Online Law Master’s Degrees Without an Admission Test

Best Online Master’s in Law Programs With No LSAT or GRE for Non-Lawyers

You can earn an online master’s in law without taking the LSAT or GRE and without a law degree. These 13 programs say so on their own admission pages. Each one still asks for something else, such as a bachelor’s degree, a statement, or recommendations, so compare what you would actually submit.

13 programs in this comparison. A program qualifies when it offers online study, admits applicants without a law degree, and its official admission page states that no LSAT, GRE, or entrance exam is required. Programs that list tests as optional, or do not address them, are left out.

Programs follow the site’s national editorial order, filtered to those that qualify. The order is not a score for admission difficulty or outcomes. Use the table to compare what each school asks for instead. Read the ranking method.

Find Your Starting Point

Compare the Legal Studies Programs at a Glance

Scroll across the table to compare the study plan and price.

UniversityStudy FormatCreditsDisplayed Degree Price
Arizona State UniversitySandra Day O’Connor College of Law’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)Online30$35,970Calculated tuition + fees2026–2027
Texas A&M UniversitySchool of Law’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)Online1 to 2 years30$36,000Published tuition and fees
University of FloridaLevin College of Law’s Master of Studies in Law (MSL)OnlineAs little as one year; most students take two years30$43,359Published degree tuition
University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleWinston College of Law’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS)OnlineEstimated 24 months online30$24,570Calculated online tuition and fees
University of California College of the Law, San FranciscoUC Law San Francisco’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)Online1 to 2 years; up to 4 years allowed24$45,000Published degree tuition2026-2027
American Public UniversitySchool of Security & Global Studies’ Online Master of Arts in Legal Studies (MA)Online36$16,920Calculated base tuition
University of UtahS.J. Quinney College of Law’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)Online3 semesters30$33,702.90Calculated base tuition
Seton Hall UniversitySeton Hall Law School’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)OnlineTwo years part time31$48,980Calculated base tuition2026–2027
Southern Methodist UniversitySMU Dedman School of Law’s Online Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.)OnlineTwo years at the regular pace; one year accelerated30$35,010Published degree tuition
University of Southern CaliforniaUSC Gould School of Law’s Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL)OnlineAs few as 16 months21$70,224Published degree tuition2026-2027
Cornell UniversityCornell Law School’s Online Master of Science in Legal Studies (M.S.L.S.)Online20 months part time30$69,960Calculated base tuition2026–2027
Vanderbilt UniversityVanderbilt Law School’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)OnlineUnder two years part time24$59,640Published degree tuition
University of OklahomaCollege of Law’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)Online15 to 18 months or longer32$37,360Calculated base tuition

Tuition amounts use the conditions shown in each card; fees and academic years vary. Table controls change this comparison view. The full reviews below retain their original ranking order.

Ranked Online Master’s in Law Programs With No LSAT or GRE

01No LSAT or GRE Online

Arizona State’s online application does not require an entrance exam, and the degree is open to people without a law background. You take 10 classes of 7.5 weeks each, so a short course ends quickly if the pace turns out wrong for you. Emphasis areas include business law, conflict resolution, and compliance.

Where it stands out. Choose it if you want an exam-free application and many short courses rather than a few long ones.

What to weigh. The total of about $35,970 comes from the $7,194 six-credit term rate across five terms, so confirm fees for your own schedule.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • The MLS requires 30 credits across 10 classes.
  • Classes run for 7.5 weeks.
  • The online application does not require an entrance exam.

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Business Law
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Corporate and Health Care Compliance

Admission Details

  • No entrance exam required

Tuition and Rate Conditions

2026–2027. Calculated online MLS tuition and fees for five terms of six credits, using the published $7,194 six-credit term charge. Books and other expenses are additional; a different course load changes this estimate.

Arizona State tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
30
Calculated tuition + fees
$35,970
02No LSAT or GRE Online

Texas A&M University

School of Law’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

Fort Worth, Texas

Texas A&M requires no entrance exam and aims the MLS at professionals who already hold a degree. Study is asynchronous, and you can start in fall, spring, or summer, which helps when your application is ready on a different schedule than the academic year. Published tuition for all 30 credits is $36,000.

Where it stands out. A good match if you want a flat, published price and a choice of professional tracks from health law to cybersecurity.

What to weigh. The program describes itself as built for degree-holding professionals, so a recent graduate should read that audience statement carefully.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • The MLS requires 30 credits.
  • Online coursework uses an asynchronous format.
  • Fall, spring and summer starts are available.

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • General Legal Studies
  • Business Law & Compliance
  • Cybersecurity Law & Policy
  • Education Law and Policy
  • Energy & Environmental Law
  • Health Law, Policy & Management
  • HR & Employment Law, Policy & Management
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, & Innovation
  • Risk Management & Compliance

Admission Details

  • The MLS is designed for degree-holding professionals.
  • No entrance exam required.

Tuition and Rate Conditions

Published MLS online and hybrid tuition and fees for the full 30-credit program; living expenses and books excluded.

$1,200 per credit × 30 credits = $36,000 in base tuition.

Texas A&M tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
30
Study timeline
1 to 2 years
Tuition per credit
$1,200
Published tuition and fees
$36,000
03No LSAT or GRE Online

University of Florida

Levin College of Law’s Master of Studies in Law (MSL)

Gainesville, Florida

The University of Florida asks for no LSAT or GRE scores, and its application is short: a statement of purpose, a resume or CV, and transcripts. Recommendation letters are not required. That makes it one of the lighter paperwork loads in this group, with 12 foundation credits before electives.

Where it stands out. Useful when you have strong work experience but no recommenders you want to ask yet.

What to weigh. Published nonresident tuition is $43,359 for 30 credits. Florida residents pay a different rate, so check which one applies to you.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • All 30 credits can be completed online; Jacksonville hybrid study is a separate option.
  • Online coursework is asynchronous with optional live sessions.
  • The curriculum requires 12 foundation credits before further subject and elective study.
  • UF distinguishes named concentrations from additional areas of study.

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Financial & Tax Compliance
  • Healthcare Compliance
  • Financial Services & Estate Planning
  • General Legal Studies

Admission Details

  • No LSAT or GRE scores are required.
  • The application includes a statement of purpose, resume or CV, and transcripts.
  • Letters of recommendation are not required.

Tuition and Rate Conditions

Published nonresident tuition for 30 credits. Florida residents pay $745.14 per credit, with the university rounding its published program total to $22,355. Additional university fees and course materials apply.

$1,445.30 per credit × 30 credits = $43,359 in base tuition.

UF tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
30
Study timeline
As little as one year; most students take two years
Tuition per credit
$1,445.30
Published degree tuition
$43,359
04No LSAT or GRE Online

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Winston College of Law’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

Knoxville, Tennessee

Tennessee’s online MLS requires no GRE or LSAT and runs without live sessions, so there is no class hour to arrange around your job. You submit a personal statement, two recommendations, and a resume, and the stated minimum is a 2.7 GPA, or 3.0 for prior graduate coursework.

Where it stands out. Consider it if you want fully asynchronous study and a lower published per-credit rate.

What to weigh. The $819 per credit is the nonresident rate; residents pay $744. A written project replaces a thesis, which adds a major assignment.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • The online MLS requires 30 credits and has no live sessions.
  • A written project replaces a thesis.
  • Two foundational law subjects are required in addition to the introductory courses.
  • A separate campus program is available in Knoxville.

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Contract Management & Business Law
  • Human Resources & Employment Law
  • State & Local Government
  • Law & Social Welfare
  • General Legal Studies

Admission Details

  • A bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA, or 3.0 for prior graduate coursework, is specified.
  • No GRE or LSAT is required.
  • Applicants submit a personal statement, two recommendations, and a resume or CV.

Tuition and Rate Conditions

Calculated 30-credit online cost using the program's published $819 nonresident cost per credit. The resident rate is $744, or $22,320 for 30 credits. UT's online cost model includes maintenance, online support and library charges; applicable additional course fees and future rate changes can increase costs.

$819 per credit × 30 credits = $24,570 in base tuition.

Tennessee tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
30
Study timeline
Estimated 24 months online
Tuition per credit
$819
Calculated online tuition and fees
$24,570
05No LSAT or GRE Online

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco

UC Law San Francisco’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

San Francisco, California

UC Law San Francisco does not require the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT. It does require a bachelor’s degree, and applicants who already hold a JD, LLB, or equivalent are not eligible. The 24-credit degree ends with a research paper tied to a seminar or independent study.

Where it stands out. A fit if you want a shorter 24-credit route and a research paper on a topic from your own work.

What to weigh. Estimated tuition is $45,000 before books, fees, and insurance. The degree was renamed Master of Legal Studies in June 2025.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • The MLS requires 24 credits.
  • Online courses include live and self-paced components.
  • You complete a research paper tied to a seminar or independent study.

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Business
  • Compliance
  • Employment
  • Health Law
  • Intellectual Property
  • Social Justice
  • Start-Ups and Entrepreneurship

Admission Details

  • A bachelor's degree is required.
  • No GRE, GMAT or LSAT required.
  • Applicants who already hold a JD, LLB or equivalent law degree are not eligible.

Tuition and Rate Conditions

2026-2027. Estimated tuition for 24 credits; books, course-related fees and applicable insurance are additional.

$1,875 per credit × 24 credits = $45,000 in base tuition.

UC Law San Francisco tuition source ↗

Military Benefit Information

The MLS waives its enrollment deposit for veterans. The Registrar certifies eligible VA education benefits, including Post-9/11 GI Bill and Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits.

UC Law San Francisco military policy ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
24
Study timeline
1 to 2 years; up to 4 years allowed
Tuition per credit
$1,875
Published degree tuition
$45,000
06No LSAT or GRE Online

American Public University lists no entrance exams for its Master of Arts in Legal Studies, and a bachelor’s degree is the baseline. Courses start monthly, and online assignments can be completed without fixed login times. Up to 15 approved credits can transfer into the 36-credit degree.

Where it stands out. Worth a look if you need to start soon or already hold graduate credits that might transfer.

What to weigh. At $470 per credit the 36 credits come to $16,920, but it is a broader legal studies curriculum without the named industry tracks of some others.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • Monthly course starts
  • Up to 15 approved transfer credits
  • No entrance exams

Admission Details

  • Bachelor's degree or higher
  • No entrance exams

Tuition and Rate Conditions

Calculated standard tuition for 36 credits before the $85 technology fee per course and other fees. Military, veteran, and opportunity grants have separate eligibility conditions.

$470 per credit × 36 credits = $16,920 in base tuition.

APU tuition source ↗

Military Benefit Information

The program lists $250 per credit for qualifying active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and military family students, and $399.50 with the veteran grant. The master's technology fee still applies.

APU military policy ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
36
Tuition per credit
$470
Calculated base tuition
$16,920
07No LSAT or GRE Online

Utah requires no GRE, GMAT, MAT, or LSAT but asks for a 3.0 GPA and expects applicants to show professional experience and writing ability. The 30 credits run across three semesters of 10 credits each, starting in the fall, and the optional healthcare law concentration is available.

Where it stands out. Suits someone who can commit to a compressed, full-time pace for one year.

What to weigh. The program is offered only full time, and it begins only in the fall. The published rate is $1,123.43 per credit.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • The program requires 30 credits across three semesters.
  • Students enroll in 10 credits per semester.
  • An optional healthcare law concentration is available.

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Healthcare Law

Admission Details

  • A bachelor's degree and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 are required.
  • Applicants should demonstrate professional experience and writing ability.
  • No GRE, GMAT, MAT or LSAT required.

Tuition and Rate Conditions

Published UOnline MLS tuition per credit; consult the university tuition chart for applicable fees.

$1,123.43 per credit × 30 credits = $33,702.90 in base tuition.

Utah tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
30
Study timeline
3 semesters
Tuition per credit
$1,123.43
Calculated base tuition
$33,702.90
08No LSAT or GRE Online

Seton Hall states that the MLS needs no GRE or LSAT. You take one class at a time through 31 credits, with no campus residency. The sequence starts with legal writing, contracts, and business law before moving into a chosen industry such as healthcare, privacy, or sports law.

Where it stands out. A good option when you want a steady one-class rhythm and no travel.

What to weigh. Calculated tuition is $48,980, with a $425 university fee in a standard semester, so the total sits above several lower-priced options here.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • 31-credit degree
  • No campus residency requirement
  • No GRE or LSAT

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Corporate Compliance
  • Health and Hospital Law
  • Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law and Compliance
  • Privacy Law and Cyber Security
  • Sports Law and Compliance

Admission Details

  • No GRE or LSAT

Tuition and Rate Conditions

2026–2027. Calculated tuition for the 31-credit MLS. Add the $425 university fee in a standard semester and $230 for the MLS summer semester, plus books and other expenses.

$1,580 per credit × 31 credits = $48,980 in base tuition.

Seton Hall tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
31
Study timeline
Two years part time
Tuition per credit
$1,580
Calculated base tuition
$48,980
09No LSAT or GRE Online

SMU says neither the LSAT nor the GRE is required. Its application is more involved: transcripts, a current resume, two recommendations, at least one reference, and a written or video statement. Courses run eight weeks, one at a time, with weekly live online sessions beside asynchronous work.

Where it stands out. Pick it if you like scheduled live discussion and want a defined weekly structure.

What to weigh. Tuition is $35,010 plus a mandatory $100-per-credit distance learning fee, and the live sessions require you to be free at set times.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • The MLS requires 30 credits, including 12 foundation credits.
  • Weekly live online sessions accompany asynchronous lectures and assignments.
  • The regular schedule uses eight-week courses, one at a time.
  • A capstone project or paper spans the final two terms.

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Business Law
  • Compliance Law
  • Criminal Justice
  • Human Resources and Employment Law
  • Sports Law

Admission Details

  • Neither LSAT nor GRE scores are required.
  • Applicants provide undergraduate transcripts, a current resume, two recommendations and at least one reference.
  • A written or video personal statement is accepted.

Tuition and Rate Conditions

Published 30-credit tuition. A mandatory $100-per-credit distance learning fee adds $3,000, making tuition plus that fee $38,010 before other expenses. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

$1,167 per credit × 30 credits = $35,010 in base tuition.

SMU tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
30
Study timeline
Two years at the regular pace; one year accelerated
Tuition per credit
$1,167
Published degree tuition
$35,010
10No LSAT or GRE Online

University of Southern California

USC Gould School of Law’s Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL)

Los Angeles, California

USC Gould requires no LSAT or GRE, but asks for a bachelor’s degree and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. The 21-unit part-time MSL mixes live discussion with self-paced work, and you can earn a graduate certificate alongside it. Fall, spring, and summer starts are available.

Where it stands out. Consider it if you want to add a certificate in compliance, privacy, or entertainment law without a separate certificate charge.

What to weigh. Tuition is $70,224 for the 21 units, which is well above most programs here, and the GPA floor is firm.

Enrollment restriction: The published online policy excludes residents of Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oregon, PR.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • You can earn a concurrent graduate certificate without an additional certificate charge.
  • Courses combine live and self-paced activities.
  • The program offers fall, spring and summer starts.

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Business Law
  • Compliance
  • Entertainment Law and Industry
  • Financial Compliance
  • Health Care Compliance
  • Human Resources Law and Compliance
  • Privacy Law and Cybersecurity
  • Real Estate Law
  • Technology and Entrepreneurship Law

Admission Details

  • A bachelor's degree and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 are required.
  • No LSAT or GRE required.

Tuition and Rate Conditions

2026-2027. Published 21-unit online MSL tuition, excluding fees and living expenses.

$3,344 per credit × 21 credits = $70,224 in base tuition.

USC Gould tuition source ↗

Military Benefit Information

USC Gould offers an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon awards to eligible candidates. Confirm your dollar award and remaining tuition with USC Veterans Certification.

USC Gould military policy ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
21
Study timeline
As few as 16 months
Tuition per credit
$3,344
Published degree tuition
$70,224
11No LSAT or GRE Online

Cornell’s online MSLS requires no LSAT, GRE, or GMAT, and a bachelor’s degree or international equivalent is the admission starting point. It is part time and asynchronous with no required campus visits, with a normal completion time of 20 months and a capstone at the end.

Where it stands out. Fits business professionals who deal with contracts, compliance, and risk and want courses written for the MSLS.

What to weigh. At $2,332 per credit the 30 credits total $69,960, so the cost is a real part of the decision.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • No required campus visits
  • No LSAT, GRE, or GMAT
  • A capstone completes the degree

Admission Details

  • Bachelor's degree or international equivalent
  • No LSAT, GRE, or GMAT

Tuition and Rate Conditions

2026–2027. Calculated tuition for 30 credits at the published 2026–2027 MSLS rate. Cornell advises that per-credit tuition can increase each academic year; fees are additional.

$2,332 per credit × 30 credits = $69,960 in base tuition.

Cornell tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
30
Study timeline
20 months part time
Tuition per credit
$2,332
Calculated base tuition
$69,960
12No LSAT or GRE Online

Vanderbilt’s admission page says admission does not require the LSAT, GRE, or other admission test, and it notes that prior exposure to law is not required. It also lists no minimum GPA. You take 24 credits one course at a time, with an optional short course in Nashville.

Where it stands out. Entry terms that suit someone whose undergraduate record is uneven.

What to weigh. Program tuition is $59,640 before online student fees, and a regular live discussion component means some scheduled hours.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • 24-credit degree
  • One course at a time
  • Optional Nashville short course

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Business Law
  • Sport & Entertainment

Admission Details

  • No GRE or minimum GPA requirement

Tuition and Rate Conditions

Published program tuition before online student health and services fees. Tuition may change between terms.

Vanderbilt tuition source ↗

Military Benefit Information

Vanderbilt states that eligible veterans may use VA education benefits for MLS enrollment. The law school provides a Yellow Ribbon match for veterans at the full Post-9/11 eligibility level when applicable.

Vanderbilt military policy ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
24
Study timeline
Under two years part time
Published degree tuition
$59,640
13No LSAT or GRE Online

University of Oklahoma

College of Law’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

Norman, Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s online MLS states that no entrance exam is required and that you do not need a JD or LSAT. Admission asks for a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree, a 2.0 GPA, a resume, transcripts, and a statement. The university estimates 15 to 20 hours of study each week.

Where it stands out. Useful if you want a low GPA threshold and asynchronous courses with live lectures only as an option.

What to weigh. The 32 credits cost about $37,360 at the nonresident rate. Oklahoma residents pay $643.30 per credit, so your residency changes the math.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • The general MLS requires 32 credits.
  • Coursework is asynchronous with optional live lectures.
  • The university estimates 15 to 20 hours of study each week.

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • General Legal Studies

Admission Details

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent is required.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required.
  • No LSAT required.

Tuition and Rate Conditions

Calculated nonresident tuition for the 32-credit online MLS. Oklahoma resident tuition is $643.30 per credit. Add $201.30 in fees per credit and $117.50 per semester, plus books and materials.

$1,167.50 per credit × 32 credits = $37,360 in base tuition.

Oklahoma tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Study format
Online
Degree credits
32
Study timeline
15 to 18 months or longer
Tuition per credit
$1,167.50
Calculated base tuition
$37,360

Compare What Each Program Asks of Applicants

UniversityTest PolicyOther Admission ItemsCredits and Pace
Arizona State UniversityNo entrance examOnline application; no law background needed30 credits in 10 classes of 7.5 weeks
Texas A&M UniversityNo entrance examDesigned for degree-holding professionals30 credits; asynchronous; three yearly starts
University of FloridaNo LSAT or GREStatement of purpose, resume, transcripts; no recommendations30 credits; asynchronous with optional live sessions
University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleNo GRE or LSAT2.7 GPA minimum, statement, two recommendations, resume30 credits; no live sessions
University of California College of the Law, San FranciscoNo GRE, GMAT, or LSATBachelor’s degree; JD holders are not eligible24 credits; live and self-paced courses
American Public UniversityNo entrance examsBachelor’s degree or higher36 credits; monthly starts; up to 15 transfer credits
University of UtahNo GRE, GMAT, MAT, or LSAT3.0 GPA; professional experience and writing ability30 credits over three semesters; fall start
Seton Hall UniversityNo GRE or LSATOnline application; no residency requirement31 credits; one class at a time; no residency
Southern Methodist UniversityNeither LSAT nor GRETranscripts, resume, two recommendations, a reference, statement30 credits; weekly live sessions; eight-week courses
University of Southern CaliforniaNo LSAT or GREBachelor’s degree and 3.0 GPA21 units; part time; three yearly starts
Cornell UniversityNo LSAT, GRE, or GMATBachelor’s degree or international equivalent30 credits; part time; about 20 months; no campus visits
Vanderbilt UniversityNo LSAT, GRE, or other admission testNo minimum GPA; legal experience not required24 credits; one course at a time
University of OklahomaNo entrance examRegionally accredited bachelor’s; 2.0 GPA; resume and statement32 credits; asynchronous; optional live lectures

How We Ranked Online Master’s in Law Programs With No LSAT or GRE

A Stated Test Policy

The university’s own admission page must say that no LSAT, GRE, or entrance exam is required. We do not infer a policy from silence.

No Law Degree Needed

The program has to admit people without prior legal education. A degree that expects a JD, or bars JD holders, answers a different question.

Other Admission Items Stay Visible

Dropping a test does not mean dropping every requirement. We record GPA minimums, recommendations, statements, and experience expectations beside each program.

Online Study You Can Verify

Each program must offer online study. Campus visits, live sessions, and fees stay visible so the format is not hidden behind the admission policy.

Plan Your Next Step

What No LSAT or GRE Means for an Online Master’s in Law

Most people who search for an online master’s in law want legal knowledge for their work, not a path to the bar. Master of Legal Studies, Master of Studies in Law, and similar degrees are built for that, and many skip the LSAT and GRE entirely. They are different from an LLM, which often expects a prior law degree.

Our MLS and LLM comparison explains how to tell them apart, and the MLS and JD guide covers the attorney route. If you only need to know which programs let you apply without a test, the table above is the place to start.

Check the Other Parts of the Application

Skipping a test shifts weight to the rest of your file. Several programs here ask for a minimum GPA, two recommendations, or a resume that shows professional experience. Florida asks for no recommendation letters, while SMU asks for two recommendations plus a reference.

Our MLS application guide walks through how to prepare a statement, choose a reference, and keep a checklist for each school. Match that checklist to the programs you shortlist before you start any application.

Narrow Your Shortlist by Price and Schedule

Once the test question is settled, price and pace usually decide. The affordable programs ranking sorts by displayed tuition, the online rankings show how each program handles live sessions and campus visits, and the working professionals ranking compares weekly workload.

For the full budget, use the degree cost guide. It separates tuition from fees so the number you compare is the number you would pay.

Sources Behind This Audience Ranking

Program and topic evidence was checked October 2, 2026. Each assessment links to the sources that support its reasoning.

Questions About These Legal Studies Programs

Can I Get a Master’s in Law Without Taking the LSAT?

Yes. Thirteen online programs on this page state that no LSAT is required. Most also drop the GRE. Each still asks for a bachelor’s degree, and some add a GPA minimum, recommendations, or a resume. Read each program’s admission page for the current requirements.

Do I Need a Law Degree to Apply?

No. These programs are designed for people without legal education. UC Law San Francisco goes further and says applicants who already hold a JD, LLB, or equivalent are not eligible. If you want to become an attorney, a JD is the usual route.

Is an Online Master’s in Law the Same as an LLM?

Not usually. An LLM often expects a prior law degree, while the MLS, MSL, and similar degrees on this page admit nonlawyers. Check the admission page for the exact degree name and who it admits before you apply.

Does No Entrance Exam Mean Easier Admission?

Not necessarily. Programs replace the test with other items: a GPA minimum, a personal statement, recommendations, or professional experience. Compare those requirements in the table, and read the program’s own page for the full process.

Which Programs on This Page Do Not Require Recommendation Letters?

The University of Florida lists no recommendation letters. Tennessee and SMU each ask for two recommendations. Requirements differ at the other programs, so check each admission page or confirm with admissions.