Frequently Asked Questions

A Master of Legal Studies is a graduate degree for professionals who need to understand the law and leverage its concepts, but who don’t want or need to become a licensed attorney.

In 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 situations in your field.

An MLS 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 informed expertise.

You don’t have to be a lawyer to use the law. Here’s how the MLS stacks up against a J.D.:

>> Learn more about our MLS curriculum.

The MLS degree is ideal for professionals in business, healthcare, technology, compliance, or government affairs or in roles that interact with the law who want to expand their legal expertise and career opportunities.

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

No. The MLS is not a pathway to becoming a licensed attorney and does not qualify you to sit for the bar exam. Instead, it’s designed to deepen your legal knowledge so you can better navigate your current field or advance to new professional opportunities.

Yes. You can choose from 15 optional MLS specializations, including Health Law, Compliance, Business Law, and Social Justice, or choose elective to shape your own curriculum with faculty support.

You can also choose a general path to explore a wide range of courses across disciplines without committing to a single specialization.

The MLS degree program is available fully online (asynchronous and/or synchronous) or in hybrid format. Specialization availability varies by course format and course schedule. Connect with an enrollment specialist to find the best fit based on your interests and schedule.

Yes. MLS students take select classes alongside J.D. students and learn from the same nationally recognized faculty. Many students find that this gives them a unique perspective and prepares them to effectively communicate with the lawyers they’ll work alongside in their careers.

No. UC Law SF does not offer evening or weekend courses for the MLS. However, UC Law San Francisco designed the MLS to be flexible and accessible to working professionals. To discover how we can support you with scheduling your studies around your personal and professional commitments, talk to an enrollment specialist.

Most students earn their MLS in as little as one year of full-time study or in two years on a part-time schedule. If that pacing doesn’t work for you, UC Law SF allows up to four years to finish, so you can balance your degree with work and life.

UC Law SF requires a completed application, application fee (waived when you speak with an enrollment specialist), official transcripts, resume or CV, one letter of recommendation, and a personal statement.

>> See our detailed admissions checklist.

No standardized tests are required to apply for the MLS. The only academic requirement is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

The UC Law SF MLS offers opportunities for students to begin either in the fall or spring each year. The next application deadline is available on our admissions page.

The $75 application fee is waived when you speak with an enrollment specialist, who will provide a waiver code.

Choosing a graduate program is an important decision, and we want you to feel informed enough to be confident that UC Law SF is the right school for you.

Speaking with an enrollment specialist gives you the chance to ask questions, explore how an MLS can fit your career goals, and connect with a dedicated resource who can guide you from application to graduation. Once you’ve had that conversation, we’ll waive your $75 application fee as a way of saying thank you for taking the time to thoughtfully consider starting your journey with us.

Tuition is charged per credit for this 24-credit legal master’s program. To learn more about current tuition, visit our tuition and fees page.

Yes. Eligible students can apply for federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA. The FAFSA code for UC Law SF is G03947.

Yes. UC Law SF proudly supports active duty service members, veterans, and their families. We accept benefits including the Post-9/11 GI Bill^®, Montgomery GI Bill^®, and Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31).

For full details on eligibility, required documents, and fee waivers, visit our tuition & financial aid page or contact our School Certifying Official at (415) 565-4613 or registrar@uclawsf.edu.