Many career positions and ministry roles that intersect with the law require an advanced degree; today, several program options are available.
While a Juris Doctor (JD) is required to practice law, a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) may be suitable for careers that overlap with the legal field or involve regularly dealing with laws and regulations in daily operations.
Both degrees explore legal systems, but they differ in purpose, structure, cost, and career outcomes.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | MLS | JD |
| Purpose | Legal knowledge for non-lawyers | Designed to practice law |
| Bar Eligibility | Not eligible | Depending on accreditation, yes. |
| Program Length | 1–2 years (part-time options common) | 3 years full-time (some part-time programs exist) |
| Credit Load | ~30 credits | ~85–90 credits |
| Entrance Exam | Usually not required | LSAT or GRE is typically required |
| Tuition Range | ~$20,000–$40,000 total | ~$90,000–$165,000+ total |
| Career Outcome | Compliance, HR, regulatory roles, nonprofits | Licensed attorney, legal practice, corporate legal counsel |
What Is a JD?
A Juris Doctor is the degree required to practice law in the United States.
It is offered by law schools and is a prerequisite to sitting for the bar exam, with rare and tightly regulated apprenticeship pathways available in certain states.
JD programs are intensive and comprehensive, and usually require three years of full-time study. Students typically complete 85 to 90 credit hours, and often choose elective tracks such as environmental law, business law, criminal justice, or intellectual property. Experiential learning, such as internships, legal clinics, moot court, and pro bono work, is common.
Admission to JD programs is competitive and typically requires the LSAT or, increasingly, the GRE. Additional materials—GPA, personal statements, recommendation letters—are also considered. Some schools have begun to pilot test-optional pathways, but an admissions exam is still the norm.
A JD program is also typically a significant financial investment. Program tuition can vary significantly depending on the school and state, but many private programs average over $55,000 annually, with total tuition often exceeding $150,000—and that’s before factoring in books, fees, and living expenses. However, many law schools offer scholarships and participate in Federal Aid programs.
What Is an MLS?
The Master of Legal Studies is a graduate degree for professionals whose careers intersect with the law, but who don’t intend to become attorneys.
The degree is designed to help working adults develop legal reasoning and regulatory expertise relevant to their industries. At a Christian law school, an MLS can prepare church administrators, nonprofit employees, or faith-based workers to anticipate legal challenges.
An MLS curriculum introduces students to legal concepts. Electives often focus on sectors like employment law, business regulation, human rights, and ethics. Some programs offer capstone projects, but do not include courtroom training or bar preparation.
At Trinity Law School and many other programs, admission to an MLS degree does not require the LSAT or GRE. Many schools offer part-time or online options. The total credit requirement is typically 30 credits. Most students complete the degree in 12 to 20 months.
The financial commitment for an MLS is still significant, but it is typically more flexible than a JD. An MLS may cost between $20,000 and $40,000 total. At Trinity Law School, the cost of the program is $750 per credit hour. Because the credit load is smaller and programs are often designed for working professionals, the financial and scheduling demands are often significantly lighter. Scholarships and Federal Aid are also available.
Once again, an MLS does not prepare graduates to take the Bar exam or provide legal advice. However, anyone who works regularly with lawyers or the law and is well-versed in legal studies can save their organization time and money, giving MLS graduates a significant advantage in their field.