Master of Science in Law FAQs

Is Northwestern's Legal Master's Degree (MSL) Right for Me?

Do other law schools have this degree?

Some other law schools have legal master’s programs - they go by a variety of names, including Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Studies in Law (MSL), Juris Masters (JM), Master of Science in Legal Studies (MSLS), and others. Northwestern's Master of Science in Law degree is unique in that it is designed for students with STEM backgrounds or those who are specifically interested in the intersection of law, business, and technology. Moreover, all classes in Northwestern's Master of Science in Law degree have been created specifically for the students enrolled in this particular degree program – courses from the JD program are not re-purposed for the MSL degree. Finally, courses in Northwestern's MSL degree are taught by regular Northwestern Pritzker faculty and a distinguished set of Northwestern adjunct professors – the same faculty who teach JD students. These unique features differentiate Northwestern’s legal master's degree (Master of Science in Law) from legal master’s programs at other law schools. 

What are some of the skills I will gain from MSL study? 

Northwestern's Master of Science in Law student are introduced to a set of business and legal topics that relate to a variety of STEM disciplines. The curriculum exposes students to patents, contracts, privacy, regulatory policy, licensing and other deals, and many other real-world concepts and processes. MSL students also improve their writing, presentation, quantitative, negotiations, and communication skills. This particular combination of integrated legal and business concepts is not available in any other program. When combined with the STEM skills that many students bring to the table, MSL graduates emerge uniquely prepared to take on a variety of interesting functions and opportunities.  

I already have a job as an engineer, technology professional, or scientist; why should I get an MSL?

Many professionals, including those who are very accomplished in their fields, find that they are limited in their careers because they don't have a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory implications of their work. By filling this gap and providing this missing perspective, the Master of Science in Law degree can open the door to better job performance and to additional career advancement opportunities. Scientists and engineers who want to branch out beyond bench and research jobs or who aspire to work in more cross-functional positions are better positioned to do so with an MSL degree.

If I am interested in law, shouldn't I just get a JD?

The JD is the appropriate degree for individuals who know they want to be lawyers and/or practice law. For those who don’t want to become a lawyer, or spend three full-time years in a JD program, the Master of Science in Law is an ideal way to learn the essential aspects of law and regulation that relate to work in a wide variety of fields. The MSL has some of the best aspects of the JD – great Northwestern faculty, interesting classes, a dynamic classroom environment, and the opportunity to learn legal thinking – but it is also more streamlined and practical than a JD degree. Upon graduation, MSL alumni often take on “intersectional” – rather than purely legal – positions. All that said, some MSL students find that they enjoy law study so much that they choose to pursue a JD degree.

If I am interested in the business side of things, shouldn't I just get an MBA?

An MBA is a good choice for a student who wishes to have an established business credential. But for students interested in an interdisciplinary approach to business study, or those wanting to develop a nuanced understanding of how legal and business matters interact with each other and with STEM fields, the Master of Science in Law degree is a great option. Many MSL students come into the MSL program with an MBA, and some go on to earn an MBA after finishing the MSL program; these students report that the MSL exposed them to topics that are essential in business and that are not generally covered in MBA programs.

Will this program help me if I decide to pursue a JD degree?

Though the Master of Science in Law is a standalone degree that is not meant as a pre-JD program, completion of the MSL may enhance an application for a JD and it might also provide an advantage for those who go on to JD study - MSL graduates will have already taken demanding classes from JD faculty in similar subject areas to those required in a JD program. MSL graduates who have gone to JD programs after completing the MSL report that they are extremely well-prepared for the further study of law.

Will classes count toward a JD if I decide to attend a JD program later on?

Most law schools will not grant credit for any academic work a student does prior to entering the JD program; MSL classes do not usually count for JD credit or substitute for classes in a JD program. 

Will I have a better chance of getting into Northwestern's JD program if I earn the MSL degree?

There is no established pipeline from Northwestern's Master of Science in Law degree to its JD. Several MSL alumni have later earned JDs at Northwestern, but the admissions processes for these programs are independent.

I’m interested in working in healthcare and/or possibly attending medical school at some point; will this program help me advance my interests? 

An understanding of law and regulation is essential for healthcare professionals, who frequently find themselves interacting with legal and regulatory structures, complex bureaucracies, and situations requiring sophisticated risk assessment. The MSL program has enrolled many medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, insurance professionals, research administrators and medical device entrepreneurs. In addition, numerous MSL graduates have gone on to medical school and other successful healthcare careers after completing the program.

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Academics

Who teaches MSL classes?

The MSL program has a fantastic faculty, consisting of Northwestern’s distinguished residential law professors, and a select group of renowned adjunct professors, including business leaders, government officials, regulatory professionals, and also lawyers. These scholars and practitioners have developed their classes specifically for the MSL program and they bring great energy to their teaching. Many of these faculty members teach in both the residential and online formats of the MSL program (and in the JD program as well). Please feel free to review our faculty bios (pdf).

Will I be taking regular JD classes in the MSL program?

Master of Science in Law students take classes that are specifically designed for the MSL program, just as JD students take classes that are specifically designed for them. There are a few classes that are specifically designed for both populations to take together, thus providing the opportunity for MSL students to mix with JD students in the classroom.

Will the MSL degree prepare me for the patent bar?

The Master of Science in Law degree is not designed to be a patent bar preparation course; while patent subjects are covered, the MSL curriculum includes coverage of other intellectual property areas, and also focuses on the intersection of IP with business. That said, what students learn in the MSL is certainly helpful in preparing them to take the patent bar; MSL graduates have very high pass rates on the patent bar.  

What can I expect in terms of workload in my MSL classes?

The Master of Science in Law curriculum covers a wide range of topics and can be a whirlwind of activity and learning. Both the full- and part-time programs are academically rigorous; each regular term MSL course requires approximately 8-10 hours per week. Part-time students take 1-2 courses per term, while full-time students take 4-6 courses per term.

How many credits are required to earn the MSL degree?

Students must complete 28 credits to earn the MSL. This equates to about 17-22 total courses in the program, with the exact number of courses depending on the specific number of credits associated with each course taken. Most regular term (7-week) courses are either 1.5 or 1.0 credits; compressed courses (Power Week, weekend, and intersession) range from 0.5 to 1.5 credits.

How are MSL classes graded?

Courses offered in a regular MSL term (7 weeks) are graded using a traditional letter system (A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D, F). Courses offered in a compressed format – either in a Power Week, weekend, or intersession format – are graded on a Credit/No Credit basis. The grading mode is set in advance by the program.

Can I be exempted from a class if I have already taken a similar class elsewhere?

No, we do not count work completed prior to entering the program toward MSL degree requirements.

Can I switch between the online and residential formats?

Students who wish to switch from one MSL degree format to the other can usually do so before completing more than 50% of the credits required for the degree. 

If I am a residential student, can I take online classes?

Yes! Full-time residential students may take up to 9 credits (usually 6 classes, but might be more if some of the classes have a lower credit count) in elective courses in the online format.

If I am an online student, can I take residential classes?

Yes!  Online students may take an unlimited number of residential elective classes.  Please note: online students are required to take at least 2 credits in residential, in-person classes.  

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Admissions

What kind of students are you looking for in the MSL Program?

We are looking for students who are interested in the intersection of law, business, and STEM and who are attracted to the distinctive curriculum of the MSL program and want to use it to launch or develop their careers. Our students have included recent graduates and early-career professionals looking to enhance their professional marketability; students planning to study medicine after they earn the MSL degree; mid-career professionals positioning themselves to pivot in their work and/or take on more responsibility; accomplished executives and doctors who want to fill in missing pieces of their knowledge sets or better interact with C-Suite functions; entrepreneurially-minded individuals who wish to work in a startup environment, create their own companies, or launch a new product; and many others!

Can I get into the MSL Program if I do not have a STEM background?

The Admissions Committee takes a broad view of what it means to have a STEM background. Obviously, folks who have studied subjects in science, engineering, technology, math, and medicine qualify. As well, applicants who have work experience in technology, research & development, pharma, and other STEM-related fields make good candidates. Applicants who can show a real interest in the intersection of law, business, and technology also are viewed positively. Candidates from related fields like healthcare, architecture, finance, compliance, construction, entrepreneurship, quality assurance, and others fit well in the MSL program. As to how applicants acquire the requisite background, obviously, having a formal degree in a STEM field or having work experience in a STEM setting does the trick. Some students develop their interests in relevant areas through self-study or other life experiences. If you are interested in the Master of Science in Law degree, but aren't sure you have the proper background, please make an appointment to discuss your background with our Admissions Director. You'll also have the opportunity to explain your interest and describe your fit when you complete your application for the MSL degree. 

I do not have any background in law. Am I at a disadvantage with respect to earning admission to the MSL program?

Most Master of Science in Law students enter the program without any background in law; you won’t be at a disadvantage if you don’t have a legal background. The required classes in the MSL curriculum are designed to give students a foundational understanding of legal concepts. 

If I have a JD or an LLM, can I come to the MSL program?

The MSL is meant for students who don't have a background in law. The required curriculum focuses on foundational legal concepts and is not designed for students who have already studied law in a JD or LLM program. 

Are test scores required as part of the application process?

As part of the application process, students are welcome (and encouraged) to share test scores if they have taken any entrance exams (e.g. GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT), but applicants are not required to submit a test score as part of the application. 

What kinds of recommendations are you looking for?

The MSL application requires that you designate one recommender, although you are free to submit more than one. The best recommenders are current or previous academic professors or professional supervisors. Please do not use family members, friends, or peer-level colleagues. We are looking for an objective reference who can say something meaningful about you and your fit with this program. 

When you complete the application, you will be asked to name your recommender and provide their contact information. We will then contact that person (or people) and ask them to complete the recommendation; they will send the recommendation directly to us.  

Will I be at a disadvantage if I do not submit test scores or additional recommendations?

No, students who do not submit any of the optional items are not at a disadvantage in the admissions process.

Is there an interview option as part of the application process?

Not just an option – a requirement!  When submitting their application, applicants will be guided to complete a video interview through an online portal. An application is not considered complete until the video interview has been submitted.   

How are admissions decisions communicated to applicants?

Admissions decisions are communicated through an email posted on the online admissions portal. 

If I am accepted into the MSL Program, how much time will I have to decide whether to enroll?

Deposits are required within 3 to 4 weeks of the admission decision.

When does the visa process begin for international students?

For students applying to the residential program, the visa process begins once the admitted student has sent in their deposit. The Law School's Admissions Office handles this process, and it can take a few months. Accordingly, international students applying for the residential format must apply by April 1 to ensure that the visa process can be completed before classes begin in the fall. International students in the online format will need a visa for their required residential study.  

What opportunities are available for me to learn more about the MSL Program?

If you are interested in learning more, you can connect with the MSL team in the following ways:  

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Funding the MSL

Is financial aid available?

Yes. There are two categories of financial aid: loans (federal and private) and scholarships (see below). Shortly after students are admitted to the program, they receive information about the financial aid application process. For more information, check out the Law School's financial aid page and loan information page. 

Is there a minimum number of courses I need to be enrolled in to eligible for financial aid?

To be eligible for federal loans, students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits per semester (note that a full semester equals two MSL terms - Fall 1 and Fall 2 constitute the fall semester, for example). During the summer term, students must enroll in at least 2 credits to be eligible for federal loans.  Students who are taking fewer than the minimum requirement may still be eligible for private loans. For more information, please see Tuition & Financial Aid.

Are there any scholarship opportunities?

The MSL awards partial-tuition scholarships on a competitive basis to full-time students; both merit and need are taken into account in deciding the awards. In addition, there is a special scholarship available to PhDs and postdocs who do not receive employer funding. 

When will I find out if I have been awarded an MSL scholarship?

Typically, the program will notify students of scholarship decisions at least two weeks prior to their deposit deadline.   

Are international students eligible for the MSL Scholarship Program?

Yes, full-time international students are eligible to apply for MSL scholarships on the same basis as domestic students.

What is the typical MSL scholarship award amount?

Scholarships generally range from $2,500 to $15,000, with the average award in the range of $7,500 to $12,500.

Is it possible for my employer to cover all or part of the MSL tuition?

Yes, employer reimbursement for tuition is a possibility; several MSL students have used an employer-provided tuition benefit to cover all or part of their MSL tuition. Applicants should check with their individual employers. Of the companies that do assist with tuition payments, some have a limit on the amount of tuition that can be reimbursed in any given year. There are also tax consequences related to employee tuition benefits – applicants should do their research!

I am a Northwestern employee. Can I use the University's tuition benefit for the MSL?
Yes! Benefits-eligible Northwestern employees (including post-docs) are usually able to use the Employee Reduced Tuition Benefit. Several MSL students have used this benefit to cover the bulk of their MSL tuition.

Am I eligible for an MSL scholarship if I am using an employer-provided tuition benefit?
Generally, applicants are not eligible for an MSL scholarship if they are using an employer-provided tuition benefit.

Does the MSL program offer any work-study or teaching assistant positions for their students?
The MSL program does not offer any work-study or teaching assistant jobs for students. Students are encouraged to contact the Northwestern Career Advancement office for more information about campus employment opportunities.

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MSL Degree: Part-Time Online Format

When do classes begin?

Students may begin study in the online degree format in either the fall (late August) or spring (early January). The exact dates of the academic term vary from year to year; please refer to the MSL Academic Calendar for the current schedule. 

Is there an orientation program and is it mandatory?  

Online students are required to participate in an online orientation program, which includes about 20 hours of work and is conducted in the two-week period prior to the start of classes. The orientation includes substantial academic content, provided through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities. 

How are the online courses organized? Are they self-paced?

Online courses incorporate a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, including regular engagement with faculty and peers. Due to the interactive nature of the courses, students must engage on a weekly (or sometimes even daily) basis – it is not possible to save up work and do it all in one sitting or at the end of the course.

In a typical week, there would be required reading, video content to review, asynchronous discussion boards, and assessments (e.g. assignments or quizzes). Each course also includes 2-4 synchronous sessions, during which all students are required to be in “class” (via the Zoom platform) at a designated time. (Dates and times of synchronous sessions are posted in advance.) Many classes also include group projects and/or regular knowledge-checks. To be successful in the MSL online degree format, students need to be self-motivated, organized, and willing to regularly communicate with the instructors and other students. 

What are the technical requirements for the MSL online format?

Students must have regular and reliable access to a laptop or desktop computer and high speed Internet (wired connectivity preferred); mobile and tablet devices will not provide full access.  Because presence on camera is required at the synchronous sessions, students must have a working webcam and the ability to connect to audio.  

Are MSL courses offered during the summer?

Yes, there are usually 2-4 MSL courses offered in the online format in the summer term.  

Is there a residential component to the online format?  If so, is it required or optional?

Students enrolled in the MSL online program are required to complete at least two credits in residential, in-person courses. These are usually completed in a compressed format course (Power Week, weekend, intersession, etc.), but online students who are more local to Chicago can also choose to take regular term 7-week courses.  While the entire residence requirement of two credits can be met in one Power Week, many online students choose to make multiple visits to campus. Online students can take as many residential elective courses as they wish, as long as they comply with other applicable MSL rules.

I am an international student – do I need a visa to enroll in the online format?

Yes. Because the online degree format includes has a residential requirement, international students will still need to obtain an F-1 visa.

As an online student, can I participate in on-campus events?

Yes. Online students are welcome (and encouraged) to attend any on-campus events that interest them.  In addition, many events held at the Law School are livestreamed or recorded for online participants.

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MSL Program: Residential

When do classes begin? 

Classes for the residential format begin in late August. The exact dates of the academic terms vary from year to year; please view the MSL Academic Calendar for more information.  

When is the MSL program's orientation for residential students and is it required? 

There is a required orientation program for full-time students that takes place on-campus in the week prior to the start of regular classes. There is also a required academic component of orientation that is completed online, requiring about 10-15 hours of work. 

How often do MSL classes meet? 

During the regular terms, classes meet either once or twice per week for seven weeks. The MSL also offers classes in compressed formats, such as Power Week, weekend, or intersession classes; these might meet over a weekend or for three or four afternoons or days in a row.    

Where do MSL students live? Is there any on-campus housing at Northwestern?

The Law School is located in the heart of downtown Chicago where housing options are plentiful and public transportation is convenient. Students live in a variety of neighborhoods – some are within walking distance to the law school and some involve the use of easy public transportation. There is no campus housing in downtown Chicago. (There is campus housing in Evanston, but the commute is not convenient for law students.) More information on housing.

 Are MSL students involved with other students in the Law School community?

MSL students are very involved in the life of the Law School and there are many opportunities for interaction between students in different programs. MSL students are encouraged to get involved with student organizations, participate in conferences, do public service work, and attend the many speaker and panel events that occur regularly at the Law School, including a favorite, the MSL-DPELC Speakers Series.   

MSL students are involved with a variety of student organizations, including the Entrepreneurship Law Center, the Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property, the Northwestern Law & Data Society, the Law School Global Village, the Public Interest Auction, the Northwestern Society of Law & Medicine, the Student Bar Association, and many others that include both the Law School and campus communities.  

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MSL Alumni

What are the benefits of being an alumni of the MSL program? 

The MSL alumni network is tight-knit and active – graduates stay connected with the program long after they graduate. The MSL Alumni Club and its governing board produce a newsletter, plan events and activities, and stay in touch with alumni all over the world. The MSL program has regular alumni reunions and often invites graduates back to campus to attend panels, events, and classes of interest.  

MSL alumni also have access to the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law network, with more than 16,000 graduates, and to the larger Northwestern University alumni network around the world.

The Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Office of Alumni Relations and Development offers a myriad of services for alumni, including:

  • Industry and regionally-targeted events
  • Alumni Reunion weekend
  • Industry and regional alumni clubs
  • Career services
  • Northwestern Alumni Magazine
  • Access to Our Northwestern, the University’s login-protected information hub designed to provide a variety of services to NU alumni.

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