MLS FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program

When can I begin the program?

The Master of Legal Studies is a cohort program. If accepted, students begin their studies in fall.

When is the deadline for my application?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The preferred deadline is May 15.

Do I need a Bachelor’s degree?

Yes, a Bachelor’s degree is required for admission to the MLS program.

Is the GRE or the LSAT required?

No, there is no entrance exam required for admission to the MLS program.

Is the TOEFL required for international applicants?

If English is not your first language, the official TOEFL score report must be sent directly from ETC. TOEFL is waived for students whose first language is English, who attended an educational institution in which English was the primary language of instruction, or who worked in an English-speaking environment for one year or more.

What is the TOEFL score requirement?

The required TOEFL score is 100. The minimum IELTS score is 7.0. 

Can I attend part-time?

Yes, students may complete their studies by attending classes part-time or full-time.

Can I attend in the evening?

Yes, the program is designed to accommodate working students who wish to attend classes in the evening.

Are classes online?

At this time, all courses are taught in the classroom and are not online, with the exception of a couple of courses.

Do MLS students take regular law school courses in the program?

Generally yes. With the exception of two courses – Introduction to American Legal System and Effective Legal Writing – the courses you will take while in the MLS Program are the regular law school courses attended by students in the JD Program.

May MLS degree courses later be applied towards a JD degree?

No, the American Bar Association does not permit coursework taken as an MLS student to be applied toward the JD degree. Students in the MLS program interested in enrolling in the JD program must apply through the regular admissions process for Seattle University School of Law.

What is the purpose of the MLS degree?

The purpose of the MLS degree program is to educate professionals who work in areas related to the law by providing them with general knowledge of law and specific knowledge of law in their field of interest.

Can I practice law after completing the MLS program?

No, the program is designed for students who have an interest in law, work with legal issues, would like to research the law, or who are seeking ways to expand their career opportunities. It is not intended to train students to become lawyers, nor to prepare them for the bar exam.

How do I know which courses to take?

Students work with the Director of Graduate Programs to create an individualized curriculum plan based on their chosen track.

How many credits are required to graduate?

MLS students must successfully complete 30 credits to graduate.

How long will it take to graduate?

Full-time students can complete their studies within 9-12 months. Part-time students can complete their studies within 18-24 months.

Are scholarships available?

A limited number of merit scholarships are available to incoming MLS students. Scholarships are awarded at the time of admission.

What is your mailing address?

Office of Graduate Programs
Seattle University School of Law
Sullivan Hall
901 12th Avenue
P.O. Box 222000
Seattle, WA 98122-1090

Where can I get more information?

Email: gradlaw@seattleu.edu