For professionals trying to build their legal career but may not want to take time off work, online courses like a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Laws (LLM) program may be worth considering. They are very flexible programs that allow you to work while you study. Doing so provides you with practical legal knowledge, proficiency in a specialized area, and the ability to study from anywhere you want in the world. Here is the list of the best 9 law schools offering online MLS And LLM programs for developing your career in your field.InstitutionsRanking in QS world ranking 2025 for Law and Legal StudiesUniversity of California, Los Angeles#24 Georgetown University#26 University of Southern California#151-200 Washington University in St. Louis #201-250 University of Florida (Levin)#201-250Boston University School of Law#75Arizona State University #201-250 Loyola University Chicago School of Law#301-350Michigan State University College of Law#151-200 1. University of California, Los Angeles School of LawUCLA School of Law's online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a robust platform that equips professionals with an in-depth knowledge of the US legal system without the need to work towards a full law degree. It prepares students with a deep understanding of legal concepts in multiple fields. The program's rich and diversified atmosphere encourages teamwork, breaking the ground for students to develop relevant professional connections and widen their legal expertise base. In consideration of the program's multidisciplinary nature, the graduates are highly placed to navigate intricate legal situations in their professional lives.2. Georgetown University, Law CenterGeorgetown University Law Center is recognized for its quality in legal education and is home to outstanding online programs, including Executive LLM in Taxation and Securities & Financial Regulation. The courses are taught by highly qualified faculty and offer great flexibility for practicing professionals. Overall, the courses have a curriculum that is designed to enhance intellectual and practical capabilities. 3. University of Southern California, School of LawThe USC Gould School of Law has both an online MSL and LLM program. The LLM is meant to provide international law professionals with the expertise to be global leaders, coupling legal skills with a more global perspective on the US legal system. The Web-based Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree prepares non-lawyer professionals early in their careers with a profound grasp of intricate legal issues, and they can utilize legal knowledge to further their careers and contribute to their organizations.4. Washington University in St. Louis, School of LawReflecting a strong commitment to making high-quality legal education accessible, WashU's online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) teaches non-legal professionals the fundamentals of US law through an engaging and interactive online environment. Students have the liberty to delve into fields of law that best suit their professional interests, facilitated by an extensive range of electives. The program trains students with the skills needed to effectively manage practical legal situations.5. University of Florida (Levin) College of LawUF Levin College of Law is also widely recognized for providing its high-quality online LLM programs in Taxation and International Taxation. The degree provides a holistic study of tax law. The courses include an integrated curriculum supported by advanced learning technologies, and they were developed to enable students to successfully work and perform effectively in the complicated and ever-changing world of tax law. The successful integration of academic study with practical application enhances all the courses, making it a dynamic educational choice for tax law practitioners.6. Boston University School of LawBoston University School of Law's online LLM in Taxation degree teaches a deep understanding of tax law to practitioners, as it provides them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this intricate discipline. By means of a blended approach of live online courses and self-directed materials, the program makes sure that graduates are trained to tackle the intricacies of tax law with confidence. The curriculum, crafted and taught by experienced professionals, is relevant, current, and applied. Additionally, graduates enjoy the strong professional network created by BU Law, which leads their way to career advancement. 7. Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of LawThe Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University offers a variety of online MLS programs, designed to make legal education accessible and high quality. The programs which are currently active, expose students to a rigorous curriculum from accomplished authors who are true subject matter experts. All the programs provide students with the knowledge and theory they need to start or continue their legal careers. The interactive format of the online programs fosters the creation of strong professional relationships between students and instructors that establish a strong learning community that will continue even if the student graduates. 8. Loyola University Chicago, School of LawLoyola's LLM in Health Law online program is renowned for providing a solid grasp of health law, policy, and regulation. The engaging program presents a rich variety of coursework carefully selected to offer a full mastery of the complex discipline of health law.With this program, graduates possess both theoretical and practical knowledge to adequately traverse health law, either in practice or policymaking. It also encourages ethical practice so that graduates are well-rounded professionals committed to enriching the health law environment. 9. Michigan State University, College of LawMichigan State University's online Master of Jurisprudence in Intellectual Property, Information & Communications Law is specifically for professionals engaged in technology-related careers. This interactive course provides students with a strong foundation of industry-oriented legal matters so that the graduates are able to handle legal complications with confidence. Focus of the course on intellectual property law with an orientation toward technology and communications gives students a specialized skill set, making them precious assets in their own professional arenas.To conclude, online programs from law schools are an easy option for students who require more flexible access to their legal education.
