Master of Science in Legal Administration

The Master of Science in Legal Administration (MSLA) program, at the Sturm College of Law will prepare you for a successful career in legal management. Since 1972, the MSLA program has provided students with the knowledge and skills to run a law firm or legal organization, both nationally and internationally.

All courses are delivered in an asynchronous online format that allows you to fit the program within your schedule. Students may attend full-time or part-time, depending on their schedule and needs, and graduate in one to four years.

Concentrations

Law Firm Administration

The Law Firm Administration concentration educates students to operate a law firm or legal organization. By blending political science, business, and management as it applies to the legal field and legal culture, students will explore all aspects of managing a law firm.

Graduates of the Law Firm Administration concentration advance their careers through positions like human resources management directors, practice area marketing specialists, marketing directors, training specialists, networking managers, etc. The flexibility of the concentration also enables students to take specialized courses depending on their areas of interest, qualifying them for more specialized positions.

Capstone Project and Externship Information

The Capstone Project/Externship is an MSLA program requirement that is typically pursued when a student has completed at least 50% of the required coursework or in the last term of study. The Capstone allows students to apply knowledge acquired during coursework through experiential opportunities in a law firm, legal organization, or court. The host organization is asked to provide relevant, real-world experience for the student. Host supervisors plan the agenda, monitor performance, and evaluate the student.

Students may use their current place of employment to fulfill the externship requirements. If a separate placement is sought, students are required to obtain pre-approval of the host site from the Program Director. Students must complete at least 150 hours of fieldwork when in a placement that is not their current job. Students must also complete a related research project culminating in a research paper of 20-25 pages.

Students will also be registered for a concurrent Capstone course in Canvas. Under the supervision of MSLA faculty, the online component will focus on professional development and provide necessary skills and tools for students to market themselves and communicate learning experiences to potential employers.

Steps for Capstone approval:

• Complete the Research Project Proposal Form;
• Complete the Externship Proposal Form;
• The Graduate Legal Studies office will register you for Capstone credits once all forms are received and approved.