Master of Legal Studies in Criminal Law & the Justice System
Equip Yourself to Fight with a Criminal Law Degree
The Master of Legal Studies in Criminal Law & the Justice System program, offered completely online, can equip you to help individuals and your organization navigate critical legal issues that can have a major life impact. Taught from a Christian worldview, this program can prepare you through coursework in criminal and constitutional law, constitutional criminal procedure, juvenile law, legislation, and human rights.
ENHANCE YOUR CREDENTIALS WITHOUT A J.D.
Earn your Master of Legal Studies degree in just five semesters with this practical alternative to the on-campus 3-year Juris Doctor program. Attend law school online without LSAT requirements.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR COURSEWORK
Complement your Master of Legal Studies with courses in civil liberties, family law, and national security.
EXPAND YOUR EXPERTISE IN CRIMINAL Law & the justice system
Choose coursework from juvenile law and international trafficking to criminal pretrial practice, according to your area of interest.
GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE
Acquire the knowledge required for professional advancement and improved marketability with this online law degree. Regent Law was ranked among the Top 5 in the Nation for Interesting Professors (Teaching) by The Princeton Review, 2020. Our Master of Legal Studies program was ranked among the Top 15 Best Online Law Degree Programs by Intelligent, 2023. Gain the Regent Law advantage with a criminal justice program tailored to your schedule and field of interest.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
On completing the online Master of Legal Studies in Criminal Law & the Justice System program, you can:
- Apply criminal law and demonstrate an understanding of the limitations of law enforcement activities.
- Demonstrate an understanding of immigration law and procedure.
- Research American law, including cases and statutes.
- Communicate knowledgeably and effectively with others on legal issues.
Career Opportunities
- Nonprofit advocacy
- C-level leadership
- National security
- Mediation
Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.
- Master of Legal Studies in Advanced Paralegal Studies
- Master of Legal Studies in Business Law
- Master of Legal Studies in Cybersecurity Law
- Master of Legal Studies in Healthcare Law
- Master of Legal Studies in Human Resources Law
- Master of Legal Studies in Human Rights & Global Justice
- Master of Legal Studies in Immigration Law
- Master of Legal Studies in Legal Studies
- Master of Legal Studies in National Security
- Master of Legal Studies in Negotiation, Mediation, & Dispute Resolution
- Master of Legal Studies in Nonprofit & Church Law
- Master of Legal Studies in Regulatory Compliance
2025-26 Semester Check-In Deadlines
All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Session A | Friday, August 15 | Monday, August 25 |
| Session B | Friday, October 17 | Monday, October 27 |
| Session C | Wednesday, January 7 | Monday, January 12 |
| Session D | Friday, March 6 | Monday, March 16 |
| Session E | Friday, May 1 | Monday, May 11 |
| Session F | Friday, June 12 | Monday, June 22 |
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.
Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
Part-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $715 | 6 | $4,290 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) in American Legal Studies | $1,090 (On-Campus) | 6 | $6,540 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights | $1,090 (On-Campus) $761 (Online) | 6 | $6,540 $4,566 |
| Juris Doctor (JD) | $1,400 | 11 | $15,400 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $715 | 9 | $6,435 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) in American Legal Studies | $1,090 (On-Campus) | 9 | $9,810 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights | $1,090 (On-Campus) $761 (Online) | 9 | $9,810 $6,849 |
| Juris Doctor (JD) | $1,400 | 15 | $21,000 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
J.D. Program Fees Per Semester
| Student Bar Association | $80 (per semester) |
|---|---|
| Bar Preparation Program Fee | $430 (per semester)** |
| Classroom Response Tech Fee | $17 (per semester) |
**To be fully vested and eligible to receive the bar preparation review course upon graduation for no additional cost other than postage, a $250 refundable materials deposit, and state sales tax. J.D. students must pay the $430 fee for six semesters.
Estimated Total Cost of Attendance 2025-26
Full-time J.D. (Fall/Spring Combined)
| Tuition | $40,800 |
|---|---|
| University Fees | $1,700 |
| Program Fees | $1,046 |
| Loan Fees | $326 |
| Books & Supplies | $2,000 |
| Food | $5,792 |
| Housing* | $13,120 |
| Transportation | $4,224 |
| Personal | $5,056 |
| Total | $74,064 |
*Estimated off-campus housing cost. If living in on-campus housing, the amount may vary.
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $715 | 6 | $4,290 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) in American Legal Studies | $1,035 (On-Campus) | 6 | $6,210 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights | $1,035 (On-Campus) $725 (Online) | 6 | $6,210 $4,350 |
| Juris Doctor (JD) | $1,360 | 11 | $14,960 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $715 | 9 | $6,435 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) in American Legal Studies | $1,035 (On-Campus) | 9 | $9,315 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights | $1,035 (On-Campus) $725 (Online) | 9 | $9,315 $6,525 |
| Juris Doctor (JD) | $1,360 | 15 | $20,400 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
J.D. Program Fees Per Semester
| Student Bar Association | $80 (per semester) |
|---|---|
| Bar Preparation Program Fee | $430 (per semester)** |
| Classroom Response Tech Fee | $17 (per semester) |
**To be fully vested and eligible to receive the bar preparation review course upon graduation for no additional cost other than postage, a $250 refundable materials deposit, and state sales tax. J.D. students must pay the $430 fee for six semesters.
Estimated Total Cost of Attendance 2024-25
Full-time J.D. (Fall/Spring Combined)
| Tuition | $40,800 |
|---|---|
| University Fees | $1,700 |
| Program Fees | $1,046 |
| Loan Fees | $326 |
| Books & Supplies | $2,000 |
| Food | $5,792 |
| Housing* | $13,120 |
| Transportation | $4,224 |
| Personal | $5,056 |
| Total | $74,064 |
*Estimated off-campus housing cost. If living in on-campus housing, the amount may vary.
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Master of Legal Studies program, each student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an appropriate level of legal knowledge within the student’s concentration;
- Apply legal knowledge in practical settings;
- Write knowledgeably and effectively on legal issues;
- Explain the relevance of Christian principles to law.