Masters in Paralegal studies (Meaning, Length, Schools, Requirements)

Masters of Paralegal Studies is generally viewed as one of the most reputable paralegal qualifications there is.

When choosing this type of paralegal program, you are given the option to pursue either a supervisory role or a highly specialized area of law.

This diploma can be more valuable to those looking to advance to senior positions in the legal field or who wish to specialize in a particular area of law.

A Master of Paralegal Studies is also helpful to those seeking leadership or management positions in law firms.

This article will explain what a Master in Paralegal Studies is, the duration, and the benefits of a master in Paralegal Studies.

What is Masters in Paralegal Studies?

A master’s degree in Paralegal Studies is usually composed as a Master’s degree in legal studies, Master of Legal Studies (MLS), or Master of Arts (MA) in Legal Studies.

The curriculum balances the theoretical, philosophical, and historical study of law, emphasizing written and oral communication, analysis, technology, and professionalism.

These are skills that employers demand which will allow you to be competent in any field.

However, an advanced degree in intellectual property, constitutional law, and international law prepare you for entry into the world of high-profile legal affairs.

While not public defenders, paralegals have certainly established their role in today’s legal system.

The relationships forged between paralegals and the attorneys they support have a direct bearing on how a case is closed or how the investigation is opened.

How long does it take to get a Masters in Paralegal Studies?

A Master of Paralegal Studies usually lasts one to two years full-time (more schools offer online law programs that include flexible hours for full-time and part-time students).

It is also becoming increasingly popular for schools to offer online law Master’s Programs, which can offer flexible timetables for full-time and part-time students.

Benefits of acquiring a Masters in Paralegal studies

Broader knowledge of legal systems:

It helps to build a broader knowledge of legal systems. Moreover, students in the Paralegal course will know the various legal systems and specific legal principles.

The program select electives based on career interests to prepare students for specialized career tracks after their studies.

At the same time, this knowledge aims to assist graduates in demonstrating leadership, management, and teaching roles in the paralegal field.

Development of expertise on how the law impacts people:

Masters in Paralegal Studies program enables students to critically analyze the various ways in which laws and legal processes affect the lives of their clients and society.

This will help graduates understand how the law is changing. It generally includes competency-based learning designed to aid paralegals in connecting with customers of their companies, effectively interview witnesses, and explain lay legal processes.

Application of in-class learning in a legal environment:

Some Masters in Paralegal Studies programs require students to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting through an internship.

This helps students to see how legal knowledge can be used in a wide variety of situations.

Top schools to get a Masters in Paralegal studies:

Arizona State University (ASU):

ASU provides a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree through the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law. Students may select from many different areas of specialization, such as Criminal Law, Patent Practice, and Science and Technology Law.

Each major has different compulsory subjects, such as International contracts, Contract drafting and negotiation, and Cross-border Investigations and Proceedings.

Students may take full time or part-time and begin in autumn or spring. It can be completed as part of face-to-face courses or as an online Master’s degree in Law.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln:

Students in the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program complete 33 credits either full-time in one year or part-time in a maximum of three years.

Successful completion of a course in legal investigations, crime, contracts, or property, and an oral exam is useful for graduation.

The Law School also enables students to combine the Master of Legal Studies program with order selected courses for a dual study program.

Washington University:

The Washington University College of Law provides an online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) that enables students to study many of the Juries Doctor (JD) program courses.

The MLS program courses are taught by the same faculty that teaches JD program courses. The program comprises 24 credits that can take one year of full-time study to finish.

Before starting their studies or in the first semester, students should take one introductory course, US Laws and Methods. Newcomers come in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Selective courses on the degree include commercial, health, intellectual property Procedure, Legal Writing, and Trial Defense.

University of Illinois Springfield:

The University of Illinois Springfield provides a 100% online Masters in Paralegal Studies with an integrative view on United States law and legal systems.

The course comprises 40 credit hours and is designed for working people. While the program officially begins in the fall semester, students can apply for elective courses for the spring or summer semester.

The degree is planned to prepare graduates for potential career opportunities in paralegal and many related fields of law. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any subject can apply.

The University of Denver:

The University of Denver offers online options for the ambitious paralegal through its Master of Science in Legal Administration (MSLA) program.

This course of study has two areas of focus, which include Law Firm Administration and Court Administration. The course comprises 12 months of full-time study or just two years of part-time study and has 30 credits.

After completing all compulsory courses, students complete a final externship or creative project.

Students in all fields of study must study four compulsory subjects:

Communication
Writing
Research in Legal Business
Applied Leadership and Management in Practice

Students take another compulsory course related to their chosen focus, such as Business of Courts, Legal Practice Seminar, and Court Caseflow Management.

The Gould School of Law at The University of Southern California (USC):

USC offers a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) which aims to prepare legal practitioners who can benefit from a broader legal knowledge but are not attorneys.

The degree requires 21 credits, comprising two compulsory courses and 18 credits of electives. The courses offered are Constitutional Law, Topics in American Law, and Business for Law.

Newcomers are admitted for Autumn, Spring, and Summer start dates and can complete the program part-time or full-time.

Other schools to get a Masters in Paralegal studies:

George Washington University, which offers MPS in Paralegal Studies
Grand Canyon University, which offers MS in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies
St. Leo University, which offers MS in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for Master of Paralegal programs should have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA. Students wishing to specialize in a particular area of law can benefit from a law degree, but introductory paralegal courses are not required.

The admission requirements for a Master of Paralegal Studies can also include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, a resume, and transcripts.

Basic Concepts and Course Activities

A Master of Paralegal Studies program offers students the opportunity to learn more about legal systems and the law than a post-graduate degree.

Students usually take courses that focus on different areas of law, such as Family law, business law, estates, etc. Advanced legal writing and contract work is an integral part of most Law Masters’ programs.

Some schools offer optional internships to enable students to develop professional skills and apply what they have learned.

Moreover, many Masters degrees in Paralegal Studies are tutored by law schools that can assist students network and create reliable relationships for their careers.

In many master’s programs, students can also take specialized electives depending on their interests.

Courses in a Master of Paralegal Studies program:

Advanced Legal
Writing
Business Law
Civil Practice Skills
Comparative Justice
Intellectual Property
Legal Research
Mergers & Acquisitions
US Legal Systems

Jobs with a Masters in Paralegal studies

Paralegals usually don’t need to be certified or licensed to get a job, although some states provide optional certification through their bar associations.

In addition to state certification, several national certification options are provided by organizations such as the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS).

With a Master of Paralegal Studies, you will acquire deeper legal knowledge that can open countless professional doors for you in the future. However, many Master’s graduates from paralegal programs become paralegals.

Some common job descriptions for MLS graduates are:

Arbitrator
Intelligence Analyst
Law Clerk
Legal Administrator
Conciliator
Legal Advocate
Specialized Paralegal.
Legal Assistant
Legal Researcher
Mediator
Legal Secretary
Paralegal Risk Management Advisor

Conclusion

Students who complete a Master of Paralegal Studies program are ideally equipped to further develop in this steadily growing industry.

A Master of Paralegal Studies proffers modern legal preparation for those interested in more senior legal support positions. This usually means an increase in salaries.

Awesome one; I hope this article answered your question.

Masters in Paralegal studies (Meaning, Length, Schools, Requirements)

What is Masters in Paralegal Studies?

How long does it take to get a Masters in Paralegal Studies?