University of Kansas

What you'll study

This master’s curriculum focuses on developing high-level legal research and analytical skills alongside professional competencies in communication, project management and ethical decision-making. Students study a mix of core modules, electives and a substantial research project or professional capstone.

• Advanced Legal Research and Methodology — research design, doctrinal and empirical methods, use of legal databases and primary sources, and critical appraisal of jurisprudence.
• Legal Writing and Advocacy for Professionals — drafting memos, policy briefs, regulatory submissions and persuasive professional documents for non-litigious contexts.
• Regulation, Compliance and Administrative Law — structure and operation of regulatory bodies, compliance frameworks, enforcement mechanisms and risk-based approaches.
• Comparative and International Perspectives — comparative analysis of legal systems, transnational regulatory issues and international instruments affecting domestic policy.
• Ethics, Professional Responsibility and Governance — ethical frameworks, corporate governance considerations and professional standards relevant to applied legal work.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options — options drawn from public affairs, business, data privacy, health law, environmental regulation or intellectual property to tailor the degree to career aims.
• Capstone Project or Thesis — an extended piece of independent research or a professionally oriented project under faculty supervision that demonstrates applied legal research and problem-solving.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Candidates with substantial professional experience in law-adjacent roles may also be considered. The admissions process typically requires:

• A completed application form and official transcripts from prior institutions.
• A statement of purpose outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the programme.
• Academic or professional references that speak to the applicant’s analytical and writing abilities.
• Evidence of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, in line with the university’s requirements.

Some applicants may be asked to provide examples of written work or to attend an interview. Specific prerequisites and documentation requirements can vary by applicant type, so prospective students should consult the programme admissions office for personalised guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for roles that require strong legal research and advisory skills across public, private and third-sector contexts. Typical career paths include:

• Compliance officer or regulatory affairs specialist in corporate, healthcare or financial organisations.
• Policy analyst or researcher for government agencies, think tanks and NGOs.
• Legal researcher, paralegal manager or specialist in law firms and in-house legal teams.
• Consultant in risk management, governance or public policy advising.
• Professional roles in legal publishing, information services and academic research support.

The degree also provides a foundation for further academic study, including doctoral research, for those pursuing careers in scholarship or higher-level policy analysis.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers this programme within a research-active environment where students benefit from faculty expertise in legal scholarship, regulatory studies and interdisciplinary practice. The university’s links across public affairs, business and health disciplines mean students can choose electives that match sector-specific needs.

Students gain access to research centres, practical skills workshops and career support services that help bridge academic learning and professional application. The programme’s flexible delivery options and opportunities for applied projects with local organisations make it suitable for both full-time and part-time students seeking to advance in law-related careers outside traditional legal practice.