A Legal Education Built on Creative Thinking

WashU Law Online Programs

Top-20

Perennial Top-20 Law School ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Develop the Legal Frameworks That Shape Decisions

WashU Law’s online graduate programs in law are designed for leaders who want to make confident decisions in risk-driven environments where law, regulation and policy drive strategic direction. Whether you’re leading operational processes or advancing your legal practice, WashU Law’s rigorous curricula lets you develop high-level analytical skills, without the need to pause your career.

Students learn from WashU Law’s residential faculty and expert practitioners, engaging in case-based instruction and applied legal frameworks that reflect the legal and regulatory considerations professionals navigate in their work. You’ll build the ability to interpret law, evaluate risk and apply legal reasoning in real-world contexts in our intentionally small, discussion-driven classes.

Online Learning Structure

Online learning at WashU Law is designed for working professionals who want the engagement of a residential classroom with the flexibility of an online program. Students complete asynchronous coursework on their own schedule, then join live evening sessions (CST) once per week.

Our use of the Socratic method and small class sizes allow students to build real relationships and contribute meaningfully to every discussion.

Plus, all students can participate in on-campus immersion experiences, supervised research projects and a legal externship. Students also have access to virtual events that connect them to the wider WashU Law community.

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To download a brochure and learn more about the online law programs at WashU Law, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 314-597-3365.

Which online law program are you interested in?*

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“

What sets WashU Law’s programs apart is that they are taught by faculty who are truly experts in their fields. They provide students with the flexibility to pursue an online degree without disrupting their work or home life.

— Stephen Haller, Adjunct Professor and Tax Controversy Expert

Online Graduate Law Programs

Master of Legal Studies

Develop the legal and analytical framework needed to confidently lead people, projects and processes in risk-heavy environments. You’ll benefit from a world-class legal education that enhances your career — no prior legal experience required.

Learn about the Master of Legal Studies

Master of Legal Studies in Taxation

Support decision-making in tax law processes with a specialized understanding of tax law complexities across legal, finance, business and government sectors. You’ll learn the foundations from WashU Law’s faculty of expert tax law academics and practitioners, without the requirement of a legal or tax background.

Learn about the Master of Legal Studies in Taxation

Master of Laws in U.S. Law

Build the specialized knowledge of U.S. law you need to more effectively practice in today’s global legal environment. You’ll start with the foundations of U.S. law, then have the opportunity to specialize in the areas that matter for your practice. A first degree in law is required for this program.

Learn more about the Master of Laws in U.S. Law

Master of Laws in Taxation

Enhance your practice with a comprehensive understanding of tax law. Designed for JD graduates looking to grow their legal toolkit, this program enables you to transition into tax-focused roles and thrive in a crucial legal area.

Learn more about the Master of Laws in Taxation

The Value of a WashU Legal Education

Study at a perennial top-20 law school that delivers both prestige and exceptional professional value. WashU Law combines nationally recognized academic excellence with a tuition rate that supports a strong return on investment, offering elite legal education and high-quality instruction at a more accessible cost. Plus, we offer a streamlined application process to make it easier for you to get started.

Complete your coursework on your own schedule. Through flexible online learning and thoughtfully designed courses, you can enhance your skillset without putting your career on pause. Benefit from the resources, faculty and reputation of a highly ranked law school, all from your current location.

Learn from scholars and industry professionals with real-world expertise. Your professors will be the same exceptional faculty that teach in our on-campus (residential) programs, connecting you to top legal thinkers and ensuring your education reflects current industry standards and emerging trends.

Connect with faculty and peers in live weekly sessions. Online learning doesn’t mean disconnected learning. Our students engage in weekly live sessions featuring the Socratic method, allowing for real dialogue and critical discussion. Optional on-campus immersions provide additional networking opportunities, while virtual events connect you to the broader WashU Law community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are the online law school programs accredited?

For more than a century, WashU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Find out more about the university’s HLC accreditation here.

When are the upcoming start dates and application deadlines?

WashU Law offers three start dates throughout the year (fall, spring, summer). For the most current information on upcoming start dates and deadlines, please visit our admissions page.

What’s the cost per credit and the cost of each program?

Tuition for WashU Law’s online programs is calculated on a per-credit basis. Each program requires 24 credits to complete, and the cost per credit hour is $2,375. So, the total tuition for each program is $57,000.

For the most current tuition information, including cost per credit and total estimated program cost, please visit our tuition and financial assistance page.

Do I need a legal background to apply to the online graduate law school programs?

While none of our programs require specific work experience, prior education requirements depend on the program:

MLS and MLS in Taxation: Bachelor’s degree (in any field) from an accredited institution
LLM in U.S. Law: First degree in law (Juris Doctor or international equivalent)
LLM in Taxation: Juris Doctor

A Legal Education Built on Creative Thinking