Master's Degree Curriculum

Core Courses

n order to provide MLS students with an adequate foundation to take upper-level specialized elective courses, all MLS students take one semester of core classes in the same subjects studied by JD students during their entire first year. These innovative courses aim to provide this foundation in half the time through focused, rigorous courses co-convened at the 400-/500-levels:

• LAW 501       Procedure (civil, criminal, and administrative procedure)
• LAW 502A    The American Common Law System I (torts, contracts)
• LAW 502B    The American Common Law System II (property)
• LAW 504       The American Public Law System (constitutional law)
• LAW 507       Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research

After you complete the core courses, you may begin taking courses to complete a concentration if you wish to focus your degree on a particular area.

Additional self-designed MLS concentrations might emphasize coursework in:

• Business Law
• Civil Litigation
• Commercial Law
• Constitutional Law
• Dispute Resolution
• Government and Administrative Law
• Health Law and Policy
• Intellectual Property
• Immigration
• International and Comparative Law
• International Law and Human Rights
• International Trade
• Real Estate Law
• Regulatory Law
• Sports and Entertainment Law

Broad Menu of Course Options

Supplementing the core curriculum, MLS students are able to choose classes from a range of classes offered at Arizona Law. The General MLS and several MLS concentrations also provide for interdisciplinary study through other schools or departments at the University of Arizona. Please note that not all elective courses are offered every year. Required courses are offered every year.

On acceptance to the MLS Program, you are assigned an MLS degree advisor. The advisor will assist you in selecting your courses, following the appropriate sequencing, and choosing an MLS concentration, if any.

You also benefit from engagement with the law school community, including student organizations and programming in their areas of interest. 

Flexible Enrollment Options

You may pursue the MLS on a full-time or part-time basis. Whether you opt for the full-time or part-time program, you can begin your studies in the fall or spring.

Full-Time Program
Full-time students will complete their degree requirements in two consecutive semesters in one academic year. Full-time course work typically includes completing 15–17 units a semester.

Part-Time Program
The part-time MLS program accommodates working professionals who cannot complete their degree requirements in one academic year. Part-time MLS students must complete their degree requirements within four years of enrolling in the program.

Degree Requirements

In order to earn an MLS degree, you must complete a total of 30 units, including foundational courses in core substantive areas of the law encompassing contracts, torts, property, constitutional law, procedure, and legal research and writing.

For the remaining 15 units, you may choose from a wide range of electives, including related courses offered by other schools or departments at the University of Arizona.