Take your next step

Have more questions?

• How much does it cost?

  Your education is an investment in yourself: in your future earnings, sure, but also in the opportunity to live the life you want. As Minnesota’s oldest university—founded in 1854—employers know the Hamline name and reputation for excellence. They recognize that our practical, skills-based programs prepare you to lead from day one. And you'll have peace of mind in knowing that you've chosen an institution consistently ranked as a "best value regional university" by U.S. News & World Report.

  Both of our legal studies programs offer the highly competitive rate of $884 per credit.

  • Paralegal certificate (20 credits): Our online certificate program can be completed in just five courses over a single year, making it one of the most practical, low-barrier ways to enter a high-demand career.
  • Master's (MSL) degree (36 credits): If you start from scratch, you can complete the full Master in the Study of Law (MSL) in 18 months and graduate with both your certificate and your master's degree.
  • Stackable option: If you've earned your paralegal certificate from Hamline or another ABA-approved program within the past ten years, you can apply those credits directly toward your MSL and finish your master's degree in only one more year.

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  Financing your education

  Hamline is committed to making your education affordable. We offer generous financial aid options for graduate students — including federal aid eligibility (FAFSA) and flexible payment plans — as well as scholarships specific to our legal studies programs.

  Tuition and costs:

  View our graduate tuition rates chart

  Scholarships and financial aid:

  Explore Scholarships for Paralegal Certificate students

  Explore Scholarships for MSL students 

  Learn about graduate financial aid

   

• How long will it take?

  The timeline depends entirely on your goals and your schedule. Our legal studies programs are designed to support both part-time and full-time students.

  • Paralegal Certificate: By taking just one to two online classes at a time, you can complete your certificate in 12 months (5 courses).
  • Stackable MSL: If you decide to transition from your certificate into the Master in the Study of Law (MSL), you can apply your credits and finish your master’s degree with only one additional year of part-time study.
  • Full-time MSL: Start from scratch as a full-time student in our MSL program and graduate with both your paralegal certificate and master's degree in just 18 months.
• I'm busy. Is it flexible?

  Yes. Hamline’s programs are built to adapt to your life, not the other way around. Both our Paralegal Certificate and Master in the Study of Law (MSL) are delivered entirely online, allowing you to avoid the commute and study from anywhere.

  Our formats adjust as you advance:

  • Core Paralegal Certificate classes are held synchronously. You'll log in one evening a week (typically 7 to 9 pm CST) to participate in live discussions and network with your peers and professors.
  • Once you move past the paralegal core into the final four courses of your master's degree, the format shifts to asynchronous learning. You can log in, review lectures, and complete your coursework whenever and wherever it fits your schedule.