Master of Public Administration vs. Master of Legal Studies

When deciding a career path, it is important for professionals to consider which degree can equip them with the necessary skills that align with their goals. Both a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) can prepare students to develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, serve society, and improve social conditions.

While the degrees differ greatly in the kinds of courses offered, they’re both beneficial for professionals who are interested in careers in public or nonprofit sectors. An MPA program will focus on administration, management, and policy implementation to drive initiatives. On the other hand, in an MLS program, you will gain legal expertise and an understanding of how law shapes policy.

MPA vs. MLS: At a Glance

Criteria
Typical Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Pepperdine Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
Primary Goal
Prepares leaders for management and policy implementation in public/nonprofit sectors.
Prepares non-lawyers with legal expertise for law-adjacent fields.
Core Skills
Policy analysis, public admin, HR management, public budgeting.
Constitutional law, civil procedure, business law, employment law.
Admissions
Often requires GMAT or GRE scores.
No GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores required.
Program Length
18 to 36 months, on average.
16 to 28 months to complete.

Master of Public Administration

While MPA programs can vary, they typically focus on helping students become more effective leaders, decision-makers, and communicators. MPA students can expect to:

  • Take courses in policy analysis, public administration, human resources management, local government, public budgeting, and other administrative topics.
  • Prepare for roles in public and nonprofit sectors as policy analysts, government employees, or nonprofit leaders.
  • Be required to submit standardized test scores, such as from the GMAT or GRE, as part of the application process.
  • Graduate in an average of 18 to 36 months.

Master of Legal Studies

An MLS curriculum prepares students to be well versed in various legal topics to help their organizations make strategic decisions, ensure compliance with the law, and remain informed about new legislation. In Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s online Master of Legal Studies program, students will:

  • Take courses in constitutional law, civil procedure, business law, employment law, and other legal topics. Additionally, you can select the optional concentration in dispute resolution to improve your ability to manage conflict, effectively solve challenges, and negotiate for your organization’s best outcome.
  • Pursue work within public or private sectors in law-adjacent fields including public policy, advocacy, social work, regulatory agencies, and government relations.
  • Apply to the program without having to submit GRE, LSAT, GMAT, or other standardized test scores.
  • Graduate in 16 months if taking a full-time course load or 28 months if taking a part-time course load. See sample course schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions about MPA vs. MLS

  • Both MPA and MLS degrees are excellent for public service, but they prepare you for different roles. An MPA focuses on the management and implementation of policy, preparing you for roles like a city manager, public administrator, or policy analyst. The online MLS focuses on the legal framework behind policy, preparing you for roles in regulatory agencies, advocacy, or government relations.

  • MPA graduates often become nonprofit leaders, policy analysts, or public sector managers. MLS graduates are prepared for law-adjacent roles in public policy, advocacy, social work, and regulatory agencies.

  • Pepperdine’s online law program does not offer a dual MPA/MLS degree. We do offer an MDR/MLS dual degree for students interested in mastering both legal studies and dispute resolution.