The University of California, Master of Legal Studies (also known as UCLA M.L.S. Program) is a degree for professional advancement at the University of California, Los Angeles.[4]
The Hugh and Hazel Darling Law Library, UCLA School of Law
In December 2019, UCLA Law School announced the launch of a Master of Legal Studies program which would provide students with a master’s degree at a fraction of the cost, and in a fraction of the time of a JD degree.[5]
The program is designed for working professionals seeking an advanced understanding of legal principles without pursuing a JD degree.
In 2020, Jennifer Mnookin, then dean of the Law School at UCLA told CNBC, “There’s an enormous number of people who engage with the law, who need to work with lawyers, who need to know a decent amount about the law for what they do, but they don’t actually need the license. They don’t need to be lawyers.”[5]
Mnookin was succeeded by Russell Korobkin as interim dean[7] of UCLA School of Law, followed by Michael Waterstone as Dean of UCLA School of Law on August 1, 2023, who also oversees the UCLA Master of Legal Studies.[8]
Academics
The UCLASchool of Law's Master of Legal Studies program offers online, hybrid, and on-campus options. The program is structured into three phases and can be completed in 9 months with full-time study or in 2–4 years with part-time study. Specializations include Business Law, Employment & Human Resources Law, Entertainment & Media Law, Health Law & Policy, Law & Technology, Criminal Law, Government & National Security Law, Public Interest Law, Environmental Law, and General Studies. Self-Design specializations are available. 26 Credits are required to graduate.[9]
In 2025, there were 117 incoming students in the program pursuing a master of legal studies degree (M.L.S.). 68% of all new students resided outside of the Los Angeles area. 63% of the full incoming M.L.S. students identify as female, 62% identify as students of color, and the average age is 34. 32% hold advanced degrees, nearly 1 in 5 are chief executives or vice presidents, and about one third are directors or managers. Two students were pursuing the joint M.D./M.L.S., and eight were UCLA student-athletes.[11]
UCLA School of Law's south entrance facing Charles E. Young Drive East
The UCLA Master of Legal Studies offers online, in-person and hybrid options.[13] It is located on the UCLA campus in the Westwood area of Los Angeles.[14]
Reception
In 2025, The Princeton Review ranked UCLA's Master of Legal Studies program as one of the Best Online Master of Studies in Law Programs for 2025.[15]
People
Alumni
Alumni of UCLA Master of Legal Studies include Peter Arceo[16] and UCLA Bruins quarterback Chase Griffin. Griffin reported to Business Insider that he chose studying entertainment, media, and sports law because he wanted to understand the contract side of his talent and production work.[17]
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