Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Admissions Process

Howdy! We hope you will join us.

Prior Degree Requirements

• Applicants for admission to the Texas A&M University School of Law MLS program must have an earned at minimum a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
• Foreign educated students must possess an equivalent degree​.

MLS Options

Applicants choose from several different MLS degree options:

• General Legal Studies (online or in residence -- Fort Worth)
• Cybersecurity Law and Policy (online only)
• Energy and Environmental Law (online only)
• Energy, Oil, and Gas Law (online only)
• Health Law, Policy, and Management (online only)
• Intellectual Property, Technology, and Innovation (in residence – Forth Worth)
• International Tax (online only)
• Risk Management (online only)
• Wealth Management (online only)
• Business Law and Compliance (hybrid program -- San Antonio)​

Timetables

• By semester:
  • Fall:
    • Application deadline: August 1
  • Spring:
    • Application deadline: January 1
  • Summer (for online programs only):
    • Application deadline: May 1


• Applications are ​accepted on a rolling basis with cohorts starting Fall, Spring and Summer.


• Applications and all associated paperwork must be received in a timely manner ​to ensure you matriculate into your preferred cohort.


• We encourage you to apply early to receive a timely admissions decision.


• The Admissions Committee will give careful consideration to timely submitted applications until reaching program capacity.

Application

• Review the "Application Requirements" section below before accessing the application form.


• Download the MLS application form [pdf].


• The application and additional documents required to complete the admissions process must be mailed or emailed to the School of Law at the address on the application form.

Admissions Decisions

Admission decisions are based on a thorough review of each applicant’s file. While the strength of the applicant’s complete academic record figures prominently in the process, a multitude of factors are considered in ascertaining an applicant’s probability of successfully completing the program of study. While satisfying the minimum admission criteria qualifies the applicant to be considered, meeting minimum criteria for admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the program.

Application Requirements:

A completed application must include the following documents:

SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANT:

• A completed MLS application for admission:
  • Download the MLS application form [pdf]


• Application Fee (non-refundable):
  • $65 for U.S. educated applicants and $90 for foreign educated applicants. Submit a check or money order payable to Texas A&M University.


• A descriptive resume including details about:
  • The applicant’s educational background, honor societies, military service, extracurricular activities, public/community service, honors and awards, publications, foreign language proficiencies, and any other significant achievements and involvements.
  • The applicant’s relevant work history. Be sure to include the name of the employer or organization, location, dates of employment, position(s) held, a description of duties performed, your role in major projects, and any employer recognized achievements.


• A statement of interest (typed and double-spaced) addressing:
  • The applicant’s area of interest – See options above. If opting for the General ​MLS, the applicant must indicate the desired area of study within the residential MLS.
  • The applicant’s educational and professional experiences that have prepared him or her for advanced study.
  • The applicant’s professional plans and goals following completion of the program of study.


• A statement explaining any affirmative answers to questions in the Academic and Personal Conduct section.

SUBMITTED BY OTHER INDIVIDUALS OR INSTITUTIONS:

• Official academic transcripts:
  ​Applicants must arrange to have official transcripts from all ​post-secondary institutions attended​ submitted directly to the School of Law. Where applicable, the transcript must reflect the conferral of an earned degree. Official electronic transcripts can be sent to distanceed@law.tamu.edu. Transcripts sent through mail should be addressed:
            Attn: Office of Graduate Admissions
            1515 Commerce Street
            Fort Worth, TX 76102-6509
  
  Foreign-educated applicants, those who completed their bachelor’s degree outside the U.S., its territories, or Canada, are required to submit all transcripts with an official English translation. Official translations must be prepared by a recognized translation service and include all original seals and/or signatures. Applicants currently attending a U.S. institution may arrange for their current school to submit copies of their official transcript(s) directly to the School of Law (See Page 10 of the application pdf).


• English Language Proficiency:
  In addition to all other application requirements, foreign educated applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency. Applicants should consult the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies for the most up-to-date information regarding English proficiency verification.

Your application will not be considered complete until we receive each of the items listed above.

MLS Application Submission Address

The MLS admission application and all supporting documents should be mailed to:

Texas A&M University School of Law
Office of Admissions – Master of Legal Studies Program
1515 Commerce Street
Fort Worth, Texas  76102