Master of Science in Law: Curriculum

The pathbreaking MSL curriculum is the program's defining feature; by bringing together the disciplines of law, business, policy, regulation, and STEM, the MSL curriculum provides a combination of courses that is not available in any other program. The required part of the curriculum provides a base of core understanding in law, regulation, and business and allows students to dig deeply into these foundational areas. Elective options are expansive; with over 60 different classes on offer, students have the opportunity for depth, breadth, and variety in choosing their courses.

Facilitating the multi-faceted nature of the curriculum, the MSL program offers classes in different formats that help maximize learning. Classes that have extensive content and are considered foundational are offered in seven-week regular sessions. Classes in specialized and niche areas, as well as skills training classes and workshops, are offered in more compressed formats, including weekend and Power Week classes. Power Weeks are a unique creation of the MSL program; they occur four times each year and allow students to take an interesting variety of short courses, learn from visiting faculty, and interact with students from across program formats.

With MSL staff present to guide students every step of the way, the MSL curriculum allows students to "choose their own adventure" through the program.

View the Full Curriculum

MSL graduate Kristin, Director of Clinical Services at Indiana University Health System — **Kristin**
Director of Clinical Services, Indiana University Health System

“The curriculum is designed to provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of science, law, business, and technology. It combines core legal concepts with practical skills, preparing us to navigate complex regulatory and legal environments effectively.”

Faculty

MSL classes are taught by a combination of Northwestern Pritzker Law faculty and skilled adjunct instructors. The Northwestern Pritzker Law faculty are world-renowned scholars and teachers; they are the same faculty who teach in the JD program. MSL adjunct instructors are distinguished leaders in their respective fields who bring a wealth of real-world professional experience to their classes.

For more information about Northwestern Pritzker Law faculty, please visit Northwestern residential faculty profiles.

MSL graduate Alexandra, PhD Student at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine — **Alexandra**
PhD Student, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine

“The MSL faculty encourage and challenge us in ways that push us to reach our full potential. Faculty members have a vast array of real-world knowledge that they bring to the classroom to really enhance the learning process. Because of this, I was able to apply the concepts I was learning to the real world right away.”

Watch: MSL Professors in Action

View videos of MSL professors discussing topics covered in the MSL curriculum:

Required Courses

All students begin their studies by taking a set of required courses that set the stage for the electives that come later. Required courses provide a foundational understanding of the legal system, along with an introduction to business foundations, ethics, and key professional skills. While some of the required MSL courses are similar to what might be found in the first year of a JD program — like Contracts, Research, and Torts — the MSL classes take a more practical approach and they focus on aspects of each subject that emphasize the intersection of law, business, and technology.

Business Formation & Structure
Business Torts
Contract Law
Effective Professional Communication
Ethics (multiple courses satisfy)
Intellectual Property Fundamentals
Legal & Regulatory Process
Research in Law, Business & Technology

Electives and Focus Areas

Once students are equipped with a foundational understanding of law, business, and regulation, they proceed to the elective part of the curriculum, which includes a vast array of courses. To help students navigate this array, the curriculum is grouped into focus areas. These focus areas are not formal concentrations or specializations; they are simply a tool to help students understand how the curriculum fits together. Students typically mix and match classes across multiple focus areas, and are encouraged to explore connections beyond their primary areas of interest.

Focus Areas

Spotlight on Power Weeks

A Power Week is an intensive, one-week session offered at the end of every regular term in the MSL. Each Power Week offers an assortment of specialized classes and workshops that allow students to explore areas of interest in short courses. While Power Week enrollment is optional, most MSL students take one or two courses during each Power Week.

Power Week courses include 8–18 in-class hours (depending on the number of credits) and also involve substantial out-of-class work. Most Power Week classes take place over the course of two to four days.

Power Week classes are taught by incredible faculty, including professors from the Law School, star faculty from across the Northwestern campus, and industry leaders, policy-makers, and entrepreneurs from practice. Courses offered during Power Weeks cover a variety of topics, ranging from practical, skills-based classes to deep dives into emerging and interdisciplinary areas. Power Week classes provide focused, high-impact learning while also exposing students to new subject areas and the opportunity to apply concepts learned in regular term classes.

Power Weeks provide the perfect opportunity for online and residential students to interact with faculty and fellow students in small settings, both in and outside of the classroom. In addition to classes, there are a variety of interesting speakers, activities, and special events planned for the Power Weeks. With online and residential students joining together in classes and activities, Power Weeks facilitate active learning, networking, community development, and connection to the MSL program. Indeed, students regard Power Weeks as one of their very favorite things in the MSL. (Note: Power Weeks are the ideal way for online students to earn their residence credits!)

View a Sample Power Week Schedule