The sports industry is a multibillion-dollar enterprise in the U.S. with the potential to exceed a trillion dollars globally. As the industry rapidly grows, so does a demand for professionals who understand the various challenges in this field.
This program explores topics such as antitrust and labor concerns, league and player regulations, intellectual property rights and contract negotiations. You’ll examine the forces influencing professional and amateur athletics and gain insights into sports branding, analytics and business operations.
The curriculum offers various electives, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career goals. You’ll also have the option to participate in a special project or externship related to your interests.
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 with an emphasis in sports law teaches you to navigate legal, ethical and business issues in the sports industry. You’ll learn how regulation, revenue and branding shape sports both nationally and globally. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for roles in sports, entertainment and related fields.
This program blends a strong foundation in legal studies with business and athletics expertise. You’ll learn from faculty experienced in the legal and sports arenas with opportunities for special projects and externships. Program 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 Master of Legal Studies 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 Master of Legal Studies application with accompanying documents.
- Denial.
For the FastApp application to be considered complete, it must include:
- The complete Master of Legal Studies 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 sports law will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.