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“I think every American citizen ought to have a good idea of how the criminal justice system functions. Not because they’ll necessarily be directly involved in it, but so when they read a story in the paper, they can understand what is really going on; so when they vote for politicians, they comprehend better what the issues are and can make an informed choice.”

Christopher Slobogin
Christopher Slobogin
Milton R. Underwood Chair in Law
Director, Criminal Justice Program
Affiliate Professor of Psychiatry


As organizations pursue opportunities to leverage customer data, globally outsource operations, and navigate environmental regulations, it’s especially crucial to apply legal knowledge to identify areas of legal risk, maintain regulatory compliance, and navigate the legal issues that affect businesses. A Master of Legal Studies degree can be a valuable asset for a wide variety of professions that engage with the law, including jobs in:

  • Compliance
  • Healthcare
  • Real estate
  • Insurance
  • Business
  • Human resources
  • Law enforcement
  • Higher education
  • Government

Career and Salary Information for Master of Legal Studies Degree Holders

The need for non-lawyer professionals with an understanding of legal studies continues to grow. The average salary for those with an MLS degree is $71,000*, and there are many opportunities for professionals with legal knowledge in the business world. Whether you are upskilling, reskilling, or growing your social capital, our career services team is committed to supporting your growth as a professional. Below are just a few roles within the broad range of careers that can benefit from obtaining a Master of Legal Studies.


Master of Legal Studies Careers Salaries
Compliance Manager $84,973
Contracts Manager $88,542
Human Resources Manager $73,051
Mediator $64,022
Paralegal/Legal Assistant $52,546
Law Enforcement Officer $60,797
Accountant $78,001
Payroll Manager $61,381
Tax Manager $139,797
Insurance Underwriter $76,232
Business Intelligence Analyst $103,501

Sources: Lightcast™ and Payscale


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