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Sports and Entertainment Law Tracks Inside a Legal Master’s

Best Online Master’s in Sports Law and Entertainment Law for Non-Lawyers

A master’s in sports law or entertainment law, for someone without a law degree, usually appears as a track inside a legal studies degree. Seven online programs name a sports, entertainment, or media track in their official curriculum. This page shows how each one frames the subject and what it asks of you.

Edited by Taylor Rupe

B.A. Psychology, University of Washington · B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State University

Research Updated How we compare

7 programs in this comparison. A program qualifies when it offers online study, admits people without a law degree, and its official curriculum names a sports, entertainment, or media law track, concentration, or certificate. A single elective course is not enough.

Programs follow the site’s national editorial order, filtered to those that qualify. The order does not measure industry connections or job outcomes. Use the table to compare the track names, formats, and commitments. Read the ranking method.

Find Your Starting Point

Campus Athletics ComplianceDrexel UniversityAn NCAA compliance and sports law concentration pairs sports law with a compliance-centered core.Read the Assessment Sports, Entertainment, and Arts TogetherUniversity of PittsburghA 15-credit certificate covers all three areas after 15 foundational credits.Read the Assessment Entertainment and Media Law OnlineUniversity of California, Los AngelesEntertainment and media is one of the specializations that has an online route.Read the Assessment Add a CertificateUniversity of Southern CaliforniaAn entertainment law and industry certificate can be earned alongside the degree.Read the Assessment

Compare the Legal Studies Programs at a Glance

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

UniversityStudy FormatCreditsDisplayed Degree Price
Drexel UniversityThomas R. Kline School of Law’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)OnlineTwo years on average45Quarter credits$44,775Calculated base tuition2026–2027
University of PittsburghPitt Law’s Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL)OnlineTwo years part time30$33,195Published degree tuition2026–2027
University of California, Los AngelesUCLA Law’s Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.), Online or On CampusOnline9 months full-time or 2 to 4 years part-timeThe online pathways do not cover every specialization. Criminal law, government and national security, public interest, and environmental law require campus coursework.26$70,278Calculated base tuition2026–2027
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
Vanderbilt UniversityVanderbilt Law School’s Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)OnlineUnder two years part time24$59,640Published degree 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 Master’s in Sports and Entertainment Law Programs

01Sports and Entertainment Law Online

Drexel’s MLS puts compliance in the core, and its NCAA compliance and sports law concentration narrows that into athletics. That suits someone in a college athletics office or a related setting where rules and reporting are part of the job. The degree is fully online and runs part time or full time.

Where it stands out. Consider it if your interest in sports is rules, reporting, and institutional compliance rather than contracts.

What to weigh. The 45 quarter credits cost $44,775 before a $125 annual fee, and Drexel moves to a semester calendar in fall 2027, so confirm the credit count for your start.

Sources for This AssessmentDrexel Online MLS
Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • Compliance auditing and investigation in the core
  • Capstone sequence
  • 45 quarter credits before the semester transition

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Criminal Law
  • Cybersecurity and Information Privacy Compliance
  • Entrepreneurship and Law
  • Financial Regulatory Compliance
  • Health Care Compliance
  • Higher Education Compliance
  • Human Resources Compliance
  • NCAA Compliance and Sports Law
  • Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Regulatory Compliance

Admission Details

  • Standardized tests are optional

Tuition and Rate Conditions

2026–2027. Calculated tuition for 45 quarter credits at the 2026–2027 rate, before the $125 annual online graduate program fee. Drexel transitions to a semester calendar in fall 2027.

$995 per quarter credit × 45 credits = $44,775 in base tuition.

Drexel tuition source ↗

Military Benefit Information

The MLS page lists special tuition rates for qualifying military members. These apply to eligible fully online courses, and students must request the benefit within the first two weeks of the term.

Drexel military policy ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Drexel’s Master of Legal Studies

Drexel Tuition and Fees

Study format
Online
Quarter credits
45
Study timeline
Two years on average
Tuition per credit
$995
Calculated base tuition
$44,775
02Sports and Entertainment Law Online

University of Pittsburgh

Pitt Law’s Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL)

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pitt builds its online MSL in two halves: 15 foundation credits for non-lawyers, then a 15-credit certificate. The Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law certificate is one of those choices, which covers a range from sports to creative industries. Classes are asynchronous with optional live sessions.

Where it stands out. Good if you are not sure whether your interest is sports, music, film, or the arts, and want one certificate that spans them.

What to weigh. Tuition is $33,195 for the 30 credits, plus a $112 technology fee each semester. Entry is only in fall and spring.

Sources for This AssessmentPitt Online MSL Pitt Tuition and Financial Aid
Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • 15 foundational credits followed by a 15-credit certificate
  • Asynchronous classes with optional live sessions
  • Fall and spring entry

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Corporate Compliance
  • Health Care Compliance
  • Human Resources Law
  • Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law

Admission Details

  • Online application and academic transcripts

Tuition and Rate Conditions

2026–2027. Published online MSL tuition for 15 core credits at $1,330 and 15 specialization credits at $883. Add the $112 technology fee each semester, textbooks and other expenses.

Pitt tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

Pitt’s Master of Studies in Law

Pitt Tuition and Fees

Study format
Online
Degree credits
30
Study timeline
Two years part time
Published degree tuition
$33,195
03Sports and Entertainment Law Online Options

University of California, Los Angeles

UCLA Law’s Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.), Online or on Campus

Los Angeles, California

UCLA offers entertainment and media law as one of its online specializations, which matters because several others require campus coursework. The online core meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and a final-semester capstone lets you examine a legal issue from your own work, for example a rights or licensing question.

Where it stands out. A fit for someone already in or near media, and who can be online two evenings a week.

What to weigh. Calculated tuition for 26 units is $70,278 before campus and university fees, which is a large number to weigh against the other options.

Sources for This AssessmentUCLA Master of Legal Studies UCLA MLS Tuition and Scholarships

Plan for campus study: The online pathways do not cover every specialization. Criminal law, government and national security, public interest, and environmental law require campus coursework.

Curriculum, Admission, Tuition, and Sources

How the Program Works

  • Online core courses meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
  • The capstone can take the form of an academic paper or presentation.
  • A dedicated MLS career services advisor supports students.

Documented Subjects and Concentrations

  • Business Law
  • Employment & HR Law
  • Entertainment & Media Law
  • Health Law & Policy
  • Law & Technology
  • General Studies

Tuition and Rate Conditions

2026–2027. Calculated MLS tuition for 26 units. Campus and university fees and health insurance are additional for remote, hybrid and campus students; qualified students may waive university health insurance.

$2,703 per credit × 26 credits = $70,278 in base tuition.

UCLA tuition source ↗

University Sources

Program facts reviewed .

UCLA’s Master of Legal Studies

UCLA Tuition and Fees

Study format
Online
Degree credits
26
Study timeline
9 months full-time or 2 to 4 years part-time
Tuition per credit
$2,703
Calculated base tuition
$70,278
04Sports and Entertainment Law Online

Seton Hall lists Sports Law and Compliance among its industry options, and the degree begins with a legal foundation in writing, contracts, business law, and civil liability. You take one class at a time across 31 credits with no campus residency, so the sports focus arrives after the basics.

Where it stands out. Useful if you want the sports track combined with a compliance emphasis and a steady one-class pace.

What to weigh. Calculated tuition is $48,980, plus a $425 university fee in standard semesters, and the sports content is one of several industry options.

Sources for This AssessmentSeton Hall Online MLS Seton Hall Tuition and Fees
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 .

Seton Hall’s Master of Legal Studies

Seton Hall Tuition and Fees

Study format
Online
Degree credits
31
Study timeline
Two years part time
Tuition per credit
$1,580
Calculated base tuition
$48,980
05Sports and Entertainment Law Online

SMU names sports law as one of its professional tracks, next to business, compliance, criminal justice, and employment. You take eight-week courses one at a time with weekly live online sessions, and finish with a capstone paper or project across the last two terms, which gives you a place to examine a sports topic in depth.

Where it stands out. Choose it if you want live discussion and a capstone where you can investigate a sports law question.

What to weigh. Tuition is $35,010 plus a mandatory $100-per-credit distance learning fee, and the live sessions need a fixed weekly time.

Sources for This AssessmentSMU Online MLS Curriculum SMU Tuition and Financial Aid
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 .

SMU’s Master of Legal Studies

SMU Tuition and Fees

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
06Sports and Entertainment Law Online

University of Southern California

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

Los Angeles, California

USC’s 21-unit online MSL lets you earn a graduate certificate beside the degree, and entertainment law and industry is one of the certificate choices. The degree is designed for people without a law background, and live discussion mixes with self-paced work. Fall, spring, and summer starts are offered.

Where it stands out. Right for someone who wants an entertainment-industry certificate attached to a part-time degree.

What to weigh. Tuition is $70,224 for the 21 units and the program requires a 3.0 GPA. The certificate focus is entertainment, not sports.

Sources for This AssessmentUSC Gould Online MSL USC Gould MSL Tuition

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 .

USC Gould’s Master of Studies in Law

USC Gould Tuition and Fees

Study format
Online
Degree credits
21
Study timeline
As few as 16 months
Tuition per credit
$3,344
Published degree tuition
$70,224
07Sports and Entertainment Law Online

Vanderbilt lists Sport and Entertainment as one of its two concentrations, the other being business law. The curriculum covers contracts, employment law, regulation, property, and torts, taken one course at a time in a mostly asynchronous format with regular live discussion. An optional short course is held on the Nashville campus.

Where it stands out. A match when you want a short 24-credit degree and a concentration that treats sport and entertainment as one field.

What to weigh. Program tuition is $59,640 before online student fees, and you have only two concentration choices.

Sources for This AssessmentVanderbilt MLS Curriculum Vanderbilt MLS Tuition and Financial Aid
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 .

Vanderbilt’s Master of Legal Studies

Vanderbilt Tuition and Fees

Study format
Online
Degree credits
24
Study timeline
Under two years part time
Published degree tuition
$59,640

Compare the Sports and Entertainment Law Tracks

UniversityTrack NameDegree StructureFormat and Pace
Drexel UniversityNCAA Compliance and Sports Law45 quarter credits with a compliance core and capstoneFully online; part time or full time
University of PittsburghSports, Entertainment, and Arts Law15 foundation credits plus a 15-credit certificateAsynchronous with optional live sessions; fall and spring entry
University of California, Los AngelesEntertainment and Media Law26 units with a final-semester capstoneOnline core meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings
Seton Hall UniversitySports Law and Compliance31 creditsOne class at a time; no campus residency
Southern Methodist UniversitySports Law30 credits with a capstone paper or projectWeekly live sessions; eight-week courses
University of Southern CaliforniaEntertainment Law and Industry21 units; certificate earned alongsidePart time; live and self-paced; three yearly starts
Vanderbilt UniversitySport and Entertainment24 creditsOne course at a time; optional Nashville short course

How We Ranked Master’s in Sports and Entertainment Law Programs

A Named Track in the Curriculum

The official program page must name a sports, entertainment, or media law track, concentration, or certificate. Marketing language alone does not count.

A Degree for Non-Lawyers

These programs admit applicants without legal education. We do not include degrees that expect a prior JD or bar admission.

Online Study With Limits in View

Each program must offer an online route. Where a specialization needs campus work or live sessions, we say so.

Clear Costs and Commitments

We record published tuition, credits, and pacing so you can compare what the track would cost and how long it would take.

These criteria explain the editorial order within the reviewed programs. Read the publication’s research and ranking method.

Plan Your Next Step

What a Sports or Entertainment Law Master’s Covers

Without a law degree, you will not become a sports or entertainment attorney, but you can study the contracts, regulations, and rules that shape the industry. These tracks sit inside legal master’s degrees such as the MLS and MSL, and they build on a general foundation in legal research and writing.

Read the course list for the track before you apply. Some tracks center on compliance and governance, others on contracts and rights. Our concentration comparison explains how to look past a track title.

Know What the Degree Does Not Do

A legal studies master’s does not qualify you to practice law or to give legal advice. If attorney work is your goal, start with the MLS and JD comparison. An LLM in sports law, a separate degree, often expects a prior law degree, and our MLS and LLM guide explains the difference.

For many people the value is practical: understanding the agreements and compliance rules already part of their job.

Compare Format and Cost Before You Choose

The seven programs differ in credit count, price, and weekly commitment. Pitt’s published tuition is $33,195, while UCLA’s calculated tuition is $70,278. Use the online rankings for schedules and the affordable programs ranking for price.

Our degree cost guide helps you add fees and decide how to pay. For the wider field, see the national legal studies rankings.

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 Sports Law Without a Law Degree?

Yes, through a legal studies master’s with a sports law track or concentration. Drexel, Seton Hall, SMU, Pitt, and Vanderbilt name sports tracks in their curriculum. The degree does not qualify you to practice law, so confirm what each program admits and teaches.

Is There an Online Master’s in Entertainment Law?

UCLA, USC, Pitt, and Vanderbilt each name an entertainment or media track and offer an online route. UCLA notes that several specializations still require campus coursework, so check that your chosen track is available online.

How Is an MLS Different From an LLM in Sports Law?

An LLM generally expects a prior law degree and builds on it. An MLS or MSL is for people without one. Read the admission page for the degree name and who it admits, and see our MLS and LLM comparison for more detail.

Does a Sports Law Track Prepare Me to Be a Sports Agent?

A track teaches legal concepts, but agent roles have their own requirements and the degree does not establish eligibility for them. Review the rules for the role you want, then compare the coursework to what you would need to understand.

How Much Do These Programs Cost?

Published tuition ranges from $33,195 at Pitt to $70,278 at UCLA among these programs, before fees. Credit counts and fee structures differ, so use our cost guide and each school’s tuition page to build a full budget for your enrollment plan.

Keep Comparing

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Is an MLS Worth It?

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