Written by: WSCL Marketing Team
Choosing between a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a significant decision that hinges on your career aspirations, time commitment, and financial investment. At Western State College of Law, the oldest law school in Orange County and one of the most affordable law schools in California, both programs offer distinct pathways into the legal field, each tailored to different professional goals. This blog post delves into the nuances of Western State’s JD program and new MLS program. It compares their structures, objectives, and potential career outcomes to assist you in determining which aligns best with your ambitions.
Understanding the Juris Doctor (JD) Program
The JD is the fundamental degree for individuals who want to practice law as licensed attorneys. At Western State College of Law, the JD program is designed to be completed in three years for those who study full-time, or four years for part-time students. The curriculum includes a comprehensive range of legal subjects, including constitutional law, contracts, torts, criminal law, and civil procedure. Students are also encouraged to participate in opportunities that provide them with real-world experience. These include legal clinics, externships, and moot court competitions to hone practical skills.
Graduates of the JD program can take the bar exam, which is mandatory for practicing law. Upon passing the bar, various career opportunities arise. These include private law firms, government agencies, public interest organizations, and corporate legal departments. The JD offers versatility, enabling attorneys to specialize in criminal law, family law, and intellectual property.
The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Program
The MLS degree is designed for professionals who want to gain a solid understanding of the law but do not want to practice as attorneys. This program is ideal for people whose careers intersect with legal issues. This includes compliance officers, human resource professionals, healthcare administrators, and business executives. The MLS offers essential legal insights that can improve decision-making and compliance across different industries.
At Western State College of Law, the MLS program offers a comprehensive education in healthcare compliance and risk management, addressing a broader range of topics within healthcare, including regulations, ethical decision-making, and legal risk assessment. This allows students to tailor their education to specific industries, making them experts in their chosen fields. The program requires fewer credit hours than the JD and can be completed within two years.
Curriculum Comparison
The curricula of the two programs differ significantly in scope and focus:
JD Curriculum: Offers a broad and in-depth study of law, preparing students for legal practice. Key components include legal theory, litigation, legal writing, and courtroom procedures. Students gain the skills required to represent clients, appear in court, and provide legal counsel.
MLS Curriculum: Emphasizes practical legal knowledge applicable to specific professional contexts. Coursework includes regulatory compliance, risk management, and laws related to the healthcare industry. It is designed for professionals who need to apply a legal understanding to roles that do not require an attorney.
The differences in the curriculum offered by the MLS vs JD at Western State underscore the importance of aligning your legal education with the professional role you are interested in, whether that be practicing law or enhancing your current career with legal expertise.
Time Commitment
Understanding the time investments required for either program is extremely important, as they differ significantly:
JD Program: Requires 87 credit hours, which can be completed in three years full-time or four years part-time. The longer duration and more comprehensive nature of the program mean that costs and tuition will be higher. Because of the heavy workload, full-time employment while studying can be difficult.
MLS Program: Consists of 30 credit hours, completed over 24 months. The shorter duration results in lower overall costs. Many students in the MLS program can continue working while pursuing the program.
These considerations are essential when planning your academic journey and balancing it with professional or personal obligations.
Career Outcomes
Your career goals will largely determine which program is more appropriate for you when comparing the MLS vs JD at Western State:
JD Graduates: Graduates are qualified to sit for the bar exam and become licensed attorneys. Career options include roles as prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, in-house counsel, and legal consultants. Many JD holders also pursue academia or senior roles in government.
MLS Graduates: Use their legal training to expand their legal knowledge for roles that do not require a license to practice law. These roles include being a compliance officer, a regulatory affairs specialist, a risk manager, a contract administrator, and an executive role in the healthcare sector.
Whether you’re looking to practice law or strengthen your position within your current profession, both degrees open doors to valuable and fulfilling career opportunities.
Practicing the Law
One of the most significant differences between the two degrees is the ability to practice law:
JD Degree: Prepares students to take the bar exam, which is mandatory to practice law. Once the bar exam is completed successfully, JD graduates can provide legal advice, represent clients in court, and draft legal documents.
MLS Degree: Qualifies graduates to pursue careers outside of practicing law. It is designed to equip professionals with legal knowledge that can be applied within their current or desired field without actually practicing law.
This distinction is central to what path you want to choose. Your decision should be based on whether your career goals include becoming a licensed attorney or gaining legal expertise to support your work in another field.
Western State’s Unique Offerings
Western State offers specialized programs for both MLS and JD students:
MLS Students: Benefit from a more flexible schedule that works with their current profession and industry-focused concentrations. The program is structured specifically to help working professionals get their degrees, which are integrated into their current careers.
JD Students: Obtain in-depth practical training through the school’s clinics, externships, and law review. These opportunities prepare students to practice law in the real world after graduation.
These program features demonstrate Western State’s commitment to preparing both lawyers and legal-savvy professionals to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape.
Making the Right Decision
If you’re trying to choose between an MLS and a JD, here are some key considerations:
Career Goals: If you aspire to be a practicing attorney, pursue the JD program; if you want to understand the law to enhance your current role or open doors to new opportunities, the MLS may be the better choice.
Time Commitment: For the JD program, you need to be able to either offer a full-time commitment or part-time for a longer duration. If you have a career that would not allow you to do this, the MLS might be a better fit for you.
Return on Investment: Consider the costs of each program and your long-term earning potential. For many professionals, an MLS offers a more immediate and cost-effective return.
Professional Background: Your current role or career path might naturally lean toward one program. If you’re already in healthcare or compliance, for example, an MLS with a healthcare law concentration may boost your effectiveness and credibility.
Reflecting on these factors will help you choose the educational path that best supports your goals and complements your life circumstances.
MLS or JD? The Choice Is Yours
At Western State College of Law at Westcliff University, both the MLS and JD programs are designed to offer rigorous, relevant, and rewarding legal education tailored to distinct career paths. The JD is ideal for those who want to become practicing attorneys, while the MLS serves professionals who need legal knowledge for non-lawyer roles. By understanding the key differences, such as the curriculum, duration, cost, and career outcomes, you can make a well-informed decision that works with your goals.
Understanding these key differences in the MLS vs JD at Western State—spanning curriculum, time commitment, career outcomes, and practice rights—will help you evaluate which path aligns best with your professional goals. To learn more about specific program requirements, please contact the program director at mlsinfo@wsulaw.edu to discuss your career objectives and choose the best legal path for you at Western State.