This MLS program examines the legal and regulatory structure behind the federal government’s annual contract spending, which totals hundreds of billions of dollars. Emphasis courses cover contract formation and termination, compliance, anti-corruption measures, risk management and ethical responsibilities.
Due to the complexity of this area of law and the limited number of experts, the ability to reduce legal risk and strengthen contract performance can give you a competitive edge after graduation. These skills are in demand across industries that work with federal agencies, including defense, health care, technology and construction.
The skills you’ll develop
This advanced legal degree helps you understand the law and apply it to your career without becoming a lawyer. You’ll build a foundation in legal principles, including reasoning, analysis and communication. Federal contracting law courses also build your experience in:
- Addressing cybersecurity and data protection requirements.
- Challenging contract awards and resolving disputes.
- Examining small business programs and certifications.
- Navigating cost rules and audit requirements.
- Studying the federal acquisition process.
- Understanding procurement procedures and contract types.
What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?
A degree program’s emphasis is similar to a concentration, but there are key differences.
- A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major. It requires a minimum of 15 credit hours, with at least nine upper-division credit hours. Your concentration appears on both your ASU diploma and transcripts.
- An emphasis is a selected topic area within the major. It’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared. The emphasis will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.
Gain the legal and regulatory expertise to fulfill government contracts and drive results in a core sector of the U.S. economy. Through the online Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in federal contracting law from Arizona State University, you’ll build the skills to contribute across industries that engage in business with the government.
You’ll complete two core courses: one introducing U.S. law and legal concepts and another selected from a list of program core options. Your remaining eight classes include electives and emphasis-area studies aligned with your interests. Specialized topics may include contract structure, lifecycle management, fraud prevention, data privacy and more.
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.
Learn more about the FastApp process.
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
- A 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 for 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 federal contracting law will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.