University of Arizona

What you'll study

This programme provides a foundation in core legal concepts together with applied coursework that addresses the legal issues organisations face. You will study foundational subjects such as constitutional law, contracts, torts and civil procedure alongside practical topics including legal research and writing, regulatory compliance, administrative law and statutory interpretation.

• Core legal foundations: introductions to the structure of the US legal system, sources of law, and basic doctrines in contracts, torts and property.
• Practical skills: legal research and writing, critical analysis of statutes, evidence-based memo drafting and client-facing communication.
• Regulatory and sector-specific law: courses in employment law, health law, environmental and natural resources law, intellectual property and privacy/data protection tailored to non-lawyers.
• Compliance and risk management: regulatory compliance, corporate governance, administrative procedure and strategies for managing legal risk in organisations.
• Electives and applied projects: options to study specialised areas, pursue a capstone project or practicum, and engage in interdisciplinary seminars that connect law with business, public policy or technology.

The programme is delivered through classroom and often hybrid or online formats, with opportunities for experiential learning such as simulations, clinic-style projects or internships with public, private and nonprofit organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. The admissions review typically considers academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional objectives and reasons for pursuing non-professional legal studies, and a current CV or résumé documenting relevant work experience.

• Academic background: a completed undergraduate degree in any discipline. Candidates with degrees in social sciences, business, health sciences or related fields are common.
• Application materials: official transcripts, a personal statement, and a résumé. The programme may request letters of recommendation for some applicants.
• Work experience: while not always required, professional experience can strengthen an application, particularly for those seeking career-change or advancement.
• English proficiency: applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English language ability in line with university regulations.

Career prospects

Graduates gain practical legal literacy that enhances their performance in roles that intersect with law and regulation. The degree prepares professionals to work confidently with lawyers, regulators and internal compliance teams without becoming licensed attorneys.

• Compliance officer or specialist (industry and government)
• Contracts and procurement manager
• Policy analyst or legislative aide in government and public policy organisations
• Human resources professional focusing on employment law and workplace policy
• Regulatory affairs specialist in healthcare, energy, environment or finance
• Paralegal advancement or legal operations roles supporting in-house counsel and law firms
• Project manager or consultant where legal risk assessment is a component of the role

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona’s law-focused master’s leverages the resources and expertise of a well-established law college while serving non-lawyer professionals. Students benefit from faculty who combine academic scholarship with practical experience, and from connections to a network of employers across Tucson, the broader state and national markets.

• Experienced faculty and practitioners: courses taught by faculty and practising lawyers who bring real-world perspectives to regulatory and transactional topics.
• Experiential learning: opportunities for applied projects, clinics and partnerships with public, private and nonprofit organisations to build practical competencies.
• Flexible delivery: programme formats that accommodate working professionals, including part-time and online options where available.
• Career support: access to university career services and law-college advising to help translate legal knowledge into tangible career outcomes.

Overall, the Master’s in Non-Professional Legal Studies at the University of Arizona equips professionals with legal analytical skills and practical tools to manage legal challenges, inform decision-making and advance in roles that overlap with law and regulation.