Master's Degree in Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
This master's degree focuses on advanced legal research and professional skills, preparing students for specialized legal careers or further academic study.
About
The Master's Degree in Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of law and develop specialized research skills. It suits those interested in careers requiring strong legal analysis or academic expertise. This degree typically takes one to two years to complete and is aimed at graduates holding a bachelor's degree in law or related fields. It prepares students for roles in legal consulting, policy advising, or further doctoral studies.
- The program targets students aiming to enhance their legal research and professional skills.
- It is suitable for those seeking roles in legal analysis or
. - The degree takes one to two years to complete after a bachelor's degree.
- It offers preparation for both professional careers and academic progression.
- The program is offered by universities in the United States and follows national educational standards.
What you study
The curriculum combines theoretical legal studies with practical research methods. Students start by strengthening foundational knowledge in legal theory and research techniques. As they progress, they engage in specialized topics and advanced professional skills relevant to legal practice. The program often includes seminars, case studies, and research projects to apply learning.
- Courses cover legal theory, advanced research methods, and professional writing.
- Students participate in seminars and case analysis to deepen understanding.
- The program emphasizes research projects to develop practical skills.
- There is a progression from foundational knowledge to specialized legal topics.
- Some programs may include practical workshops or
to connect theory and practice.
How to get in
Admission to this master's degree in the US generally requires a bachelor's degree, preferably in law or a related field. Applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and sometimes a statement of purpose. Some programs may require standardized test scores like the GRE or LSAT. The selection process looks for candidates with strong academic records and motivation for advanced legal study.
- A bachelor's degree is required, often in law or related subjects.
- Applicants submit academic transcripts and recommendation letters.
- Some programs ask for a statement of purpose explaining study goals.
- Standardized tests such as the GRE or LSAT may be requested.
- The admission process values academic performance and research interest.
Day to day
A typical year involves attending lectures, participating in seminars, and working on research projects. Students often balance coursework with independent study and may have opportunities for internships or practical experiences. The workload can be intense, with deadlines for papers and presentations. Some programs offer flexible schedules to accommodate part-time students or working professionals.
- Students attend lectures and interactive seminars regularly.
- Research projects and papers form a significant part of the work.
- Internships or practical experiences may be integrated.
- The program demands consistent independent study and time management.
- Some universities offer flexible scheduling options for students.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates can pursue careers in legal research, consultancy, policy development, or continue in academia. The degree opens doors to roles in law firms, government agencies, think tanks, and educational institutions. While the job market varies, many find that the advanced skills gained help in securing specialized positions. The program also supports those aiming for doctoral studies or teaching roles.
- Career options include legal researcher, policy advisor, and legal consultant.
- Graduates work in law firms, government, and research centers.
- The degree supports entry into academic careers or doctoral programs.
- Many find that the program improves job prospects in specialized legal fields.
- Employment opportunities depend on market demand and professional networking.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After completing this master's degree, students may choose to pursue doctoral studies in law or related disciplines. Some also transition into professional certifications or specialized training programs. The degree provides a solid foundation for academic research or advanced professional roles, and students can explore interdisciplinary fields combining law with public policy or business.
- Doctoral programs in law or legal studies are common next steps.
- Professional certifications in legal specialties may be pursued.
- Students can explore interdisciplinary studies involving law and other fields.
- The degree supports academic research and advanced career development.
Where to study this degree (191)
Liste des 191 établissements
- Georgia State UniversityAtlanta
- University of ArizonaTucson
- University of San FranciscoSan Francisco
- New York UniversityNew York
- University of Southern MainePortland
- Western New England UniversitySpringfield
- University of OregonEugene
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- University of Notre DameNotre Dame
- Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles
- South Dakota State UniversityBrookings
- University of BaltimoreBaltimore
- University of ConnecticutStorrs
- Center for Advanced Legal StudiesHouston
- St. Thomas UniversityMiami Gardens
- Widener UniversityChester
- DePaul UniversityChicago
- Champlain CollegeBurlington
- University of New HampshireDurham
- University of TulsaTulsa
- Georgetown UniversityWashington
- Western Michigan University Cooley Law SchoolLansing
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing
- Fordham UniversityBronx
- Northwestern UniversityEvanston
- Suffolk UniversityBoston
- Vermont Law and Graduate SchoolSouth Royalton
- University of North DakotaGrand Forks
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- University of San DiegoSan Diego
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- Washington University in St LouisSaint Louis
- Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale
- University of OklahomaNorman
- University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Boston UniversityBoston
- Northeastern UniversityBoston
- Cornell UniversityIthaca
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- Liberty UniversityLynchburg
- University of MiamiCoral Gables
- George Washington UniversityWashington
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- American UniversityWashington
- Loyola University ChicagoChicago
- Pepperdine UniversityMalibu
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana
- Duke UniversityDurham
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- California Western School of LawSan Diego
- Stanford UniversityStanford
- Villanova UniversityVillanova
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- University of FloridaGainesville
- Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago
- University of ChicagoChicago
- James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale
- Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland
- Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem
- Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- Lewis & Clark CollegePortland
- St. John's UniversityQueens
- University of DaytonDayton
- University of Maryland, BaltimoreBaltimore
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- Vanderbilt UniversityNashville
- University of California-DavisDavis
- University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville
- Hofstra UniversityHempstead
- Southern Methodist UniversityDallas
- University of St. Thomas - MinnesotaSaint Paul
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- University of California-IrvineIrvine
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- Albany Law SchoolAlbany
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York
- St. Mary's University, TexasSan Antonio
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh
- University of California Hastings College of the LawSan Francisco
- University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia
- University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of LawConcord
- Seattle UniversitySeattle
- University of HoustonHouston
- Yale UniversityNew Haven
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- Amherst CollegeAmherst
- Hamline UniversitySaint Paul
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- Tulane UniversityNew Orleans
- University of Colorado BoulderBoulder
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- Yeshiva UniversityNew York
- University of the PacificStockton
- Cleveland State UniversityCleveland
- Samford UniversityBirmingham
- University of AkronAkron
- Tufts UniversityMedford
- Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-PoncePonce
- Saint Anselm CollegeManchester
- Missouri State UniversitySpringfield
- Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston
- National Paralegal CollegePhoenix
- Northcentral UniversitySan Diego
- Oglala Lakota CollegeKyle
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Winona State UniversityWinona
- University of DenverDenver
- Pace UniversityNew York
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Loyola University New OrleansNew Orleans
- Stetson UniversityDeLand
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit
- Pennsylvania Western UniversityCalifornia
- Brooklyn Law SchoolBrooklyn
- Mitchell Hamline School of LawSaint Paul
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- University of MississippiOxford
- Baylor UniversityWaco
- University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City
- Saint Louis UniversitySt Louis
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- MiraCosta CollegeOceanside
- University of Minnesota, DuluthDuluth
- Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara
- Texas Southern UniversityHouston
- University of Nebraska–LincolnLincoln
- University at BuffaloBuffalo
- Florida Memorial UniversityMiami Gardens
- Capital UniversityColumbus
- Willamette UniversitySalem
- Catholic University of AmericaWashington
- Owens Community CollegePerrysburg
- Golden Gate UniversitySan Francisco
- Washburn UniversityTopeka
- University of IowaIowa City
- University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque
- University of Puerto Rico-Rio PiedrasSan Juan
- New York Law SchoolNew York
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago
- University of KansasLawrence
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- Saint Joseph's UniversityPhiladelphia
- Chapman UniversityOrange
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- Thomas Jefferson School of LawSan Diego
- University of ToledoToledo
- Walsh UniversityNorth Canton
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico-School of LawSan Juan
- Unity CollegeNew Gloucester
- Arcadia UniversityGlenside
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico-MetroSan Juan
- Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh
- Regent UniversityVirginia Beach
- Barry UniversityMiami
- Ohio Northern UniversityAda
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill
- Wayland Baptist UniversityPlainview
- Southern Illinois University CarbondaleCarbondale
- Mississippi CollegeClinton
- Webster UniversitySaint Louis
- University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleKnoxville
- University of New HavenWest Haven
- Elms CollegeChicopee
- Touro CollegeNew York
- Marquette UniversityMilwaukee
- Mildred Elley-New York CampusNew York
- University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla
- Taft University SystemDenver
- Kent State University at KentKent
- Adrian CollegeAdrian
- Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights
- Le Moyne CollegeSyracuse
- Oklahoma City UniversityOklahoma City
- Campbell UniversityBuies Creek
- University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond
- Wright State UniversityDayton
- Sinclair Community CollegeDayton
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed to apply?
Applicants usually need a bachelor's degree in law or a related field. Some programs may accept students from other disciplines if they demonstrate strong interest in legal studies.
Is work experience required for admission?
Work experience is generally not mandatory but can strengthen an application, especially if it relates to legal practice or research.
Can this degree lead to a legal career without a law license?
Yes, it prepares students for research, consulting, or policy roles, but it does not qualify graduates to practice law as attorneys.
Are internships part of the program?
Some programs offer internships or practical projects, but this varies by university and is not always mandatory.
Is the program full-time only?
Many programs are full-time, but some universities offer part-time or flexible options to accommodate working students.
What skills will I gain from this degree?
Students develop advanced legal research abilities, critical thinking, professional writing, and the capacity to analyze complex legal issues.
Can I continue to a PhD after this master's?
Yes, this degree is designed to prepare students for doctoral studies in law or related fields.
Is financial aid available for this program?
Financial aid options depend on the university and may include scholarships, grants, or loans. Students should check with individual institutions.



























