How to apply

The Master of Legal Studies program admits new students for the summer, fall and spring semesters.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75.  3.0 GPA preferred.
• Work experience broadly related to legal studies preferred

Apply

Application Checklist

✔ Priority Application Deadlines: April 15 for the summer semester, May 15 for the fall semester or November 15 for the spring semester. Applications will be considered after these deadlines.

✔ Transcripts. Official transcripts from all prior academic work must be forwarded by your previous institution(s) to the Graduate Admissions Office, PO Box 6510, Morgantown, WV 26505-6510. Email us at GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. If undergraduate work was completed at WVU, admissions will pull your transcripts automatically.

✔ Standardized graduate-level test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT) or request exemption of test scores.  See exceptions to test scores below.

Official test scores may be sent directly to WVU Graduate Admissions or uploaded to the application. 

✔ TOEFL scores (international students only)

✔ Statement of Purpose on the subject of why and how the MLS degree will further the applicant’s career or special interests. You may also address problems or inconsistencies in your academic record or test scores. Click here for tips on writing the statement of purpose.

✔ Resume or C.V. The resume/CV should include enough information for the admissions committee to trace the applicant’s entire professional work history and should indicate any relevant affiliations. Please include military experience both before and after you earned your bachelor’s degree.

✔ Two letters of recommendation. Letters should speak to the applicant’s intellectual ability, motivation, oral/written communication skills, and the likelihood of success in completing this master’s degree program. Recent graduates should submit at least one academic reference. References should be requested through the online Graduate Application portal.

Exceptions to the graduate exam test requirement

The requirement that applicants submit GRE, GMAT or LSAT scores can be waived under the following circumstances.  

Undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher:   Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher are eligible to waive the graduate exam score requirement. 

Evidence of graduate level competence: Applicants who already hold a graduate degree or have successfully completed at least 18 semester hours in another accredited graduate program may request a waiver of the graduate exam score requirement. 

Significant experience related to legal studies: Applicants with at least five years of broadly related experience after completing their undergraduate degree may request a waiver of the graduate exam score requirement. If you are active military or a veteran, please include military experience.  The personal statement should include a description of your professional experience and how it relates to legal studies and your career goals.