or a blend of asynchronous and synchronous formats
Program Length
1 to 2 years (up to 4 years allowed)
Credits
24
Location
Based in San Francisco, California; accessible anywhere
Test Scores Required To Apply
No GRE, GMAT, or LSAT required
Why Earn an MLS From UC Law San Francisco?
Gain practical legal knowledge that you can use immediately in your career and take courses alongside J.D. students.
Start your MLS journey without an LSAT or prior law experience. All you need is your ambition and a bachelor’s degree.
Learn through courses taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach our J.D. students and bring real-world expertise into every class.
Work with an enrollment specialist to get answers to your questions and insight on how an MLS can fit your career.
We offer a highly personalized program by getting to know our students really well. I know every student in the program. I meet with them individually. We check in with them every semester.
Jessica Vapnek, Associate Dean of the MLS Program, Director of the International Development Law Center, Professor of Practice
Real Stories. Real Impact.
Hear directly from UC Law SF MLS students as they share how the program expanded their career opportunities, strengthened their confidence with legal issues, and gave them the tools to make smarter decisions in their fields.
Explore Your Specialization Options
Customize your path with 15 optional specializations, including:
- Business
- Compliance
- Criminal Justice
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment
- Environmental Law
- Government
- Health Law
- Immigration
- Intellectual Property
- International Law
- Litigation and Legal Process
- Social Justice
- Start-Ups and Entrepreneurship
- Tax
You can also design your own course of study with faculty support.
Request Information
To learn more about the Master of Legal Studies program offered by UC Law SF and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also talk one-on-one with an enrollment specialist by calling (415) 849-9748.
Who Is the Master of Legal Studies For?
The UC Law SF legal master’s program is an ideal fit if you want to:
- Advance your career in regulated industries like business, government, and nonprofits, or in fast-growing areas in California such as healthcare, tech, or biotech start-ups
- Strengthen your ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies in your field
- Gain credibility and confidence when collaborating with attorneys or advising stakeholders
- Pivot into a compliance, policy, or regulatory role without earning a J.D.
If you are an analytical, driven, and socially conscious professional, you’ll find that the UC Law SF MLS offers the skills to lead with integrity, manage risk, and create positive change in your industry.
Take Your First Steps
Start your journey at a top California law school that supports your goals, wherever you are.
Ready to learn more? Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admission, and FAQ pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master of Legal Studies?
A Master of Legal Studies is a graduate degree for professionals who want to understand the law without becoming a practicing attorney. In just one to two years, you’ll learn how the U.S. legal system works, how to interpret laws and regulations, and how to apply that knowledge to real-world decisions in your field.
An MLS won’t prepare you for the bar exam, but it will give you the legal fluency to navigate complex regulations, manage risk, and work confidently with legal teams, so you can make smarter decisions and lead with legal insight.
At UC Law SF, you can earn your MLS online for maximum flexibility or hybrid for the widest range of specializations.
MLS vs J.D.: What’s the difference?
You don’t have to be a lawyer to use the law. Here’s how the MLS stacks up against a J.D.:
Master of Legal Studies
- Goal: Apply legal knowledge in your field
- Bar exam: Not eligible to take
- Time: An average of 1 to 2 years, flexible format options
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, no LSAT
- Focus: Legal applications in business, healthcare, government, compliance, HR
Juris Doctor
- Goal: Practice law as an attorney
- Bar exam: Eligible to take
- Time: 3 years, full-time, usually on-campus
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree + LSAT
- Focus: Full legal theory, courtroom advocacy, litigation
How long does the program take?
You can earn your legal studies degree in as little as one year of full-time study or spread it out over two years part-time. UC Law SF also gives you up to four years to finish, so you can balance your degree with work and life on your own schedule.
Should military service members and veterans consider the MLS at UC Law SF?
Absolutely. A master’s degree in legal studies can be a valuable educational pathway for those who are transitioning to civilian life or veterans who are looking to advance their second careers. Some of the benefits of UC Law SF’s MLS for veterans and service members include:
- Career Advancement: Legal knowledge is valuable for military, government, and private-sector roles.
- Military & Veteran Community: Connection with fellow service members and access to dedicated support.
- Flexible Learning: Online, hybrid, or evening classes to accommodate active duty schedules.
Learn more about our military and veteran benefits on our tuition and financial aid page.
What can you do with a legal studies degree?
A Master of Legal Studies degree builds the legal knowledge to lead in roles where law, policy, and regulation shape decisions.
No matter where you work, an MLS can position you for advancement, help you manage legal risk, and expand your scope of expertise. According to Lightcast, common job titles for MLS graduates may include:
- Human resources specialists
- Financial and investment analysts and entrepreneurs
- Healthcare administrators
- Accountants and auditors
- Law enforcement and probation officers
- Journalists
- Librarians and media collections specialists
Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more about how an MLS can elevate your current position and open doors to new legal studies careers.