The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) at the University of Pikeville is a rigorous, interdisciplinary 30-hour program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and practices without requiring a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The program targets individuals in business, healthcare, law enforcement, human resources, and government, providing them with advanced legal knowledge to enhance their professional roles. This program does not qualify graduates to practice law but enables them to navigate legal challenges, understand legal frameworks, and apply legal reasoning in their respective fields.
Admission Requirements
The admissions criteria for the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program at the University of Pikeville are designed to ensure that students entering the program possess the foundational academic and professional qualifications necessary to succeed in a rigorous, interdisciplinary legal curriculum. These criteria, including the requirement of a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA, and relevant professional experience, are used to assess an applicant’s readiness for graduate study, their ability to contribute meaningfully to class discussions, and their potential to apply legal principles in various fields. Including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and, where applicable, an interview helps the admissions committee evaluate an applicant's motivation, leadership potential, and long-term goals. These requirements aim to select academically capable, professional candidates oriented and driven to apply legal knowledge in diverse, real-world contexts. By maintaining these standards, the program ensures that each cohort of students is well-prepared to excel and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields.
Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Degrees from any field of study are accepted, although applicants with backgrounds in business, healthcare, criminal justice, environmental studies, and other related fields may find the program particularly relevant.
Academic Performance: Applicants are required to submit their official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale is required. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered for admission based on other aspects of their application, including work experience, personal statement, and recommendations.
International Applicants: International applicants and U.S. citizens and permanent resident applicants with an international degree must submit copies of academic documents such as a transcript, diploma, mark sheets, provisional degree certificate, and your final degree certificate. Applicants who have earned a three-year baccalaureate degree can apply for admission to the UPIKE MLS program. The applicant’s cumulative GPA will be used as a part of the admission committee’s review to determine the competitiveness of admission.
Professional Experience: While not mandatory, applicants with relevant professional experience will be given preference. Experience in law, business, compliance, healthcare, criminal justice, and public policy is particularly valued.
Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a one-page personal statement (500 to 700 words) that outlines their professional and academic goals, explains their interest in legal studies, details how the MLS program will help them achieve them, and discusses their reasoning or passion for pursuing such a degree. This statement provides insight into the applicant’s motivation, leadership potential, and fit for the program and should be in the following format: (1) cover page, (2) no more than one page in length, (3) double-spaced, and (4) typed using Times New Roman 12-pt font.
Letters of Recommendation: Two professional letters of recommendation are required. These should come from supervisors, professors, or colleagues who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities, professional accomplishments, and potential for success in a graduate-level legal program.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current resume or CV must be submitted detailing relevant professional experience, educational background, certifications, and any other qualifications that demonstrate the applicant’s readiness for graduate study.
Admissions Committee: An admissions committee will be established within the program to review applications, resumes/CVs, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. The committee will consist of the program director and two additional faculty members who teach in the MLS program.
Interview (Optional): At the discretion of the admissions committee, applicants may be invited for an interview to assess their qualifications and fit for the program.
Applications, references, personal statements, and transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work should be sent to:
Master of Legal Studies Admissions
University of Pikeville
147 Sycamore Street
Pikeville, KY 41501
Email: donnahunt@upike.edu
All Master of Legal Studies program applications will be reviewed by the Master of Legal Studies Program Review Committee who will make the final admissions determination. A personal interview may be recommended prior to enrollment.
Exit Criteria
To earn the M.L.S., a student must complete thirty (30) credit hours of graduate-level course work. All course work (including transfer work) used to meet the requirements for a degree must have been completed no more than ten years prior to degree completion. The University of Pikeville reserves the right, even after the enrollment of students, to make individual curricular adjustments whenever serious deficiencies or needs are found. This may involve additional coursework whenever necessary. Deficiencies will be determined by the program faculty. Students may be required to take such courses without credit toward the master's degree and at their own expense.
To be awarded the Master of Legal Studies degree from the University of Pikeville, students must meet the following requirements:
Credit Hour Completion
- Successfully complete 30 semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework as outlined in the MLS curriculum.
Course Requirements
- Complete all required core courses in the program:
- LS 510 Introduction to Legal Skills, Research, Analysis, & Writing
- LS 520 History of U.S. Law & Legal Systems
- LS 530 Ethics & Professional Responsibility in the Legal Profession
- LS 540 Constitutional Framework & Policy
- LS 550 Introduction to Contractual Law & Drafting
- LS 560 Criminal Law & Procedure
- LS 570 Employment Law & Workplace Regulations
- LS 580 Administrative Law & Regulatory Compliance
- LS 590 Introduction to Torts & Personal Injury
- LS 595 Seminar in Legal Studies (Capstone)
Capstone Requirement
- Successfully complete LS 595 Seminar in Legal Studies, which serves as the program’s culminating experience.
- Demonstrate mastery of program learning outcomes through an advanced legal research, analysis, and writing project, including an oral presentation.
Academic Performance
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all graduate coursework.
- Earn a grade of “C” or better in each individual course; however, grades below “B” may necessitate repeating the course to meet program standards.
Good Standing
- Remain in academic good standing throughout the program as defined by the Graduate Education policies of the University of Pikeville.
- Resolve all incomplete grades, probationary statuses, or disciplinary actions prior to graduation.
- Residency & Transfer Credit Limits
- Complete at least 21 credit hours (70% of program requirements) in residence at the University of Pikeville.
- Transfer credit, if approved, may not exceed 9 credit hours, including any course substitutions.
- Administrative Requirements
- Submit a formal Application for Graduation by the published deadline.
Satisfy all financial obligations and exit examination requirements to the University of Pikeville prior to degree conferral.
Students admitted to the M.L.S. program will complete 30 credit hours presented below: