Many professionals encounter legal issues in their daily work, such as negotiating contracts, engaging in dispute resolution, or documenting their organization's regulatory compliance. Online MLS degree programs help graduates address these issues with confidence by combining essential legal knowledge with their expertise in another field. Many programs encourage interdisciplinary study by offering concentrations in diverse subjects such as business, healthcare, human resources, cybersecurity, or technology. Although there are some similarities between an MLS program and a law degree, or Juris Doctor program, the two courses of study are quite different. The primary distinction is the student's intended career path. Law students pursue a professional doctorate in law to become practicing lawyers, while MLS students pursue a master's-level understanding of the law as it relates to business functions with an eye toward improving their professional knowledge base. Many of the courses in an MLS program cover the same general topics as the courses in a JD program, but not with the same depth. Also, while MLS programs include a few courses on legal practice, such as contract negotiation and legal research and writing, they do not include extensive courses on trial practice and civil procedure.
Law students pursue a doctorate in law to become practicing lawyers, while MLS students pursue a master's-level understanding of the law as it relates to business functions.