Master of Business Administration vs. Master of Legal Studies
When planning for the future, it is important for professionals to consider which degree path can provide them with skills that closely align with their goals.
A Master of Legal Studies is a specialized degree program that can help legally minded
professionals stand out in a crowded job market. Students will enhance many of the
same soft skills as in an MBA program, such as communication, critical thinking, and
problem solving, but they will focus on gaining expertise in law instead of management
and quantitative skills.
MBA vs MLS: At a Glance
| Criteria | Typical Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Pepperdine Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Prepares leaders for management and broad business strategy | Prepares non-lawyers with specialized legal expertise for their industry |
| Core Skills | Economics, accounting, data analytics, marketing | Contracts, regulatory compliance, negotiation, administrative law |
| Admissions | Often requires GMAT or GRE scores | No GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores required |
| Program Length | 18 to 36 months, on average | 16 to 28 months to complete |
Master of Business Administration
While MBA programs can vary widely, students in a typical MBA program can expect to:
- Take courses in economics, accounting, data analytics, marketing, and other business topics.
- Prepare for roles in businesses or nonprofits leading people or strategy.
- Submit standardized test scores, such as the GMAT or GRE, as part of their application.
- Graduate in an average of 18 to 36 months.
Master of Legal Studies
In Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s online Master of Legal Studies program, students can expect to:
- Take courses in contracts, regulatory compliance, negotiation theory, administrative law, and other legal topics.
- Graduate in 16 months if taking a full-time course load or 28 months if taking a part-time course load. See sample course schedules.
- Apply to the program without having to submit scores from the GRE, LSAT, GMAT, or other standardized test.
- Excel in law-adjacent fields such as healthcare administration, public policy, regulatory agencies, criminal justice, and dispute resolution.
FAQs about MBA vs MLS