Frequently Asked Questions

A JD degree is typically a 90-credit-hour degree, also known as a Doctor of Jurisprudence, that prepares students to sit for the Bar Exam and practice law.

Our MLS degree is a 30-credit-hour master’s degree in law. It is intended for people who want to learn the laws that govern their profession. MLS graduates are not eligible to practice law, but they are prepared to interact with legal professionals and departments to ensure that business practices are in line with regulations and compliance concerns.

No legal standards exist for paralegal education and training requirements. A paralegal cannot practice law without obtaining a JD and passing their state’s Bar exam, but they are welcome to pursue an MLS or other type of law-related education.

No, you cannot practice law with an MLS degree.

An MLS is intended for professionals or anyone seeking to improve their legal literacy and become more knowledgeable on the impact of law and regulation on their industry.

The Emory Law MLS offers four concentrations that address topics relevant to a range of industries: business law and regulation; cybersecurity, privacy, and technology law; employment law and human resources; and health care law and regulation.

This MLS is a great option for anyone looking for a flexible, customizable program. You can customize your experience by taking some courses on campus, selected in consultation with your academic adviser. Our students include c-suite executives, HR directors, compliance officers, and health care administrators, among others.

Emory Law is a highly ranked law school and a global leader in legal education. Through scholarship, teaching, service, and immersion in the communities it serves, Emory Law strives for a diverse and inclusive law school community that works for a more fair and just society by advancing the rule of law. Emory Law’s faculty influence the development of academic disciplines, policy, and legal practice. Our curricula provide students with exceptional learning opportunities, enabling graduates to become respected leaders in their chosen professions.

Emory Law faculty and other legal experts teach MLS courses. More than 60 full-time faculty, along with our adjunct faculty, teach 250+ courses at Emory Law. Their focus on legal research and their practical legal expertise means they are not only teaching you the law, they are also actively participating in shaping laws around the world. Learn more about our professors on our faculty page.

Yes, but each elective is only offered once per year. Learn more about our course offerings on our curriculum page.

The format is composed of 10 sequential flexible courses, with two synchronous online experiences, and can be completed in as little as 20 months.

We offer two start dates each year, in the fall and spring. Find the next application deadline on our admission page.

The personal statement gives the admission committee the chance to evaluate your writing and learn more about you and your educational and professional goals. Use the statement to explain why you’re interested in earning your MLS degree, what your professional goals are, and why you’ve chosen Emory Law to continue your education.

Your letters of recommendation should come from professors or other people who are familiar with your performance in an academic setting and can tell us about your research and writing skills. If you have been out of school for a while, try to find recommenders who can attest to your scholarly abilities and your writing and organizational skills.

Once you’ve completed your application, you will receive a link to schedule an interview at the time and date that is most convenient for you. The 30-minute interview is typically remote but can be done in person.

No, students are not permitted to transfer credits from another program.

Once you’ve submitted your application and all required materials, you can expect to receive an admission decision in about 14 business days.

Students wishing to suspend their course of study for one or more terms must submit a leave request to the Associate Dean of Students and Academic Programs or their designee, who will evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis and has the discretion to approve or deny such a leave.

Students granted a leave of absence must designate a specific date when they will resume their studies. If students wish to continue on leave, they must reapply. Students may be on leave for a maximum of four semesters. If a leave of absence is granted before grades have been assigned for the current term, the student will receive a grade of withdrawal (“W”) or incomplete (“I”) for all unfinished courses.

Learn more about our Leave of Absence Policy on our Student Bulletin.

Students who no longer wish to pursue a degree program at Emory University School of Law must meet with the Associate Dean of Students and Academic Programs or designee and obtain permission to withdraw. Failure to obtain the specific prior written consent of the Associate Dean of Students and Academic Programs or their designee to withdraw will result in a grade entry of “F” in all courses for which the student is registered. Any refunds due to the student will be returned in accordance with the regulations of the Office of Student Accounts and Billings.

Learn more about our Withdrawal Policy in our Student Bulletin.

Find a full summary of our program tuition and fees on our tuition and financial aid page.

Students enrolled in Emory Law’s MLS may request federal and state financial aid by completing their FAFSA. Emory’s FAFSA code is 001564.

Applicants to the MLS Program are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Emory Law has a limited number of scholarships available to highly qualified students. Students will be notified about any scholarship offer as part of their letter of acceptance.

Veterans and their families are important to the Emory Law community. Because of this, we are proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offer a Yellow Ribbon award of $3,500 per academic year to active military service members, veterans, and their spouses. If you are interested in participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, please contact the admission team at mlsadmission@emory.edu to learn more.