Master in the Study of Law

Law isn't just for lawyers.

Work that involves the legal system touches many professions beyond the immediate practice of law. In fact, every industry must comply with legal rules, regulations, and laws—and those industries all need professionals adept at navigating that legal terrain.

With Hamline's Master in the Study of Law, you can combine the foundational training of an ABA-approved paralegal certificate with specific, in-depth study in a legal area of your choosing to give you a highly-nuanced understanding of how the law and legal system impact your work.

With a Master in the Study of Law from Hamline, you will:

• Achieve competence in key foundational areas of law, including knowledge of the structure, components, and functioning of the legal system.
• Acquire a deep understanding of the rules and reasoning contained in legal authorities, as well as the ability to apply them to a variety of legal situations.
• Become a keen advocate, collaborator, and problem-solver in legal matters, including formal and informal disputes.
• Earn your paralegal certificate.
• Master the skills and knowledge in a specific area:
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Litigation Support
  • Professional Practice Management
  • Social Justice   

Ready to get the expertise that will make you stand apart? Request more information >

Master in the Study of Law Program Overview

Finish faster	Students enrolled full-time (8 credits per term) can finish the paralegal certificate portion of the MSL in one year or less. Students enrolled full-time can complete the master's degree in as little as 18 months.
Start sooner	Begin your master's degree program in February, June, or September.
Balance work and school	With many courses available online, you can take courses both online and on campus for maximum flexibility and convenience.

State Eligibility and Complaint Process

State eligibility

Hamline University, like all higher education institutions, must follow individual state regulations before enrolling students outside of Minnesota in its online programs. Hamline can enroll students residing in most states, but please confirm whether your state is among the eligible states. 

Hamline University is committed to providing outstanding online education. If you have a question, concern, or complaint about your online education experience at Hamline, please review our complaint process for online education at Hamline.

Please note

The 20-credit core graduate paralegal certificate is approved by the American Bar Association for the training of paralegals. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to clients or to the public, except as permitted by law. Neither the paralegal certificate nor Master in the Study of Law degree qualify the recipient to sit for the bar examination or work as a lawyer.

*Hamline University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), maintains an affiliation and collaborative relationship with Mitchell | Hamline School of Law, an autonomous law school created by the combination of Hamline University School of Law and William Mitchell College of Law and which is separately accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).