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Types of Law Degree Specializations: Which Areas of Law to Study?
Interested in pursuing a degree in law? Choosing a specialization can frame your educational and professional journey. There are different types of law degree specializations available to prepare students to work in their desired legal field, augmenting their existing skills and providing new, specialized knowledge.
No matter what type of law or legal degree program you are enrolled in—whether it’s a Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Laws (LL.M.) or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program—many law schools offer a range of law specializations. This guide will help you navigate 20 types of law degree specializations to find one that best aligns with your personal interests and career goals.
Areas of Law to Study
From healthcare law to commerce law, there are many different law specializations to choose from. Depending on the school or degree type, the names of these specializations may vary slightly.
The following list features 20 common types of law degree specializations. For broader overviews, see the practice specialties published by the American Bar Association and the fields of law described by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Learn more about some common law degree concentrations below.
Animal Law
Animal law is the combination of statutory and case law that relates to nonhuman animals. This specialization addresses issues of animal cruelty, property, entertainment, farming, federal statutes around exotic animals and more. Of the law degree specializations available, this one may be a fit for individuals interested in animal welfare and activism.
Administrative Law
Administrative law focuses on the regulation, operation and procedures of government agencies. The field centers on the legal principles that govern federal and state administrative agencies and how they affect financial, health and workplace regulations, among others. This type of law degree specialization is most suitable for individuals interested in government administration on a federal and state level.
Admiralty (Maritime) Law
Admiralty law, also known as maritime law, is one of the many fields of law available to law students. It focuses on legislation that regulates economic transactions involving marine trade, sailors and navigation. This is not to be confused with the Law of the Sea, which refers to international public law surrounding coastal waters jurisdiction. This specialization may be optimal for professionals interested in the legal implications of activities at sea.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative dispute resolution is a field of law dedicated to solving disputes without litigation. Topics in this field include conflict negotiation, domestic mediation and area-specific dispute resolution, and a master’s in dispute resolution program is one related degree option. This concentration may best suit professionals who are peacemakers dedicated to creative and ethical conflict resolution.
Construction Law
Construction law refers to the broad field of law that protects industry workers, including construction workers, financial institutions, architects, planners and occupants, as well as the regulations that govern the planning, design and construction of buildings and structures. This type of law degree specialization is suitable for professionals who are interested in ethical work regulations, safety, project administration and more.
Corporate Compliance
Corporate compliance law ensures that companies and employees abide by laws, regulations, standards and ethical practices to avoid fines and lawsuits. The field centers on business regulations and on navigating compliance issues through risk assessment, and students interested in this area may look into a master’s in compliance program as a related degree option. Professionals who are interested in applying law to business and workplace ethics are best suited for this concentration compared to other areas of law practice.
Criminal Law
Criminal law is one of the more common areas of law. Prosecutors, defense attorneys and lawyers at firms all practice in this area, and the field touches individual liberty, fundamental rights, law enforcement, criminal behavior, juvenile justice, criminal investigations and more. This type of law degree specialization may be ideal for people interested in public safety.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity law is a legal field that supports the privacy, confidentiality and protection of public and private information systems. Cybersecurity law draws on domestic and international laws and regulations, which continue to evolve in the digital age. This field of law may be a good fit for individuals interested in online security, data management and policy surrounding privacy.
E-commerce
E-commerce law is a relevant field in the digital age as it supports businesses, governments and consumers in navigating commercial transactions that happen over the internet. The field addresses the legal challenges that e-commerce presents as technology continues to advance. This specialization option may be best for professionals interested in business, digital markets and trade.
Education Law
Education law explores the policies and regulations that govern K–12 education, as well as higher education systems. Some of the issues related to education include equal education opportunity, gender or racial discrimination, school finances, special education and more. This law degree specialization is geared toward individuals interested in educational policy, rights and equality.
Environmental Law
Environmental law involves all levels of government, statutes, regulations and laws related to the protection of the environment. This includes issues like natural resource management, pollution, land disputes, environmental policies and more. This type of law degree specialization is a viable choice for students interested in climate change and environmental activism.
Family Law
Family law is another one of the common types of law to specialize in. It centers around legal relations involving any individuals within a family unit. Professionals in this field manage legal arrangements around child welfare, adoption, custody, domestic partnerships, divorce and more. The field examines legal implications within the context of a family. This area of law practice may be the ideal choice for individuals interested in working closely with families, many of whom are navigating transitional periods.
Health Law
Health law encompasses any legislation related to healthcare, including the representation of patients, health practitioners, clinics, insurance companies and more. Health law draws on the legislative, executive and judicial regulations that govern the healthcare industry. This field of law might be suitable for professionals interested in evolving healthcare systems.
International Law
International law is a broad category that refers to the rules and regulations governing international relationships, including relations between states, individuals, international organizations and more. The field addresses the legal responsibilities of how states engage with one another. This type of law degree specialization may likely interest professionals who enjoy learning about global affairs and international policy.
Litigation and Trials
Litigation and trial law involves litigation management, as well as pretrial, trial and appellate practice. Litigators represent parties in trials before federal, state and local courts. The work involves interviewing clients, creating trial strategies, and drafting pleadings, complaints, and counterclaims, so this area may suit professionals interested in that process.
Labor and Employment
Labor and employment law encompasses legal questions surrounding employee-employer relationships. This includes issues like wage compensation, harassment, gender, racial or disability discrimination and more. The field addresses mandates and regulations in the workplace. This field of law, like other areas of law practice, may be best suited for people with specific passions, namely professionals interested in workplace equality, fair compensation and employee protection.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisition law explores the legal implications of transactions related to the ownership of companies, particularly when ownership is blended or transferred. The field draws on corporate restructuring and strategy, as well as finance principles. This path may be a good fit for professionals who are committed to improving corporate performance or developing new business strategies.
Sports Law
Sports law involves any legal issues related to the sports industry, including labor laws, injuries, contract issues or unfair competition. Lawyers may work with collegiate athletic organizations, professional sports leagues, individual athletes or coaches. The field covers the rules governing sports as well as contract negotiations and more. This area of law practice may be best suited for people interested in the rights and regulations in the world of sports.
Taxation Law
Taxation law looks at the legal rules and procedures governing how federal, state and local governments calculate taxes. Taxation lawyers may work with the federal and state government or in law and accounting firms. They can also serve as in-house counsel for businesses. Tax law is a recognized field of law, and it could be a good fit for professionals who are interested in finance and tax procedures and who are willing to keep adjusting to new tax changes. For tax study, a master’s in taxation is one related degree option. According to LSAC, a master’s degree alone will not qualify you to become an attorney.
Trusts and Estates
Trust and estate law concerns the protection of assets during a client’s lifetime. It also encompasses the distribution of those assets after death. The field involves the legal implications of wills, living trusts, debts, liabilities and more. This type of law practice may be a top choice for individuals interested in fostering long-term relationships with clients, teaching them to navigate financial and personal issues over time.
How Specializations Fit Into Law Degrees
A specialization is a focus area within a law degree, and what is available depends on the school and the degree, so check each school’s course list for the areas it actually offers. LSAC describes master’s programs in law, such as the MLS, as an option for people who want to understand the legal system without becoming lawyers, and notes that they typically take one year, compared with three for a J.D.
A master’s degree alone will not allow you to sit for the bar or become an attorney, according to LSAC; that generally requires a J.D. or, in some cases, an LL.M. Eligibility rules are set by each state, as the ABA’s Comprehensive Guide to bar admission requirements explains. LSAC also notes that U.S. and Canadian students need a J.D. before pursuing an LL.M., the degree lawyers use to study a specialized area of law.
To weigh the three degrees side by side, see our degree comparison.
MLS Programs With Specializations
Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programs often have specialty concentrations or areas of focus that qualify you for professional certification along with your degree. Here’s a list of schools that offer MLS programs with specializations.
| Institution & Program | Concentrations |
|---|---|
| General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, Technology, Cybersecurity, and U.S. Legislation | |
Arizona State UniversityMaster of Legal Studies | Conflict Resolution, Construction Law, Corporate and Health Care Compliance, Criminal Law, HR and Employment Law, Intellectual Property Law, Law and Sustainability, Sports Law and Business |
Drexel UniversityMasters of Legal Studies | Cybersecurity and Information Privacy, Financial Regulatory Compliance, Healthcare Compliance, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Regulatory Compliance, Human Resources Compliance, Higher Education Compliance, NCAA Compliance and Sports Law, Criminal Law |
| General, Human Resources, Financial Services, Health Care | |
Northeastern UniversityMaster of Legal Studies | Business Law, Health Law, Human Resources Law, Intellectual Property Law, Public Law and Policy |
Seattle UniversityMaster Of Legal Studies In Compliance And Risk Management | Healthcare Compliance, Corporate Compliance, Financial Compliance, Data & Cybersecurity Compliance |
The University of ArizonaMaster of Legal Studies | Compliance and Legal Risk Management, Criminal Law and Policy, Environmental Law and Policy, Family and Juvenile Law, Health Law and Policy, Human Rights, Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy, Intellectual Property, International Trade and Business Law, Mining Law and Policy, Tax Law and Policy |
The University of OklahomaMaster of Legal Studies | Energy and Natural Resources Law, Indigenous Peoples Law, International Business Law, Healthcare Law |
Master of Legal Studies
The online Master of Legal Studies program from American University Washington College of Law is designed for non-lawyers who could benefit from fundamental legal training but do not want to become practicing attorneys. The program offers industry-specific concentrations and certificates in Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology. Students who choose the Health Care Compliance track may be eligible to earn an additional certificate accredited by the Compliance Certificate Board (CCB). No GRE/LSAT required.
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- No GRE/LSAT scores required to apply
- Four tracks available: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology
- Three certificates available: Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology
Master of Studies in Law
In as few as 12 months, learn to advocate for integrity at your organization with a flexible, online M.S.L. in Corporate Compliance from Fordham Law School. No GRE or LSAT required. Choose a program track—general, human resources, financial services, or health care—to gain industry-specific knowledge.
- GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores not required to apply
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- Minimum two years’ compliance-related work experience recommended
FAQs on Areas of Law to Study
Learn more about various types of law degree specializations and which one is right for you, with these common questions:
A law degree specialization is an opportunity to specialize your study of law, based on your own personal interests and career goals. From healthcare and education to sports and taxation, there are many different paths you can take.
If a law or legal studies degree sounds interesting to you, consider finding your niche with a law degree specialization that combines your personal interests and professional goals. If you are also considering learning online, check out our list of online J.D. programs to learn more about online law programs or online LL.M. programs if you already hold a JD.
If you don’t want to become a lawyer or practice law in the future, an online master’s in legal studies may be a good option for you—and, according to LSAC, the degree typically takes one year.
Information last updated October 2026.
Information last updated: November 2026