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Master’s of Legal Studies in Portland

Master's of Legal Studies. No JD required. Advance your career with Willamette’s MLS in Portland, with courses specifically tailored for Oregon’s healthcare leaders.

Program Snapshot

Degree Type

Master's

Program Type

Graduate

Credit Hours

26

Time to complete

2 Years

Campus

Portland

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Information for Current Law Students
Professor and students talking inside the Law building.

Our Master’s of Legal Studies

Willamette’s 26-credit Master’s of Legal Studies in Portland offers evening coursework that gives students legal insight that supports their professional work without pursuing a JD. The Portland-based program specifically offers electives that equip healthcare professionals and those seeking to enter healthcare leadership roles with critical knowledge of the legal and policy frameworks of the American healthcare system.  

Why choose this program at Willamette?

  • Designed for working and busy professionals, this evening program makes it possible to balance work, study, and career growth. 
  • Our small, close-knit cohort model connects you with Oregon’s current and future healthcare leaders. 
  • Courses that cover topics like malpractice, compliance, fraud, abuse, and public health law will prepare you to address the real challenges of today’s healthcare industry. 
  • You’ll learn directly from nationally recognized health law leaders like Distinguished Professor Bruce Howell, who brings decades of legal practice and teaching experience. 
  • You’ll graduate prepared to partner effectively with legal counsel, lead compliance programs, and navigate rapidly shifting healthcare regulations at both the state and national levels. 

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Do you have questions about the MLS program at Willamette? Complete this form and we'll be in touch.

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Program Values

Our Master's of Legal Studies embodies our mission to connect learning with leadership. By training  professionals to apply legal knowledge in healthcare systems, we prepare graduates to improve compliance, equity, and patient outcomes.

Student talking in class.

Our Faculty

Willamette faculty combine rigorous scholarship with practical expertise, mentoring MLS students through real healthcare law challenges in the region and beyond.

Curriculum

The MLS curriculum builds fluency in fundamental legal principles such as torts, contracts, and legislation and regulation. In the part-time Portland program, you will also have access to additional health law-specific coursework in compliance, medical malpractice, public health, and fraud prevention. Students learn to analyze complex healthcare regulations, partner effectively with legal counsel, and navigate real-world disputes.

View MLS Curriculum Learning Outcomes

Sample Classes

  • LAW 248 Healthcare Law & Policy I

    This class provides an in-depth examination of the legal and regulatory issues affecting the healthcare industry, covering topics like patient rights, healthcare compliance, and the intricacies of health insurance law.

  • Law 387 Public Health Law

    Examine how our government regulates public health and where constitutional limits apply. Topics include vaccines, tobacco, drug policy, obesity, firearms, and more, with a focus on FDA authority and the balance of federal, state and local powers.

Program Requirements

The MLS requires 26 credits across two years of part-time study. Courses are scheduled in the evenings, supporting working professionals seeking advanced legal knowledge. As a final capstone, students must complete a significant writing project. MLS electives at Willamette’s Portland-based program are designed to contribute to the MLS along with a Certificate in Health Law.

Student studying outside of Rick's Cafe in the law school.

Admissions Information

The MLS welcomes applicants with bachelor’s degrees who are working in diverse healthcare and policy backgrounds. Applications are submitted through Willamette’s online application.

Former Oregon Attorney General at the law school.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Willamette University is committed to making graduate study accessible. MLS students are eligible for financial aid and university scholarships. Dedicated financial aid advisors work with you to identify funding options and employer sponsorship opportunities.

Professor teaching a class.

FAQs

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