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Online Master of Legal Studies

The Legal Education you Need to Advance your Career 

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Choose from 4 Legal Concentrations

Complete in as Few as Two Years Part-Time

Well-Rounded Legal Education

100% Online

Study Law With William & Mary’s Top Minds 

#31

Best Law Schools in the Nation (U.S. News & World Report)¹

#30

Best Colleges for Veterans
(U.S. News & World Report)²

Legal challenges permeate every industry, and professionals with legal know-how are needed to navigate the ever-changing global legal landscape. William & Mary Law School’s online Master of Legal Studies in Law (MLS) brings you the expert education you need to advance in your field—no J.D. required.

The online MLS program is for you if you want to further your career by better understanding the U.S. legal system and the legal challenges facing you in your industry. This program is for non-lawyer professionals.

Choose from the online MLS with a concentration in Compliance and Risk Management, Law and Emerging Technologies, Finance or Health Law.

The online MLS with a concentration in Finance provides you with a robust foundation in both law and finance, opening doors to new opportunities or furthering your career in corporate finance, banking, investment management or regulatory compliance. Coursework on mergers and acquisitions, lending, entrepreneurship, contracts, regulations and much more will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

The online MLS with a concentration in Compliance and Risk Management gives you the expertise to excel in roles across various sectors, from corporate offices to government agencies or healthcare organizations to non-profit organizations and beyond. 

Whether your goal is to lead compliance initiatives, assess and manage risks or shape ethical business or human resources practices, courses in this concentration provide the knowledge and skills you need to get ahead.

Build a strong foundation in the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern technologies with the online MLS with a concentration in Emerging Technologies Law. Develop critical skills in cyber risk assessment and legal analysis, and identify and evaluate risks related to data breaches, privacy concerns and intellectual property challenges in a digital world. Navigate key U.S. federal and state laws impacting technology while exploring comparative approaches from other legal systems to inform best practices and compliance strategies.

The online MLS with a concentration in Health Law equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks and regulations shaping the healthcare industry. You’ll analyze critical legal issues in healthcare administration, such as compliance, risk management, patient rights, professional liability and the legal obligations of healthcare providers and organizations.

Get Hands-On, Practical Experience

Join a Nationwide Alumni Network

Get Support as a Service Member or Veteran

Online MLS faculty members work in various fields and bring their first-hand, real-world knowledge directly to you. An interdisciplinary focus helps you apply legal concepts to the work you do or plan to do throughout your career. Your professors are personally invested in your education and success beyond the program. 

The Law School’s proximity to Washington, D.C., helps you build your network at the epicenter of government and other thriving industries, including information technology, regulatory fields and healthcare. Find alums nationwide, with a strong presence in California, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. 

The Office of Military & Veteran Affairs (OMVA) provides dedicated support to law school students who are veterans, active duty or Reserve Forces personnel. OMVA staff supports you with resources to improve your educational experience, maximize your contributions to the law school, and help you find success in your program.

Master the Law Without a J.D.

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1. Retrieved on April 17, 2025, from usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/college-of-william-and-mary-03160

2. Retrieved on April 17, 2025, from usnews.com/best-colleges/william-and-mary-3705/overall-rankings

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