DePaul's Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program is specifically designed for professionals who do not seek to practice law, but who regularly encounter legal issues in their work and/or would benefit from specialized legal knowledge. For added flexibility, DePaul College of Law also offers the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program online​​. In the MLS program, you gain both general and concentrated legal training related to your area of interest. You learn the process of legal analysis by examining cases, laws and regulations. You develop the ability to conduct effective and relevant legal research as well as to communicate clearly and analytically. You also learn how to think critically about legal issues and correctly apply current legal authority.<br><br>The MLS is a 30-credit hour degree program that can be completed in one and a half years of full-time study or in up to six years of part-time study. MLS students choose courses directly from the College of Law's extensive curriculum. MLS students with significant, relevant work experience may apply for a waiver of up to six credit hours, for a total degree requirement of 24 credit hours. Students must be able to demonstrate substantial professional experience of at least 12 months' duration in a relevant field of interest to qualify.