JD, MLS or LLM: Find the Right Law Degree for Your Career Goals
by Michael Mahaffey
Table of Contents
The legal profession offers multiple educational pathways, each designed to help you reach your goals in your professional career. But knowing which option will be the right fit can be confusing.
In the United States, three prominent legal degrees stand out—the Juris Doctor (JD), the Master of Laws (LLM), and the Master of Legal Studies (MLS). Understanding the differences between these degrees is crucial for anyone considering a career working with or in the law.
To make it easier, we’ve broken it down—explore the options below to see which degree fits you best.
Juris Doctor (JD): The Foundation of Legal Practice
The JD is the primary law degree in the United States, designed for individuals who want to become practicing attorneys.
This three-year program is intended for students with undergraduate degrees from any field who are committed to entering the legal profession. Most JD students are career changers or recent college graduates who have decided to pursue law as their primary profession.
JD holders can sit for the bar exam in any U.S. jurisdiction and practice law independently. The degree also provides excellent preparation for leadership roles in business, government, and non-profit organizations.
JD programs emphasize critical thinking, legal analysis, oral advocacy, and practical skills development. Students receive extensive training in legal research, writing and analysis, along with hands-on experiences through clinics, moot court, and internships. They also learn to “think like a lawyer” through the Socratic method and case-based learning.
Master of Laws (LLM): Specialized Legal Expertise
The LLM is primarily designed for two groups – American JD holders seeking specialization in a particular area of law to enhance career prospects and international lawyers who want a pathway to understand U.S. law and the ability to practice law in the United States.
Most LLM programs require applicants to already hold a law degree – a JD for U.S. applicants or the equivalent foreign qualification for international students.
LLM programs typically consist of one-year of intensive coursework, research, and writing tailored to deepen your expertise in a specific legal area or providing broad exposure to U.S. law for international students. The curriculum offers specialized legal study that is more focused and advanced than that found in a JD program.
OU Law offers 100% online LLM programs in the following areas:
Career benefits of earning an LLM vary significantly based on the student’s background:
For American JD holders, an LLM increases your expertise in a specialized practice area, qualifies you for certain government positions requiring specialized knowledge, and enhances your credentials for academic positions, specialized roles in law, international practice, or academic careers.
For international lawyers, an LLM qualifies you to sit for the bar exam in certain U.S. states, enhances your credibility with U.S. clients and employers, and enables some foreign-trained lawyers to practice in the U.S. or serves as a bridge to practicing international law.
Master of Legal Studies (MLS): Legal Knowledge for Non-Lawyers
The MLS is designed for professionals who work with legal issues but don’t intend to sit for the bar exam or become a practicing lawyer.
This degree serves business executives, compliance officers, healthcare administrators, human resources professionals, journalists, and others who need sophisticated legal knowledge in their work, but don’t require bar admission.
MLS programs attract working professionals seeking to advance their current careers by gaining legal expertise relevant to their industry. The focus is on understanding legal principles, risk management, and compliance rather than courtroom advocacy or legal research skills. Courses focus on legal principles, regulatory environments, and practical applications to your area of work.
OU Law offers 100% online MLS programs in the following areas:
MLS graduates typically see advancement within their existing careers rather than changing professions entirely. The degree prepares you to bridge legal and operational functions, reduce legal risks, and advance into leadership within your field. It also gives you a competitive edge in non-lawyer roles that require legal literacy or regulatory expertise.
Which Degree is Right for You?
Your choice should align with your career aspirations, current qualifications, and personal circumstances.
- A JD is the degree required for people planning to take the bar exam and practice as attorneys or professionals who want comprehensive legal training to prepare for roles in government, academia, or leadership positions where advanced legal expertise is essential
- An LLM serves experienced lawyers who want specialized, cross-border, or advanced credentials
- An MLS is best for professionals seeking legal literacy to excel in legally intensive industries without becoming attorneys
To learn more about the online LLM and MLS degree programs offered by OU Law, visit the OU Online Master’s Programs page. For information about OU’s in-person JD program, visit the OU Law website.
OU Online
338 Cate Center Drive, Rm. 381
Norman, Oklahoma 73072
