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School of Security & Global Studies

Legal Studies

Online Master of Arts in Legal Studies (MA)

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About our Master of Legal Studies Online Program

The master of legal studies at American Military University is an interdisciplinary program designed specifically for working professionals seeking to increase their legal knowledge but not become practicing attorneys. 

AMU’s master of legal studies online program covers:

  • Legal terminology 
  • Legal practices and ethics 
  • Local, state, and federal laws and procedures

The MA in Legal Studies also builds your communication skills and your capacity for conducting sound legal research.

Faculty share their working knowledge of the law and legal professions to support your learning.

NOTE: Although some states do not require a Juris Doctor for bar entry, this legal studies program does not prepare you to practice law or gain admission to the bar of any state based solely on completion of this program. 

What You Will Do in our Legal Studies Program

  1. Integrate legal thought and legal research and writing skills into a variety of communications
  2. Facilitate the creation of new solutions to complex societal legal issues through critical thinking and analysis 
  3. Design innovative legal solutions with technology

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
36
Transfer up to 15 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2578

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This course is an advanced theory and practice of criminal law in the United States. The history, scope, and nature of criminal law will be discussed. This course will analyze the general nature of crime, constitutional limits on crime, and general principals of criminal liability. Topics include: legal language and machinery, parties to crime, classification of offenses, act and intent, capacity to commit crime, and various defenses. Primary emphasis will be the common law and modern statutory criminal codes. Students are provided knowledge of the building blocks of criminal law to include elements of crimes and defenses to criminal charges. The role of the police, criminal courts, and attorneys in the administration of the criminal justice system will be discussed in detail. The course will teach the student how to analyze and brief criminal cases, and identify and discuss criminal issues. An overview of the criminal process and rules of evidence will be provided. This course focuses on the fundamental principles, concepts, and development of criminal law and the constitutional provisions which govern it. The course further discusses the relationship of the individual to the state and includes an examination of the general framework of criminal law as a means of social control.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2579

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This course addresses the specific constitutional rights, including the fourth, fifth and sixth amendments as those that have a direct impact on the defendant and prosecution in the judicial process. The course will review issues of the pre-arrest stage to post conviction remedies, as well as the procedural laws in the criminal justice process and their limits. The parameters of these limits will be analyzed by studying various court decisions.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4053

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Part one of this graduate level two-part intensive legal writing program is designed to develop students’ research and writing skills. Students will learn and practice the skills necessary for identifying, locating, and using legal resources, including primary sources of administrative, statutory, and case law; secondary authority; and research reference tools, to include computer research tools, commonly used in the practice of law. Students will also explore the process of legal analysis, incorporating the results of their legal research into correspondence, case briefs, legal memoranda, and motions.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4054

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Part two of a two-part graduate level intensive legal writing program is designed to develop students’ research and writing skills. Students will further develop their research, legal analytical, and writing, with emphasis on logical reasoning and clear, concise, and convincing writing. Students will complete several legal writing assignments, which will synthesize research, analytical, and technical writing skills. (Prerequisite: LSTD504 Methods of Legal Research and Writing I)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4050

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This graduate course is an introduction to real property concepts. The course surveys present and future estates in land, ownership, and concurrent ownership. Leasehold interests, gifts and bequests, covenants and servitudes, conveyancing, various land use restrictions, and eminent domain are also considered.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4051

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This graduate course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and sources of contract law. This course evaluates the various components of a legally binding agreement or promise and surveys the major issues affecting such enforceable agreements. Students will examine what constitutes breach of contract and the remedies available. The role of contracts in the commercial arena and in society will also be analyzed.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4052

|
This graduate course will focus on the fundamental principles, concepts, and development of tort and personal injury law, while combining theoretical and practical applications of such principles and concepts. The course presents an overview of the substantive law governing compensation for injuries to property and to the person. Specific areas of study include negligence and defenses to negligence; products liability and strict liability; negligent infliction of emotional distress; injury to property; tort immunities and tort investigations. Students will examine the analytical process used both to understand court opinions and hypothetical problems in this area of the law. The course highlights the public policy objectives and social forces behind the development of tort and personal injury legislation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3850

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This course provides the student with a theoretical foundation in Constitutional law. The Constitution divides power. In particular, it apportions authority along three main dimensions: between the state and federal governments; among the branches of the federal government; and between, on the one hand, all levels of government and, on the other hand, individuals. The vast majority of live constitutional questions concern a conflict along one or more of these axes. Students will study issues of policy, principle, philosophy, and constitutional implications by focusing on construction and application. This graduate course will explore advanced principles, doctrines and controversies regarding the structure of and division of powers in American government. Specific topics include judicial review, jurisdiction, standing to sue, federalism, federal and state powers and immunities, the separation of powers among the branches of the federal government, the First Amendment, and the Equal Protection Clause.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Choose 6 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 2739

|
This course examines the area of business law and applies it to the business environment. Traditional topics covered include: the legal environment of business, contract law, property, sales contracts, commercial paper, agency law, ethics and the regulatory environment. The course also examines the issue of the global economy from the view that the largest companies dominate in the creation of jobs and technological innovation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3909

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A survey of the legal structure that defines and regulates the nonprofit sector and an examination of fundamental governance issues in nonprofit corporations. The focus of the course is on the board of directors (trustees) and the executive director and their fiduciary responsibilities established both by law and by the moral imperatives from actions on behalf of the public interest.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2829

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This course identifies the public law, regulation, and associated policy that facilitates and in some cases restricts emergency management planning, recovery, and relief. Topics include national, state, and local issues and examples of public law. The course also covers issues associated with intergovernmental (fire, police, EMS, emergency management, military, etc.) action in emergencies as such action relates to regulation or public law.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4356

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This course will focus on the issue of ownership of certain types of intellectual property on the internet, which has become a critical issue with different technological platforms, digital tools, and apps becoming so prevalent in our schools and culture. In this course, online, face-to-face, and hybrid educators will learn about the different types of potential copyright infringement, fair use, and privacy aspects for students, exploring the implication for course development and instruction.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2816

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This course explores legal, ethical, and political issues related to PreK-12 U.S. education. Topics include NCLB/ESSA, district liability, rights of students and teachers, and issues related to employment and technology. Emphasis is given to federal and state statutes and case law affecting due process, liability, equal protection, and the rights of teachers and students in order to better understand risks and possible strategies to reduce those risks. Ethical and political contextual aspects are explored in relation to public education decision and policy making at the classroom and school levels. (Prerequisite: EDUC503)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2747

|
This course is a study of the major legal, regulatory, and policy framework that encompasses environmental programs and projects in the United States and with international political, commercial, and non-governmental institutions. The primary learning approach used in this course will be case studies.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2686

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This course is a conceptual and functional analysis of the legal framework and principles of employment law. Issues are addressed from a managerial perspective so that students have an opportunity to develop their business decision-making skills, (via employment law scenarios), as they relate to the evaluation of legal ramifications affecting a variety of workplace situations. Topics include the agency-employment relationship; discrimination under Civil Rights Act Title VII and other federal laws based on race/color, gender, age, national origin, religion, pregnancy, and sexual orientation; diversity, affirmative action, and bona fide occupational qualifications; employer negligence in hiring; criminal checks and credit screenings; physical fitness, ethics, and personality tests for employment purposes; vicarious liability, sexual harassment, and workplace violence; challenges with organized labor/unions under the National Labor Relations Act; working standards including pay, hours, age requirements, etc. set by the Fair Labor Standards Act and state equivalents; and challenges arising from the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2581

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The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and sources of international law that evaluate the various components, processes, and functions of the international legal process and consider how international law impacts the laws within the United States. Additionally, the current state of the international legal order is reviewed with legal opinions regarding major philosophies, components and current practices and problems of the field of international law.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4284

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This graduate course focuses on the procedural and substantive law surrounding immigration. Emphasis is given to legal changes enacted in the field since September 11, 2001, as well as current events. It provides students with the background, processes, and tools necessary for a working knowledge of immigration issues. Important topics such as immigrant status, citizenship, refugees, and asylum seekers will be explored. Students will analyze immigration law and policy.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4489

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This course is provides an understanding of the structure of homeland security law and policy. This course will familiarize students with the extensive and complex legal codes that come under the heading of Homeland Security. The course will cover statutes, policy papers, presidential directives, and other documents related to homeland security allowing for an in-depth examination of the foundations of homeland security. The course will provide the student with important legal guidance allowing the student to accurately interpret, understand, and apply homeland security law and policy. The course provides a detailed overview of the subject of homeland security and includes definitions of homeland security, terrorism, the related law, and its development. The course discusses homeland security in other countries as well i.e. Europe, China, Japan.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4490

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This course focuses on the ways that law, ethics and cybersecurity overlap and intersect. Besides laws related to cybersecurity, the course examines laws related to intellectual property, civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, and privacy. This examination will provide the means to identify and analyze the policies reflected in those laws. Those policies could guide the creation of policies on a business-level, using qualitative risk assessment and planning. An exploration of ethics and cybersecurity, as well as of workplace ethics, will involve the use of an ethical framework.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3551

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This course provides an introduction to the law and legal system as it applies to public administration and policy. It covers the interrelation of norms, moral codes and formal laws. The attempt to address social concerns with new laws and regulations has created increased pressure in the courts and legislative chambers. This course examines the sources, influences, operation and consequences of law and public policy formation, and analyzes public policy initiatives from political and legal aspects as to their intentions, achievable aims, and intended and unintended outcomes.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3555

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This course introduces students to the role of the judiciary in American politics and policymaking and explores the questions asked and the methods employed by political scientists studying courts and the legal system. An equally important objective of this course is to familiarize students with the seminal works in judicial research, with particular emphasis on Supreme Court cases. Students will study the judicial process in the United States from a variety of perspectives in order to examine the role of law and courts in the larger political arena and social environment.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5126

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This course is an introduction to sports-related legal issues and concepts. Its focus is on providing an overview of the major legal issues associated with sports, sports management, and the sports industry. Students will conduct research, read, and write on issues associated with the sports legal industry. Topics include but are not limited to discrimination, legislation, regulation and rights, competition, contract, labor, tort and trademark law, and administrative, antitrust and constitutional law.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3964

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This course examines space law from its origins at the commencement of space exploration to current day activities, including civilian, commercial and military/governmental issues/rulings. The Outer Space Treaty, Registration Convention, Rescue and Return Agreement, Liability Convention, and the Moon Treaty will be covered in detail, as will several other past, standing and pending legal works.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4534

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This capstone legal analytical project (CLAP) is the final and ultimate experience for the Master of Legal Studies Program. It is intended to permit students to demonstrate their capacity to deeply research a narrow topic concerning a legal challenge to a segment of American society, as well as thoroughly analyze and succinctly yet thoroughly write about it. The students’ chief goal is to validate that they have mastered the three fundamental legal skills of research, analysis and writing. Prerequisite: All other courses must be completed before registering for this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session A 16 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 05/25/25 Winter 2025 Session K 16 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 06/22/25 Winter 2025 Session C 16 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session A 16 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 08/24/25 Spring 2025 Session K 16 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 09/21/25 Spring 2025 Session C 16 Week session

What is a Master of Legal Studies?

A master of legal studies (MLS) degree furthers your understanding of the law and its impact on various areas of life and work. This program is for students who are interested in advancing their education in law but aren't necessarily looking to become a practicing attorney. 

There are many careers – from human resources to government contracts to law enforcement - that benefit from an understanding of how our legal system works. Our legal studies program offers students in-depth understanding of legal concepts to advance in heavily regulated industries dealing with financial regulatory compliance, healthcare law, intellectual property law, employment law, and information technology. 

In addition, as tools like artificial intelligence and social media evolve, those with advanced legal knowledge may be well-positioned to understand the myriad complexities of this technology. 

Legal studies graduate students may also choose this field of study to learn skills used by paralegals. In this role, they undertake significant legal work, including analysis and communication of legal concepts. Although paralegals cannot engage clients directly, their role in the law has been expanding in recent years. 

In 2020, the American Bar Association updated its definition of paralegals to distinguish these working professionals from legal assistants and recognize the depth of work they perform under the direction of practicing attorneys.

student standing against wall looking at laptop

What to Expect in our Online Master of Legal Studies

Our online master of legal studies program is built around you and your schedule. Aside from weekly assignments, you can log into your classes at any time, so you can build your legal knowledge at your convenience. 

You can explore the legal system through in-depth discussions with fellow classmates as well as experienced faculty, many of whom practice law themselves. Peer-to-peer discussions are designed to widen your perspective by sharing diverse views on how the discipline of law is handled in different regions and sectors. 

Through these discussions, you'll expand your understanding of a vast array of topics, from criminal law to constitutional law as well as legal concepts, research, and writing. Today's pressing legal issues are addressed in additional courses. The legal studies program has covered areas such as:

  • Environmental law, policy, and regulation
  • Immigration law
  • Law, ethics, and cybersecurity
  • Space law

Note: Completion of the master of legal studies online program does not qualify an individual to sit for American Bar Association exams. Practice of law is defined by state bar associations. Students must check with their respective state bar associations to learn more about licensing requirements for attorneys and non-lawyers.

Why Earn your Legal Studies Degree at American Military University

Thought-provoking courses. As a pioneer in online education, American Military University offers a highly engaging legal studies program with the added convenience of flexible coursework. Online classes start monthly throughout the academic year.

Affordability. To keep college affordable, we also offer no-cost applications, many transfer credit opportunities, and no-cost transfer credit evaluations for this program.

A community of support. Students at American Military University have access to deep network of support from faculty, academic advisors, military education managers, and our chaplain. To assist students with emotional well-being, we offer access to numerous mental health support programs, including 24/7 access to licensed mental health counselors and peer-to-peer support.

A diverse community. As a member of our online community, students enjoy working among faculty and students from around the country with diverse backgrounds they might not otherwise meet. These insights from other business professionals help enrich the understanding of the law and its application across different settings.

Students gain a strong sense of community through our many online organizations where they can work alongside others with similar interests, network with peers, and participate in service activities.

Military friendly. We offer a Preferred Military Rate for all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents. In addition, many of our faculty members have served in the military themselves and have an appreciation for the work involved with balancing college and military life.

Strong return on investment. American Military University is part of American Public University System, which ranks in the top 11% for return on investment.

*Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce report, Ranking 4,500 Colleges by ROI (2022), based on a 20-year return on investment, or net present value.

Students need to know that the time they invest away from their work and families is well invested. It’s our responsibility to keep in mind what opportunities we can provide that will help students achieve their ambitions and help keep them on track.
Tracy A. Cook, JD, PhD, MCPC
Department Chair

About Our Legal Studies Faculty

Our faculty brings deep, real-world experience in the legal system, having served as judges, assistant attorneys general, legal advisors, and related roles. As attorneys and scholar practitioners, they’ve passionate about leading thoughtful discussions with students. 

These discussions offer the foundation needed to understand a range of legal concepts—and open doors to helping people in need. Nearly one million people in America lack access to legal support in the face of challenges such as domestic violence, child abuse, and evictions. Our MLS degree affords you the opportunity to understand the law through the lens of civil rights and potentially discover ways to improve access to justice for people who have historically been disenfranchised. 

For service-minded students interested in fair access to justice, faculty members bring ethical service and leadership insights to the legal discipline. 

 

Ways to Save When Earning Your Master of Legal Studies 

We understand that many students are worried about the cost of higher education. At American Military University, we're breaking through barriers by keeping costs as affordable as possible and supporting you in accessing financial aid and other funding options in a number of ways.

The Everyday Heroes Grant provides savings to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel, as well as their parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access grants and loans.

University-sponsored Grants provide a savings on tuition for American Military University students.

Find educational benefits, such as GIBill®, Top-Up, and Survivors & Dependent Benefits programs, offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. 

Ask your employer's human resources department about tuition assistance benefits.

Visit our site to search for scholarships opportunities.

I chose American Military University after attending several other online schooling options. I ended up with American Military University and stayed because I found the professors to be more responsive and helpful than past experiences. The affordability was a factor initially, but I stayed because I found the classroom environment to be more conducive to working adults than other schools had been.
Stephanie Erickson
Coast Guard veteran and American Military University graduate
student sitting on steps

Earn Transfer Credits

We offer generous transfer credits that you can earn based on previous university education, military experience, public safety training, or demonstration of knowledge gained outside of school. Learn about our no-cost transfer credit evaluations. 
Learn about our no-cost transfer credit evaluations.

Frequently Asked Questions

A master’s degree in legal studies confers a depth of knowledge about how the law works that can be applied across a wide range of careers, such as corporate compliance, law enforcement, human resources, and contracts management. Students also glean skills in conflict resolution, critical thinking, and risk management.

A master’s degree in legal studies is designed to prepare an individual with the education to work as a paralegal, able to provide legal services under the guidance of attorneys. However, the scope of what one can do with a legal studies degree goes beyond working as a paralegal. There are abundant opportunities to leverage this type of legal knowledge. This may include working as an arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator; career opportunities in heavily regulated industries; and roles where an individual would regularly interact with lawyers. There is also work in legal justice, serving as an advocate for underserved communities in need of legal assistance. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that employment in legal fields will grow faster than average of other occupations between 2022-2032.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed May 2024] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/home.htm Employment conditions in your area may vary.

An MBA teaches general business and may include courses in business law while an MLS degree teaches about law and its applications in business, public policy, government affairs, and other sectors.

In addition to completing core courses, major requirements, and a final project, one elective course is required as part of the legal studies MLS program at AMU. To complete this requirement, you can choose any courses you haven’t already taken to fulfill your major.

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Admission Requirements

  • All AMU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®).
  • Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

CHEA® is a registered trademark of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. 

Materials Cost

Most courses in this program use Open Educational Resources (OER). These teaching, learning, and research materials are made available to you at no cost, meaning there are minimal book costs associated with earning this degree.

Technology fee: $85 per course

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an AMU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

2Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2021

Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and  master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about AMU’s cost components and full cost of attendance.