The School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis, in partnership with 2U Inc., has announced the launch of a new, fully online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree. 2U is a leading provider of cloud-based software-as-a-service solutions for nonprofit colleges and universities to deliver high-quality education.
The new online MLS degree is designed for non-lawyers seeking to expand their career opportunities by gaining an in-depth understanding of the U.S. legal system. The MLS curriculum will provide students with a solid foundation in legal analysis and the practical applications of the law, furthering their ability to think and communicate critically across a range of industries and professions.
“Many professionals deal with legal issues on a daily basis,” says Michael Koby, associate dean for international and graduate programs at the School of Law. “Our new online MLS degree will enable these professionals to advance their career through a deeper understanding of the relationship between law and their respective business or industry.
“Washington University School of Law is a pioneer in offering high-quality online education for legal professionals through its @WashULaw portfolio of degrees, and the new online MLS will further reinforce our school’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve access to our outstanding legal education,” he says.
As an alternative to the on-campus MLS program, the online MLS will allow students to maintain their personal and professional commitments as they earn a top-tier degree without having to relocate. The online MLS will be a 24-credit program that can be completed in one to two years based on the number of credits taken per term.
It will offer the same rigorous curriculum as the on-campus MLS program, with classes designed and delivered by the School of Law’s distinguished faculty. Students in the MLS may attend an optional in-person immersion and, upon graduation, will become members of the Washington University global alumni network.
Using the advanced online learning platform powered by 2U, the online MLS will feature weekly, live, online class sessions of no more than 15 students; interactive, self-paced course content; dedicated student support services; and opportunities to network and connect with peers and professors beyond the virtual classroom.
The School of Law is now accepting applications for the first online MLS class, which will begin in September 2014. Additional class starts will be added throughout 2015. Applicants to the online program will be required to meet the same admissions standards as those applying to the school’s on-campus program.
For more information on the online MLS, visit onlinelaw.wustl.edu/mls/overview or follow the program on Twitter at @WashULaw. For more information on the on-campus MLS, visit law.wustl.edu/mls.
About Washington University School of Law
Washington University School of Law offers students an outstanding legal education in an intellectually challenging and collegial environment. With faculty members recognized for excellent teaching and scholarship, a student body among the most selective in the country, and an increasingly global and diverse community, the school strives to prepare graduates for the quickly evolving legal and business environment.
@WashULaw and online Legal English are examples of the school’s efforts to innovate using technology and new teaching methods as the school pursues its mission to be the best place in the United States to learn to be a lawyer.
About 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)
Founded in 2008 by a team of education and technology veterans, 2U enables leading colleges and universities to deliver their high-quality education to qualified students anywhere. Our cloud-based software-as-a-service platform provides schools with the comprehensive operating infrastructure they need to attract, enroll, educate, support and graduate their students. Our mission is to enable the education our clients provide to reach its highest potential so students can reach theirs. To learn more, go to 2U.com.