The University of Oklahoma College of Law, building on its tradition of excellence in legal education since 1909, now offers a General Master of Legal Studies designed for professionals whose careers require a working understanding of the law. Created for non-lawyers, this program draws from OU Law’s broad and proven curriculum. It includes foundational topics such as contracts, compliance, governance, and policy, equipping leaders across industries with the legal insight needed to navigate today’s complex professional landscape.

The Online MLS in General Legal Studies is a 32-credit hour graduate degree that can be completed in just 15 months. Designed for professionals across industries, this program empowers you to build a broad legal foundation with flexibility to explore topics across multiple legal disciplines.

As laws increasingly shape how organizations operate, from contracts and compliance to governance and risk, this program offers a powerful credential for professionals ready to lead in complex environments. The General M.L.S. equips you with practical legal knowledge to interpret laws, influence policy, and collaborate effectively with legal teams, all without earning a JD or taking the LSAT.

This degree is ideal for those who work in business, energy, healthcare, education, nonprofit, or public service and want a fuller understanding of the legal landscape surrounding their work.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Legal Knowledge: A Flexible Legal Foundation: Each course in the General MLS curriculum is grounded in real-world application. You’ll complete foundational legal courses and tailor the rest of your experience by selecting from OU Law’s existing concentrations, including Indigenous Peoples Law, Energy and Natural Resources Law, Healthcare Law, and International Business Law. By combining electives across these focus areas, you’ll create a personalized and comprehensive legal education aligned to your career goals.
  • Flexible Delivery on Your Schedule: Study from anywhere and complete your degree in as little as 15 months. The online format is 100% asynchronous, allowing you to learn at your pace while continuing to work full-time. Every course is taught by expert OU Law faculty and structured to support busy professionals, ensuring you stay engaged and supported throughout the program.
  • Outcomes That Matter: Graduates of the General MLS program are prepared to: Interpret and apply laws and regulations in real-world business and public contexts
    • Conduct legal research and communicate findings clearly
    • Draft, negotiate, and review contracts
    • Lead compliance and risk initiatives
    • Understand dispute resolution options
    • Collaborate with legal teams and regulators
    • Influence internal policy and governance
    • Train teams on legal and ethical responsibilities
  • Faculty Experts, National Impact: OU Law faculty bring decades of experience in legal practice, public policy, and leadership across sectors. Their instruction blends legal theory with applied skills preparing you for immediate impact. Many faculty have led organizations, served in government, or practiced law in high-stakes regulatory environments. You’ll also join a powerful network of more than 11,000 OU Law alumni around the world, opening doors to mentorship, networking, and career opportunity.
  • A Trusted Name in Legal Education: OU Law is nationally recognized for offering outstanding value in legal education. Our Master of Legal Studies programs are built on a commitment to accessibility, academic excellence, and career-ready results. As part of the University of Oklahoma, you’ll benefit from world-class resources, faculty support, and a degree respected by employers across industries.

Accelerate your career advancement with a graduate degree from the OU College of Law. Contact us for more information or to request a call from an OU Law representative.

 

More Information

A broad understanding of legal concepts is essential for today’s business executives, organizational managers, and dedicated public servants because the law intersects with nearly every aspect of decision-making and daily operations. From contracts and compliance to governance and policy, legal considerations shape how organizations grow, adapt, and serve. Leaders who can spot legal risks early and navigate regulatory complexity are better equipped to protect their teams, uphold ethical standards, and drive lasting success. More importantly, professionals who understand legal frameworks can collaborate more effectively with attorneys, making strategic decisions that align with both business objectives and the law. The University of Oklahoma College of Law is where innovative, proven, and practical legal training prepares professionals to lead with clarity and confidence.

Module 1 

  • LSG 5222 Foundations of the U.S. Legal System (2)
  • LSG 5001 Legal Research & Sources of Law (1)

Module 2 

  • LSG 5233 Written & Oral Communication (3)
  • LSG 5043 Processes in Dispute Resolution (3)

Module 3 

  • LSG 5033 Contract Law (3)

Module 4 

  • LSG 5013 Business Organizational Structures & Governance (3)
  • LSG 5023 Regulatory & Administrative Law (3)

Elective Module 

  • 14 hours of any Healthcare Law, Indigenous Peoples Law, International Business Law, or Energy and Natural Resource Law course