Washington University School of Law is ranked #16 by U.S. News & World Report. Gain hands-on experience and access our prestige, faculty knowledge, student organizations, alumni network, and other resources with one of our online law degree programs.

We offer the following graduate law programs online:

Master of Legal Studies (MLS) for non-legal professionals

A program designed for professionals that want to leverage legal training to advance their career, but do not plan to become a practicing attorney. This program is designed so that students develop a solid foundation in US Law. MLS students come from a variety of backgrounds and industries. The MLS Tax program caters to professionals who don’t hold a JD but want to pursue a specialized understanding of tax law across a wide range of industries.

Master of Legal Studies

Master of Laws (LLM) in U.S. Law for international students and lawyers

The online LLM in U.S. Law program is designed for international lawyers who want to develop expertise in the U.S. legal system. Attorneys or law school graduates who want to expand their legal education and prepare for diverse careers can earn a graduate degree while continuing to work.

LLM in U.S. Law

Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation for graduate law students and U.S.-based lawyers

The online LLM in Taxation program is designed for lawyers that desire specialized tax law skills. Students in the online LLM in Taxation program will learn from a faculty of tax law experts bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom.

LLM in Taxation

Schedule an individual consultation to learn more about the right online option for you! We have availability across all time zones. Email onlinegradlaw@wustl.edu for personalized assistance and scholarship information.  

Our Online Law Degree Programs

Our online programs offer a synchronous learning environment with experiential learning opportunities, externships, and, for our LL.M. students, assistance with the bar exam. Our online students receive the same rigorous coursework and guidance as our on-campus law students, with direct instruction from professors who are leaders in the legal profession.

Master of Legal Studies

The MLS program is for non-lawyers who want to enhance their understanding of the U.S. legal system without the intent to practice law.

Our Master of Legal Studies program is ideal for non-lawyer professionals who seek a world-class legal education to enhance their career. The WashU Law online MLS program goes beyond the typical one-size-fits-all approach to legal studies. You’ll have the chance to customize your degree with concentrations in highly sought-after and relevant areas.

Concentrations

  • Business Law
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Litigation
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Employment Law

Master of Legal Studies in Taxation

The MLS in Taxation program is for non-lawyers who want to enhance their understanding of U.S. tax law without the intent to practice law.

Our Master of Legal Studies in Taxation program is designed for non-lawyer professionals who want to gain a specialized understanding of the complexities of U.S. tax law. The MLS in Taxation program equips students with the legal knowledge and tax expertise needed to excel in their careers and advance within their organizations and industries, including legal, finance, business, and government.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. Law

The online LL.M. in U.S. Law program is designed for international law students and lawyers who want to make expertise in the U.S. legal system their specialty.

Attorneys and law school graduates who want to expand their legal education and prepare for diverse careers can earn a graduate degree while continuing to work when enrolled in our LL.M. in U.S. Law program.

This 24-credit program gets students on the fast track to success and can be completed in as little as 18 months. There are two required courses, Introduction to U.S. Law & Methods and Legal Research and Writing. Students can then choose one of three electives for their next course: Contracts, Property, or Torts. Students can then tailor their curriculum to their academic and career goals, with expert guidance from our academic advisors.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation

The online LL.M. in Taxation program is designed for lawyers that require specializations in U.S. tax law.

Our Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation degree program is designed for practicing lawyers and graduate law students who want to gain a specialized understanding of the complexities of tax law in the United States. This knowledge can help position students for career advancement at their current company or across a wide range of industries.

Students in the online LL.M. in Taxation program will learn from a faculty of tax law experts that bring a wealth of industry knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom.

Academics

Our online master’s degree programs from the world-renowned Washington University School of Law upholds the same rigorous academic standards that have made our on-campus programs among the best in the nation. Students will enroll in courses that are designed and led by the same faculty who teach on campus, attend face-to-face online classes with accomplished peers, and have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences hosted in person in St. Louis, Missouri.

Tuition and Financial Aid

  • Credits per program: 24
  • Cost per credit hour: $2,917

Accreditation

WashU Law’s online MLS in Taxation program has obtained acquiescence from the American Bar Association (ABA). Learn more about acquiescence on the ABA website.

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

Enrollment Deadlines & Start Dates

  • Summer Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
  • Summer Semester Start Date: June 2, 2025
  • Fall Application Deadline: Aug. 11, 2025
  • Fall Semester Start Date: Sept. 8, 2025

WashU Law Online Law Degree FAQs

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