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.
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 (161)
Liste des 161 établissements
- Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles
- University of New HampshireDurham
- Champlain CollegeBurlington
- Georgetown UniversityWashington
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- New York UniversityNew York
- 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
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- University of OklahomaNorman
- Northwestern UniversityEvanston
- University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Boston UniversityBoston
- Cornell UniversityIthaca
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- Liberty UniversityLynchburg
- University of MiamiCoral Gables
- George Washington UniversityWashington
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- American UniversityWashington
- Fordham UniversityBronx
- 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
- University of FloridaGainesville
- Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago
- University of ChicagoChicago
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland
- Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem
- Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia
- University of San FranciscoSan Francisco
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- Lewis & Clark CollegePortland
- St. John's UniversityQueens
- DePaul UniversityChicago
- University of DaytonDayton
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- University of Maryland, BaltimoreBaltimore
- University of California-DavisDavis
- Vanderbilt UniversityNashville
- Hofstra UniversityHempstead
- University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville
- Southern Methodist UniversityDallas
- University of St. Thomas - MinnesotaSaint Paul
- Vermont Law and Graduate SchoolSouth Royalton
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- University of California-IrvineIrvine
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- University of ConnecticutStorrs
- University of San DiegoSan Diego
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- Northeastern UniversityBoston
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- Albany Law SchoolAlbany
- St. Mary's University, TexasSan Antonio
- Widener UniversityChester
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse
- University of California Hastings College of the LawSan Francisco
- University of New Hampshire-Franklin Pierce School of LawConcord
- Seattle UniversitySeattle
- University of HoustonHouston
- Hamline UniversitySaint Paul
- St. Thomas UniversityMiami Gardens
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- Yale UniversityNew Haven
- Tulane UniversityNew Orleans
- Georgia State UniversityAtlanta
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- University of Colorado BoulderBoulder
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- Yeshiva UniversityNew York
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- University of the PacificStockton
- Cleveland State UniversityCleveland
- Samford UniversityBirmingham
- Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis
- Tufts UniversityMedford
- Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-PoncePonce
- Saint Anselm CollegeManchester
- Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston
- Suffolk UniversityBoston
- Northcentral UniversitySan Diego
- National Paralegal CollegePhoenix
- University of OregonEugene
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- University of Notre DameNotre Dame
- University of ArizonaTucson
- Pace UniversityNew York
- Western Michigan University Cooley Law SchoolLansing
- University of DenverDenver
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Loyola University New OrleansNew Orleans
- Western New England UniversitySpringfield
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- Stetson UniversityDeLand
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- Brooklyn Law SchoolBrooklyn
- University of MississippiOxford
- Baylor UniversityWaco
- Saint Louis UniversitySt Louis
- University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City
- Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara
- University of Minnesota, DuluthDuluth
- University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia
- University of Nebraska–LincolnLincoln
- University of TulsaTulsa
- Texas Southern UniversityHouston
- Willamette UniversitySalem
- University of IowaIowa City
- Washburn UniversityTopeka
- Catholic University of AmericaWashington
- Golden Gate UniversitySan Francisco
- University of BaltimoreBaltimore
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago
- New York Law SchoolNew York
- University of Puerto Rico-Rio PiedrasSan Juan
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- Chapman UniversityOrange
- Thomas Jefferson School of LawSan Diego
- University of ToledoToledo
- University of Southern MainePortland
- University of AkronAkron
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico-School of LawSan Juan
- University of KansasLawrence
- Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh
- Taft University SystemDenver
- University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla
- Touro CollegeNew York
- Mississippi CollegeClinton
- Regent UniversityVirginia Beach
- Oklahoma City UniversityOklahoma City
- University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond
- Mitchell Hamline School of LawSaint Paul
- Marquette UniversityMilwaukee
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- Adrian CollegeAdrian
- Barry UniversityMiami
- Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights
- Ohio Northern UniversityAda
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill
- Wayland Baptist UniversityPlainview
- Capital UniversityColumbus
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico-MetroSan Juan
- Southern Illinois University CarbondaleCarbondale
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.


























