Master of Legal Studies Program Mission
The MLS program at Trinity Law School is designed to give a broad understanding of law and legal systems for those professionals who seek to advance their careers in areas involving advocacy, business, contracts, human rights, legal compliance, negotiation, property, or regulations. For those students already in the workforce, the MLS program provides a general introduction to legal principles so these students can aid their employers with legal issues. The MLS program prepares students to assess whether hiring a lawyer is necessary and to evaluate the effectiveness of legal counsel retained by employers.
In addition to a general survey of law and legal systems, the MLS program allows students to concentrate their degree program in Alternative Dispute Resolution; Church Administration; Contracts and Negotiation; Criminal Justice; General Legal Studies; Human Resources Management; Human Rights; Human Trafficking Advocacy; Ministry, Advocacy, and the Law; or, Nonprofit Administration. Students can also pursue a Customized Plan of Study.
Except as provided in rule 4.30 of the Admissions Rules (Legal education in a foreign state or country), completion of a professional law degree program at this law school other than for the JD degree does not qualify a student to take the California Bar Examination or satisfy a requirement for admission to the practice of law in California. It may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or to satisfy the requirement for admission to the practice of law in any other jurisdiction. A student intending to seek admission to practice law should contact the admitting authority in the jurisdictions where the student intends to qualify to sit for the bar examination or to be admitted to practice for information regarding the legal education requirements.
Master of Legal Studies Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the MLS program, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the law in areas applicable to a wide range of business and ministry management positions.
- Apply the law as a tool for effective and ethical decision making.
- Identify and formulate the legal issues and theories that impact their professional career.
- Effectively interact with attorneys regarding the application of legal solutions to business and ministry challenges.
- Recognize and resolve ethical issues by applying knowledge of secular law and biblical principles to content area topics.
Degree Completion Standards
The MLS program is a 30-unit online degree program. Students complete a core curriculum of 15 units and then must choose from one of several 15-unit tracks available, for a total of 30 units. Courses are offered in terms beginning every eighth week. Full-time students can complete the program in one year.
The MLS degree is conferred upon students who have met the admission requirements for the degree, have satisfactorily completed the prescribed program of 30 units of study, and have not exceeded 6 years from date of matriculation in the program. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above is required to maintain good standing and to earn the degree. Final responsibility for meeting degree requirements for graduation rests with each student.
Students are required to actively participate as each course may require. (See Attendance and Preparedness.)
Legal Fundamentals
A student required to take MLS 558 may not enroll in any other course until the student successfully completes MLS 558. An exception will only be granted upon a showing of a strong likelihood of success in this course and approval by a Dean.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S STANDARD OCCUPATIONAL CLASSIFICATION (SOC)
The Master of Legal Studies program prepares graduates for occupations such as:
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011.00)
- Legal Support Workers, All Other (SOC 23-2099.00)
