Legal Studies (MLS)

MLS

Legal Studies, MLS

On Campus 33 cr

The MLS is designed for individuals who do not want to become practicing attorneys but who are interested in developing a better understanding of the law as it affects their non-legal careers or areas of study.

Description

The law pervades much of American life today. Administrators, business people, educators, public officials, engineers, scientists, physicians, and others often find themselves making decisions that have legal implications, and academics often find themselves researching interdisciplinary topics that have legal components. Yet people making such decisions or engaging in such research historically have not had the opportunity for any formal legal training unless they attend law school and pursue the Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Although the JD is a prerequisite for practicing law, the University of Nebraska recognizes that not everyone who is interested in the law is interested in practicing law. That is why the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree program was developed.

Applying for Admission

Standard requirements for all graduate programs

  • Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.

    If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.

    After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.

  • If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.

    When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.

  • If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
  • Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.

Additional requirements specific to this program

  • Minimum English proficiency: Paper TOEFL 600, Internet TOEFL 100, IELTS 6.5
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal Statement: In two pages or less, this statement should explain why you are seeking an MLS degree, including how you feel the MLS program will further your career or another educational degree which you are pursuing.
  • GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores: Optional for this program. If you have taken any graduate/professional school entrance exams (GRE/GMAT/LSAT), upload your score report.

Admission Application Deadlines

April 15 for Fall.

Department

Legal Studies

Graduate Chair

Anthony Schutz

Support Staff

Chelsea Wilkinson

Tuition & Fees
Please select from below if applicable
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The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.

UNL Graduate Chairs and staff please complete the program update form to provide edits. Updates to graduate program pages are made on an annual basis in conjunction with the Graduate Application for Admission.