DePaul Law's Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Criminal Law prepares law enforcement professionals who do not seek to practice law but who routinely navigate legal complexity in their work. The program equips officers with a sophisticated understanding of legal reasoning and doctrine, strengthening their ability to lead with clarity, confidence and sound judgment.
With this specialized legal knowledge, MLS graduates are better equipped to engage effectively with legal counsel, approach complex decisions with greater legal awareness and assess departmental risk more precisely as laws and regulations evolve. The program deepens officers’ understanding of legal frameworks and enhances their analytical and problem-solving skills in legally complex environments.
The DePaul Advantage
Flexible Schedule
Conveniently taught at the Chicago Police Academy, the program offers police officers, detectives, sergeants, lieutenants and captains a rigorous two-year curriculum delivered in a structured cohort format. The 30-credit hour degree program is designed to accommodate the schedules of working law enforcement professionals.
MLS students also may apply for a waiver of up to six credit hours, for a total degree requirement of 24 credit hours. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate at least 12 months of substantial, relevant professional experience.
Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the fall and spring semesters, and the cohort begins each fall. Continuing your education in a familiar and comfortable setting at the Police Academy also provides you with easy access to DePaul student resources, including the law library.
Tuition & Aid
Members of the Chicago Police Department are eligible for the tuition reimbursement program offered through the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the City of Chicago. Students are responsible for applying for tuition reimbursement each semester in accordance with the tuition reimbursement plan.
If you are not eligible for 100% tuition reimbursement by your employer, DePaul provides Chicago FOP members with a 25% tuition discount for the onsite MLS program at the Chicago Police Academy.
As a result, an FOP member who earns an "A" may combine a 75% tuition reimbursement from the City of Chicago with a 25% tuition discount from DePaul University, which may result in full tuition coverage. This discount cannot be combined with other university aid.
Degree Requirements
All MLS degree applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or the foreign equivalent from a university authorized to confer such a degree in its country of origin. The MLS program does not require the LSAT or any other entrance exam.
Please note that the MLS is a professional master’s degree focused on legal analysis and applied knowledge. It is not designed to prepare students to practice law, but is intended to strengthen leadership, decision-making and professional effectiveness in legally complex environments.
Meet Our Students
“One of the most impressive aspects of the DePaul MLS program is the caliber of instructors they have brought in. We are learning from seasoned professionals who have worked for and alongside various law enforcement agencies, including CPD. They are understanding of the demands of police work and challenge us in meaningful, thought-provoking ways. The coursework is applicable to everyday work on the job, whether you’re on patrol, in the detective division or in a supervisory role.”
"My ultimate career goal within the Chicago Police Department is to become a Detective. It is my belief that this Master of Legal Studies through DePaul's law school will help me realize that particular goal as well as generally improve my Law and Law Enforcement expertise. Having received my bachelor’s degree from DePaul, I know the value and esteem that comes with a DePaul education and I look forward to successfully completing this program."
Program Faculty
DePaul carefully selects only experienced and engaging instructors to teach in the program who understand the nuances of the job, and classes are taught through the lens of contemporary policing. The following faculty have taught in the program:
Rachel Koch
Tina Lewis
Patrick Morley
Allen Moye