This program explores how courts establish criminal liability through topics fundamental to justice and fairness in society. You’ll study the rights of suspected or convicted people, the roles of enforcement agencies and how laws differ by state and country.
Coursework is designed for non-lawyers who interact with legal systems like law enforcement, victim advocacy, social work or corporate compliance. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of criminal law’s influence on procedures, investigations and policy development, promoting ethical processes and fair outcomes in your field.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
In this program, you’ll build legal literacy and practical skills in areas such as:
- Criminal defense and due process rights.
- Criminal procedures, from arrest to sentencing.
- Ethical decision-making and risk management.
- Investigations and law enforcement processes.
- Public policy, advocacy and regulatory compliance.
- Victim protections and restorative justice.
This program blends Master of Legal Studies coursework with criminal law electives focused on evidence, post-conviction processes and justice system operations. It’s suited for professionals who want to expand their legal understanding without becoming a lawyer.
What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?
While an emphasis and concentration are similar, there are key differences.
- A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours; at least nine must be upper division. The concentration appears on your ASU diploma and transcripts.
- An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major that’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared.
Arizona State University’s online Master of Legal Studies in criminal law builds your expertise in how and why the criminal justice system operates. You’ll gain insight into law enforcement processes, individual rights and public safety, making this an ideal program for criminal justice professionals.
In this program, you’ll begin by developing a foundation in the legal system and the elements of legal reasoning. This is a shared starting point across the MLS program and all of its areas of emphasis. You’ll then focus on aspects of the legal system directly relevant to criminal law. Featured courses include:
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation, providing personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students can tailor their educational experiences to meet their unique interests. Our bar passage achievements and peer-reviewed U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight our dedication to preparing students for success.
in Arizona for bar passage
specialty law programs ranked amongst the top 35 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
Applicants to the Master of Legal Studies program must fulfill the requirements of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
U.S.-educated applicants can apply through our FastApp process, which streamlines the application process and may allow for an offer of conditional admission to the MLS program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation. Find more information about the FastApp process here.
Possible outcomes from FastApp submission may include:
- Conditional admission.
- A request for supplementary documents.
- A request to complete the full MLS application with accompanying documents.
- Denial.
For the FastApp application to be considered complete, it must include:
- The complete MLS FastApp application form and the following uploaded documents:
- An unofficial transcript from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
- Resume that does not exceed three typed pages.
If a decision cannot be made from a FastApp, our admissions team may request additional information from an applicant, including any or all of the following:
- Writing sample.
- Explanations to affirmative answers to any conduct questions.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts from all institutions attended, including the transcript showing a bachelor's degree was conferred.
A minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of an applicant’s bachelor's program is preferred. Prospective students may earn admission with a cumulative GPA below 3.00 if the other assets included in the application package are strong, such as but not limited to:
- A personal statement that addresses a low GPA or inconsistent academic performance.
- Improved academic performance in subsequent degrees.
- Significant work history since completing a bachelor’s degree.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application.
- Official* transcripts.
- CV or resume.
*Transcripts can be unofficial through the FastApp process. Official transcripts reflecting degree conferral(s) will be required if an applicant is admitted.
If English isn’t your native language and you haven’t completed a bachelor’s degree or higher at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., you must provide evidence of English proficiency.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Please note your diploma will state the degree you earn: Master of Legal Studies. Your emphasis in criminal law will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.