Frequently Asked Questions

A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) equips non-lawyer professionals with a broad understanding of the U.S. legal system, but does not enable them to practice law. It can be especially valuable if you work in a highly regulated field, such as health care, compliance, finance, business, human resources and government. An MLS can be taken full time or part time (depending on the program) and takes anywhere from one to three years to complete.

A Juris Doctor (JD) is the professional law degree required to become a practicing attorney in the U.S. In addition to completing a JD program, graduates must pass a bar examination in the state where they intend to practice. A JD is a three year, full-time program which is often completed on campus.

No. The Master of Legal Studies is a stand-alone degree designed for professionals who do not want to practice law. While it can complement your academic background, it is not designed as a pathway to law school or a prerequisite for admission.

No. The Master of Legal Studies does not qualify you to practice law. Instead, it equips you with legal knowledge you can apply in your current or future role.

A Master of Legal Studies is a beneficial degree for professionals who work in highly regulated industries. Below are just a few of the roles that might benefit from this degree:

• Compliance Officer
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist
• Contract Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Health-care Administrator
• Policy Analyst

Yes. You can choose to tailor your degree through one of six optional concentrations or pursue a general study path that allows you to tailor your curriculum to your unique career goals.

Available concentrations include:

• AI in the Law
• Business Law
• Conflict Resolution
• Employment Law
• Litigation
• Regulatory Compliance

Your diploma will reflect your degree. However, we do provide a concentration document signed by the associate dean of the law school.

The online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Taxation is a strong fit if your work intersects with tax or financial regulations and you want a deeper understanding of how tax law shapes decision-making.

This program focuses on practical, applied tax law knowledge you can use in your current role. It does not lead to licensure or prepare you to practice law.

Students in the WashU Law Master of Legal Studies in Taxation will begin with core legal courses which focus on legal writing and an introduction to U.S. law. As you progress, the curriculum moves into tax-focused study, which includes federal, state and corporate tax law, along with opportunities to explore electives aligned to your interests.

The Master of Legal Studies in Taxation develops legal fluency for professionals who work with tax-related issues, but do not plan to practice law.

The Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation is an advanced law degree for practicing attorneys or JD holders who want to deepen their technical expertise in tax law and legal practice.

Graduates with a Master of Legal Studies in Taxation are well positioned for roles in:

• Corporate tax planning
• Regulatory compliance
• Corporate finance and government tax administration

The degree is particularly valuable for CPAs, financial analysts and business executives who work alongside legal teams and need fluency in tax law to navigate complex financial decisions.

To be eligible for a Master of Laws degree, you must hold a first degree in law, either from a U.S. institution (Juris Doctor) or an equivalent international law degree.

A Master of Laws (LLM) allows practicing attorneys to deepen their expertise in a specific area of law or build familiarity with a new legal framework such as U.S. law. It can also support expanded responsibilities or a shift in focus within legal practice.

Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation applicants need to hold a JD. The program is intended for attorneys who want to deepen their expertise in U.S. tax law or expand their practice into this area.

A Master of Laws in Taxation offers specialized study in U.S. tax law, with a focus on the statutes, regulations and interpretive frameworks that govern tax practice.

A Master of Laws provides a broader exposure to U.S. law and may be more appropriate if you are seeking a wider scope of study rather than a tax-focused curriculum.

Graduates are able to pursue a number of tax-specific roles including:

• Tax attorney in private practice or at a law firm
• In-house counsel at a corporation or financial institution
• Government counsel at the IRS, SEC or Treasury Department
• Estate and wealth planning attorney
• Tax policy analyst or adviser

Students will complete advanced coursework in federal, state and corporate tax law, alongside a range of specialized tax law topics designed to deepen their legal expertise. Courses build on your legal training to deepen your understanding of complex tax frameworks and their application in practice.

Yes. All programs are designed for working professionals and can be completed 100% online on a full-time or part-time schedule while you continue to work.

WashU’s online graduate law programs are delivered in a flexible format that combines asynchronous coursework with live class sessions. Each program requires 24 credits, though course structure and sequencing may vary.

To apply to one of the online graduate law programs, you’ll need to submit:

• Completed application
• Official transcripts
• Resume
• Personal statement
• English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)

Additionally, Master of Laws in U.S. Law applicants must hold a first degree in law (JD or international equivalents are all accepted). Master of Laws in Taxation applicants must hold a Juris Doctor.

Please find a full summary of our program tuition and fees on our tuition and financial assistance page.

WashU Law students are eligible for federal student aid, which begins with applying through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. WashU Law’s FAFSA code is 002520.

Veterans, service members and other military-affiliated students may also benefit from Yellow Ribbon Funding.

For questions about any tuition benefits, please reach out to an enrollment specialist.