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About our Master of Legal Studies Online Program
Build upon your existing knowledge of law, legal doctrine, and legal concepts with a master's degree in legal studies from American Public University.
The interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Legal Studies is designed for law-related professionals looking to increase their legal insight. Through this dynamic program, you'll explore legal terminology, practices, and values, as you develop a working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and procedures. To prepare you for the rigor of your legal responsibilities, our master’s degree program will challenge you to develop sound legal research and communication skills.
American Public University is part of American Public University System (APUS), which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Commission accredits degree-granting institutions nationwide and is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
NOTE: Although some states do not require a Juris Doctor for bar entry, this program does not prepare you for the practice of law or admission to the bar of any state based solely on completion of this program. Completion of American Public University’s Master of Legal Studies online program does not qualify an individual to sit for the bar exam in any state.
What You Will Do in our Legal Studies Program
- Integrate legal research and writing skills into a variety of communications
- Facilitate the creation of new solutions to complex societal legal issues through critical thinking and analysis
- Design innovative legal solutions with technology
Degree at a Glance
Number of Credits
36
Cost Per Credit
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Courses Start Monthly
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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 2578
|
This course is an advanced theory and practice of criminal law in the United States. The history, scope, and nature of criminal law will be discussed. This course will analyze the general nature of crime, constitutional limits on crime, and general principals of criminal liability. Topics include: legal language and machinery, parties to crime, classification of offenses, act and intent, capacity to commit crime, and various defenses. Primary emphasis will be the common law and modern statutory criminal codes. Students are provided knowledge of the building blocks of criminal law to include elements of crimes and defenses to criminal charges. The role of the police, criminal courts, and attorneys in the administration of the criminal justice system will be discussed in detail. The course will teach the student how to analyze and brief criminal cases, and identify and discuss criminal issues. An overview of the criminal process and rules of evidence will be provided. This course focuses on the fundamental principles, concepts, and development of criminal law and the constitutional provisions which govern it. The course further discusses the relationship of the individual to the state and includes an examination of the general framework of criminal law as a means of social control.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2579
|
This course addresses the specific constitutional rights, including the fourth, fifth and sixth amendments as those that have a direct impact on the defendant and prosecution in the judicial process. The course will review issues of the pre-arrest stage to post conviction remedies, as well as the procedural laws in the criminal justice process and their limits. The parameters of these limits will be analyzed by studying various court decisions.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4053
|
Part one of this graduate level two-part intensive legal writing program is designed to develop students’ research and writing skills. Students will learn and practice the skills necessary for identifying, locating, and using legal resources, including primary sources of administrative, statutory, and case law; secondary authority; and research reference tools, to include computer research tools, commonly used in the practice of law. Students will also explore the process of legal analysis, incorporating the results of their legal research into correspondence, case briefs, legal memoranda, and motions.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4054
|
Part two of a two-part graduate level intensive legal writing program is designed to develop students’ research and writing skills. Students will further develop their research, legal analytical, and writing, with emphasis on logical reasoning and clear, concise, and convincing writing. Students will complete several legal writing assignments, which will synthesize research, analytical, and technical writing skills. (Prerequisite: LSTD504 Methods of Legal Research and Writing I)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4050
|
This graduate course is an introduction to real property concepts. The course surveys present and future estates in land, ownership, and concurrent ownership. Leasehold interests, gifts and bequests, covenants and servitudes, conveyancing, various land use restrictions, and eminent domain are also considered.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4051
|
This graduate course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and sources of contract law. This course evaluates the various components of a legally binding agreement or promise and surveys the major issues affecting such enforceable agreements. Students will examine what constitutes breach of contract and the remedies available. The role of contracts in the commercial arena and in society will also be analyzed.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4052
|
This graduate course will focus on the fundamental principles, concepts, and development of tort and personal injury law, while combining theoretical and practical applications of such principles and concepts. The course presents an overview of the substantive law governing compensation for injuries to property and to the person. Specific areas of study include negligence and defenses to negligence; products liability and strict liability; negligent infliction of emotional distress; injury to property; tort immunities and tort investigations. Students will examine the analytical process used both to understand court opinions and hypothetical problems in this area of the law. The course highlights the public policy objectives and social forces behind the development of tort and personal injury legislation.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3850
|
This course provides the student with a theoretical foundation in Constitutional law. The Constitution divides power. In particular, it apportions authority along three main dimensions: between the state and federal governments; among the branches of the federal government; and between, on the one hand, all levels of government and, on the other hand, individuals. The vast majority of live constitutional questions concern a conflict along one or more of these axes. Students will study issues of policy, principle, philosophy, and constitutional implications by focusing on construction and application. This graduate course will explore advanced principles, doctrines and controversies regarding the structure of and division of powers in American government. Specific topics include judicial review, jurisdiction, standing to sue, federalism, federal and state powers and immunities, the separation of powers among the branches of the federal government, the First Amendment, and the Equal Protection Clause.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Choose 6 credit hours from this section.
Course ID: 2739
|
This course examines the area of business law and applies it to the business environment. Traditional topics covered include: the legal environment of business, contract law, property, sales contracts, commercial paper, agency law, ethics and the regulatory environment. The course also examines the issue of the global economy from the view that the largest companies dominate in the creation of jobs and technological innovation.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3909
|
A survey of the legal structure that defines and regulates the nonprofit sector and an examination of fundamental governance issues in nonprofit corporations. The focus of the course is on the board of directors (trustees) and the executive director and their fiduciary responsibilities established both by law and by the moral imperatives from actions on behalf of the public interest.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2829
|
This course identifies the public law, regulation, and associated policy that facilitates and in some cases restricts emergency management planning, recovery, and relief. Topics include national, state, and local issues and examples of public law. The course also covers issues associated with intergovernmental (fire, police, EMS, emergency management, military, etc.) action in emergencies as such action relates to regulation or public law.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4356
|
This course will focus on the issue of ownership of certain types of intellectual property on the internet, which has become a critical issue with different technological platforms, digital tools, and apps becoming so prevalent in our schools and culture. In this course, online, face-to-face, and hybrid educators will learn about the different types of potential copyright infringement, fair use, and privacy aspects for students, exploring the implication for course development and instruction.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2816
|
This course explores legal, ethical, and political issues related to PreK-12 U.S. education. Topics include NCLB/ESSA, district liability, rights of students and teachers, and issues related to employment and technology. Emphasis is given to federal and state statutes and case law affecting due process, liability, equal protection, and the rights of teachers and students in order to better understand risks and possible strategies to reduce those risks. Ethical and political contextual aspects are explored in relation to public education decision and policy making at the classroom and school levels. (Prerequisite: EDUC503)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2747
|
This course is a study of the major legal, regulatory, and policy framework that encompasses environmental programs and projects in the United States and with international political, commercial, and non-governmental institutions. The primary learning approach used in this course will be case studies.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2686
|
This course is a conceptual and functional analysis of the legal framework and principles of employment law. Issues are addressed from a managerial perspective so that students have an opportunity to develop their business decision-making skills, (via employment law scenarios), as they relate to the evaluation of legal ramifications affecting a variety of workplace situations. Topics include the agency-employment relationship; discrimination under Civil Rights Act Title VII and other federal laws based on race/color, gender, age, national origin, religion, pregnancy, and sexual orientation; diversity, affirmative action, and bona fide occupational qualifications; employer negligence in hiring; criminal checks and credit screenings; physical fitness, ethics, and personality tests for employment purposes; vicarious liability, sexual harassment, and workplace violence; challenges with organized labor/unions under the National Labor Relations Act; working standards including pay, hours, age requirements, etc. set by the Fair Labor Standards Act and state equivalents; and challenges arising from the Family and Medical Leave Act.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2581
|
The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and sources of international law that evaluate the various components, processes, and functions of the international legal process and consider how international law impacts the laws within the United States. Additionally, the current state of the international legal order is reviewed with legal opinions regarding major philosophies, components and current practices and problems of the field of international law.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4284
|
This graduate course focuses on the procedural and substantive law surrounding immigration. Emphasis is given to legal changes enacted in the field since September 11, 2001, as well as current events. It provides students with the background, processes, and tools necessary for a working knowledge of immigration issues. Important topics such as immigrant status, citizenship, refugees, and asylum seekers will be explored. Students will analyze immigration law and policy.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4489
|
This course is provides an understanding of the structure of homeland security law and policy. This course will familiarize students with the extensive and complex legal codes that come under the heading of Homeland Security. The course will cover statutes, policy papers, presidential directives, and other documents related to homeland security allowing for an in-depth examination of the foundations of homeland security. The course will provide the student with important legal guidance allowing the student to accurately interpret, understand, and apply homeland security law and policy. The course provides a detailed overview of the subject of homeland security and includes definitions of homeland security, terrorism, the related law, and its development. The course discusses homeland security in other countries as well i.e. Europe, China, Japan.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4490
|
This course focuses on the ways that law, ethics and cybersecurity overlap and intersect. Besides laws related to cybersecurity, the course examines laws related to intellectual property, civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, and privacy. This examination will provide the means to identify and analyze the policies reflected in those laws. Those policies could guide the creation of policies on a business-level, using qualitative risk assessment and planning. An exploration of ethics and cybersecurity, as well as of workplace ethics, will involve the use of an ethical framework.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3551
|
This course provides an introduction to the law and legal system as it applies to public administration and policy. It covers the interrelation of norms, moral codes and formal laws. The attempt to address social concerns with new laws and regulations has created increased pressure in the courts and legislative chambers. This course examines the sources, influences, operation and consequences of law and public policy formation, and analyzes public policy initiatives from political and legal aspects as to their intentions, achievable aims, and intended and unintended outcomes.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3555
|
This course introduces students to the role of the judiciary in American politics and policymaking and explores the questions asked and the methods employed by political scientists studying courts and the legal system. An equally important objective of this course is to familiarize students with the seminal works in judicial research, with particular emphasis on Supreme Court cases. Students will study the judicial process in the United States from a variety of perspectives in order to examine the role of law and courts in the larger political arena and social environment.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5126
|
This course is an introduction to sports-related legal issues and concepts. Its focus is on providing an overview of the major legal issues associated with sports, sports management, and the sports industry. Students will conduct research, read, and write on issues associated with the sports legal industry. Topics include but are not limited to discrimination, legislation, regulation and rights, competition, contract, labor, tort and trademark law, and administrative, antitrust and constitutional law.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 | Spring 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 | Summer 2024 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 | Summer 2024 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3964
|
This course examines space law from its origins at the commencement of space exploration to current day activities, including civilian, commercial and military/governmental issues/rulings. The Outer Space Treaty, Registration Convention, Rescue and Return Agreement, Liability Convention, and the Moon Treaty will be covered in detail, as will several other past, standing and pending legal works.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 | Summer 2024 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4947
|
This course is an opportunity for the School of Security and Global Studies graduate student to pursue an independent research project or examine a specific area of Security and Global Studies under the mentorship of a single professor. Participation is at the discretion of the faculty member. This course will require a major research paper of approximately 30-40 pages; there will be no examination. Students will submit a proposal prior to the start of the project, an annotated bibliography, and a final paper at week 8, all of which will count toward the final grade. To be eligible for an independent study, students must be enrolled in a graduate degree program, must have completed 24 hours at APUS toward their current degree program, and should have already contacted a professor and gained approval for the independent study topic. Once these conditions are met the student should contact their academic advisor. Once the course is open the student must complete an official online registration for the course.
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 4534
|
This capstone legal analytical project (CLAP) is the final and ultimate experience for the Master of Legal Studies Program. It is intended to permit students to demonstrate their capacity to deeply research a narrow topic concerning a legal challenge to a segment of American society, as well as thoroughly analyze and succinctly yet thoroughly write about it. The students’ chief goal is to validate that they have mastered the three fundamental legal skills of research, analysis and writing. Prerequisite: All other courses must be completed before registering for this course.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25/23 - 05/31/24 | 06/03/24 - 09/22/24 | Spring 2024 Session C | 16 Week session |
| 01/29/24 - 06/28/24 | 07/01/24 - 10/20/24 | Summer 2024 Session A | 16 Week session |
| 02/26/24 - 08/02/24 | 08/05/24 - 11/24/24 | Summer 2024 Session K | 16 Week session |
| 03/25/24 - 08/30/24 | 09/02/24 - 12/22/24 | Summer 2024 Session C | 16 Week session |
Admission Requirements
- All APU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®).
- Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
- There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
CHEA® is a registered trademark of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Materials Cost
Most courses in this program use Open Educational Resources (OER). These teaching, learning, and research materials are made available to you at no cost, meaning there are minimal book costs associated with earning this degree.
Technology fee: $85 per course
Need Help?
Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].
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1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
*Cost Per Credit Hour
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
See all military student benefits.
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Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.
