Welcome to Legal Studies

The Master of Legal Studies program (part of the Division of Public Administration) is designed to build greater public understanding of law and the legal system, to provide graduates with the ability to apply knowledge and skill gained to performing their jobs more effectively and/or pursue further career opportunities, and to provide private and public sector organizations the benefit of enhanced expertise of their employees. The program is a graduate program of study designed for professional practicing in areas such as human relations, criminal & juvenile justice, journalism, regulatory agencies, court/justice administration, business, and other professional who work with – though not necessarily in – the legal system. This is neither a “pre-law” program nor a paralegal program. The program does not prepare students to practice law.

The program is a completely online graduate education program which allows students with full-time employment the flexibility to work and attend school. There are no face-to-face meetings, and no requirement to be online at a certain time. The program operates through a cohort model, with a new class of students admitted each January.

I invite you to browse our website (using the menu bar at the top of the page) and learn about our distinctive program. Our Master of Legal Studies provides a rigorous and rewarding education. You may just find that it is the right fit for you!

After reviewing our website, I invite you to call or email the program with any questions. We are happy to talk to you and help any way we can.

Sincerely,
Nancy L. Adams, Ph.D.
Program Director &
Clinical Asst. Professor of Public Administration
(304) 293-7949
LegalStudies@mail.wvu.edu