Master of Science in Law: FAQs
- General Questions
- Curriculum
- Residential Format
- Online Format
- Careers and Professional Development
- International Students
- Application and Admissions
- Tuition and Financing
- Alumni
General Questions
Do other law schools have this degree?
Many other law schools have legal master’s programs — these programs go by a variety of names, including Master of Science in Law, 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.
An important distinguishing feature of Northwestern's MSL is that all classes in Northwestern's Master of Science in Law degree have been created especially for MSL students — courses from the JD program are not re-purposed for the MSL degree. Other distinguishing features include the plethora of class options and the fact that courses in Northwestern's MSL degree are taught by regular Northwestern Pritzker faculty and an impressive set of Northwestern adjunct professors — the same faculty who teach JD students. These unique features differentiate Northwestern’s legal master's degree from other legal master’s programs.
How does STEM fit into the MSL degree?
STEM is central to the design of the MSL program in two key ways: the backgrounds our students bring to the classroom and the focus of the curriculum itself.
Many MSL students come from STEM fields such as engineering, biotechnology, healthcare, data science, computer science, and other technical disciplines. These shared backgrounds create common ground in the classroom and often propel class discussion. Students frequently connect legal concepts to real-world technical challenges, enriching classroom conversations with informed, practical perspectives.
At the same time, the curriculum focuses on legal and regulatory issues that are relevant in STEM-focused industries, such as pharma, finance, energy, and technology. Courses explore a variety of interdisciplinary topics relevant in these industries: protecting and licensing intellectual property, regulation of medical devices, the role of privacy concerns in product development, how environmental law impacts public health, strategic approaches to data governance, ethical and adoption issues with artificial intelligence, and many more. Rather than studying law in the abstract or more generally, the MSL curriculum invites students to bring their STEM-informed perspectives to the classroom as they explore a variety of topics at the intersection of STEM, law, business, and regulation.
If I am interested in law, shouldn't I just get a JD?
If you know you want to be a lawyer or practice law, then, of course, you will need to get a JD. But if you are interested in interacting with law in your career, understanding how legal and business issues interact, and tackling complex issues with legal implications — not as a lawyer, but as a well-rounded professional — the Master of Science in Law is an ideal option. In the MSL, you will learn essential aspects of law, regulation, business, and legal thinking without the significant time and expense of a JD program. The MSL includes some of the best aspects of the JD — great Northwestern faculty, a dynamic classroom environment, a fascinating cohort of students, and a focus on legal thinking — but in a streamlined format and with a practical focus. All that said, some students find that they enjoy law study so much that they choose to pursue a JD degree after finishing the MSL.
If I am interested in business, shouldn't I just get an MBA?
An MBA is a good choice for a student who wishes to have an established, traditional 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.
Note that an MBA and an MSL are not interchangeable — while there is some overlap in focus between these degrees, the MSL covers topics that are not covered in MBA programs. In fact, the MSL attracts many students who already have MBAs — accomplished professionals who realize the need to add legal and regulatory skills to their toolkits as they advance in their careers.
If I am interested in working in healthcare or attending medical school, will this program help me advance my interests?
It will. An understanding of law and regulation is essential for healthcare professionals, who interact 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 (over 70 and counting) have gone on to further medical education after completing the program.
If I have a JD or an LLM from a U.S. law school, can I come to the MSL program?
No. The MSL is meant for students who do not have a background in U.S. 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 in the United States.
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 most certainly helps those who decide to pursue a JD. Because MSL graduates take demanding law classes from JD faculty in subject areas similar to those required in a JD program, they are very well-prepared to hit the ground running and to perform successfully in JD study. MSL graduates who have gone on to JD programs after completing the MSL have excelled in their studies and had highly successful careers in law.
Will MSL classes count toward a JD later on?
No. U.S. law schools will not grant credit for any academic work a student does prior to entering the JD program.
Will I have a better chance of getting into Northwestern's JD program or another school’s JD program if I earn the MSL degree?
There is no pipeline from Northwestern’s Master of Science in Law into Northwestern’s JD program — the admissions processes for these two programs are independent. That said, several high-achieving MSL alumni have gone on to earn JDs at Northwestern.
To recognize the excellence that these MSL graduates have brought to the JD program, in 2026, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law created a scholarship award for an MSL graduate who is admitted through the regular admissions process to Northwestern’s JD program. This scholarship recognizes the value of MSL training and the importance of bringing STEM expertise into the JD classroom. It is also a recognition of the outstanding JD students and alumni who received their initial legal training in the MSL program. The Law School anticipates awarding one $135,000 scholarship per year, payable over three years.
In addition to Northwestern’s JD program, several MSL graduates have pursued their JDs at other top U.S. law schools and have reported that the MSL was a positive factor in their admissions decisions, allowing them to demonstrate scholastic aptitude and an informed, committed approach to JD study.
Curriculum
How many credits are required to earn the MSL?
Students must complete 28 credits to earn the MSL degree. 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 (seven-week) courses are either 1.0 or 1.5 credits; compressed courses (Power Week, weekend, and intersession) range from 0.5 to 1.5 credits.
Do I have to choose a particular focus area or specialization for my MSL study?
No. The MSL curriculum as a whole has one main concentration: the intersection of law, business, and technology; all MSL courses focus on this intersection. That said, the curriculum covers a lot of different subject areas, and one way to navigate it is through its specific focus areas. Curricular focus areas do not create required tracks and are not meant as a limitation or a prescription on what students take; rather, they are meant to help students understand how the many subjects offered in the MSL curriculum relate to each other and to different categories of interest. Most students design their path through the MSL program by mixing and matching courses across multiple focus areas to accommodate their professional goals and interests.
Who teaches MSL classes?
The MSL program has a fantastic faculty, consisting of Northwestern’s world-famous residential law professors, and a distinguished group of renowned adjunct professors, including business leaders, government officials, regulatory professionals, and lawyers. These scholars and practitioners have developed their classes specifically for the MSL program and they enjoy teaching MSL students. Many MSL faculty members teach in both the residential and online formats of the MSL program, and in the JD program as well.
Will I be taking 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 students preparing to be lawyers. There are a few classes that are specifically designed for both populations to take together — for example, a class on legal technology — thus providing the opportunity for MSL students to mix with JD students in the classroom.
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 learning and activity. Both the full-time and part-time formats are academically rigorous. Each regular term MSL course requires approximately 8–10 hours of work per week, including time in class. One difference between law study and typical STEM classes is that students do much of their work ahead of the scheduled class and are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the material. Part-time students take 1–2 courses per term, while full-time students take 4–6 courses per term.
How are MSL classes graded?
Courses offered in a regular seven-week MSL term 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 — are graded on a Credit/No Credit basis.
Can I be exempted from a class or get advanced standing if I have previously taken similar courses?
No. MSL students do not receive credit for work completed prior to entering the MSL program.
I’ve never studied law before; will I be at a disadvantage compared to my peers?
Most MSL students have never studied law before, so, no, you will not be at a disadvantage if you haven’t ever studied (or even paid attention to) law. To help prepare students to tackle a new subject area with its own unique style of study, we have created a comprehensive orientation program for both full-time and part-time students — the orientation includes an introduction to U.S. law, important techniques of law study, such as case reading and legal analysis, and practice classes and assignments. The orientation program takes place during the two weeks prior to the start of regular classes and it is required. Some of the work of orientation is conducted through online modules; in addition, online students participate in two required synchronous sessions, and residential students attend a required in-person program during the week prior to the start of regular classes (online students are also welcome to attend).
How does the MSL curriculum compare to the JD curriculum?
There are both similarities and differences between the MSL curriculum and the JD curriculum. The main similarities are in subjects, style of study, and faculty. The MSL required curriculum includes subjects that are also covered in the JD required curriculum. For example, the MSL program requires a course in Business Torts; the JD requires a general Torts class. The MSL program tackles property concepts in its required Intellectual Property Fundamentals class; the JD introduces concepts of real property in its Property course. Both programs focus on critical reasoning and the skill of “thinking like a lawyer.”
MSL classes focus on application of ideas to real-world scenarios, making them more practically oriented than some JD classes. In addition, the MSL curriculum includes a wide variety of assessment types, including group projects, quizzes, and papers, in contrast to the exam-only approach found in some JD courses. As MSL students move through the elective part of the curriculum, they find a greater focus on topics that implicate multiple disciplines — for example, courses such as Global Product Development, Digital Health & AI, and Privacy in Practice.
Is there anything specific in the MSL curriculum that will help me if I want to be a doctor or work in healthcare?
Absolutely. An understanding of law and regulation is essential to the work of healthcare professionals, especially as they interact with legal and regulatory structures, complex bureaucracies, policy questions, and situations requiring sophisticated risk assessment. MSL training has enhanced the career performance of many medical professionals, including doctors, other clinicians, insurance professionals, researchers, hospital administrators, and medical device entrepreneurs.
Just as the MSL has been helpful to those already working in healthcare, it has also helped launch the careers of many healthcare professionals. Over 70 MSL alumni have gone on to MD, DO, and other medical education programs. These graduates have told us that the MSL was a major factor in helping them get into medical school and changed their perspective while studying medicine. Some have even reported that the MSL played a role in helping them secure prestigious residencies.
Residential Format
What is the difference between the full-time and the part-time MSL formats?
Both formats lead to the exact same degree, and the requirements and curricula for the two formats are the same. What differs between the formats are the delivery modality, the time it takes to complete the degree, and the profile of students in each format.
The full-time residential format is delivered in person and takes nine full-time months to complete. It includes students more recently out of academic programs and those who are able to spend an academic year in Chicago.
The part-time format is delivered online and takes two to four years to complete. It includes working professionals, many with substantial work experience, who are maintaining full-time jobs while completing the MSL on a part-time basis.
Which format is right for me?
One main factor to consider is whether you can spend a full academic year (nine months) in Chicago; if you can, the full-time residential program provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in law study, enjoy the in-person experience, and take advantage of everything Chicago has to offer. If you are a working professional, you likely will want to pursue the part-time online program, which is designed to allow you to fit in law study with your work and other obligations. Even as an online student, you may take elective courses on campus.
When can I begin my studies in the MSL residential program?
The MSL residential program has one start date each year. The academic year runs from mid-August through mid-May. Please refer to the MSL Academic Calendar for the current schedule.
How are MSL students involved in the Law School community?
Outside the classroom, there are numerous activities involving the whole school that provide the opportunity for students from all degree programs to interact. MSL students — especially those in residence, but also including online students — are very involved in the life of the Law School. They participate in student organizations such as the Student Bar Association, the Intellectual Property Law Society, and the Northwestern Law & Data Society. They attend conferences, engage in public service work, and attend numerous speaker and panel events, including (just to name a few) the MSL-DPELC Speakers Series and the Future of Innovation, Sustainability and the Law series.
What does a typical schedule look like for a full-time student?
Residential students take many of their classes during the day, in the morning and afternoon hours; most also take at least a few evening classes (either residential or online) during their time in the program. Full-time MSL students usually have classes Monday through Friday — typically about two to four hours each day. Students also have the option to take elective weekend classes. Click here for a visual of a sample schedule.
How much work should a full-time MSL student expect?
Full-time MSL students treat the MSL program like a full-time job, devoting about 30 to 50 hours a week to their MSL studies. This includes about 12 to 15 hours per week spent in class and about two hours of work outside of class for every hour spent in class.
If I am a residential student, can I take online classes?
Yes. Residential students may take up to nine credits (equivalent to six or seven classes) in elective courses in the online format.
Can I switch between the online and residential formats?
Switching from one MSL format to another is possible; students who wish to do so should seek permission from the program. A switch usually must occur before the student has completed 50% of the credits required for the degree.
Where do MSL residential students live? Is there on-campus housing?
The Law School is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, where housing options are plentiful and public transportation is convenient. Students live in various neighborhoods — some within walking distance and some accessed via public transit. While there is no campus housing in downtown Chicago, many students choose to live in the Streeterville neighborhood, where the Law School is located. (Campus housing does exist in Evanston, but we strongly recommend living closer to the Law School.) More information on housing.
What is it like to live in Chicago as a full-time MSL student?
Full-time MSLs make the most of their time as a law student living in a vibrant city. They spend a lot of time in the Law School building — attending classes and events, collaborating with classmates on group projects, and studying in the Law School’s breathtaking library. They also tend to be out and about in Chicago, attending cultural and sporting events, exercising and enjoying the local beaches, exploring food and the city life. Being in such a wonderful city as Chicago allows students to have a great balance of life both inside and outside of the Law School.
Online Format
What is the difference between the part-time and the full-time MSL format?
Both formats lead to the exact same degree, and the requirements and curricula for the two formats are the same. What differs between the formats are the delivery modality, the time it takes to complete the degree, and the profile of students in each format.
The part-time format is delivered online and takes two to four years to complete. It includes working professionals, many with substantial work experience, who are maintaining full-time jobs while completing the MSL on a part-time basis.
The full-time residential format is delivered in person and takes nine full-time months to complete. It includes students more recently out of academic programs and those who are able to spend an academic year in Chicago.
Which format is right for me?
If you are a working professional, then you likely will want to pursue the part-time online format, which is designed to allow you to fit in law study with your work and other obligations. On the other hand, if you can spend a full academic year (nine months) in Chicago, the full-time residential program provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in law study, enjoy the in-person experience, and take advantage of everything Chicago has to offer.
When can I begin my studies in the MSL online program?
There are two entry dates for the MSL online program: one is in the fall semester, beginning in August (and preceded by a mandatory orientation), and one is in the spring semester, beginning in January (with mandatory orientation starting in December). The exact dates of the academic term vary from year to year; please refer to the MSL Academic Calendar for the current schedule.
As an online student, will I still be involved in the Law School?
Yes. We understand that online students are very busy, and we also understand that despite being busy, online students still want to be a part of the Northwestern Law School community. Online students have the opportunity to participate with residential students in both MSL and Law School events and to join student organizations of interest to them. Those who are able to can attend on-campus events, and those who are not local can attend livestreamed events or watch recordings of events at their convenience. During Power Weeks, the MSL program plans many events designed to connect online students with the MSL and Law School communities. Online students are an important part of the MSL and we love for them to become engaged in law school life.
Can I complete the program entirely asynchronously, or is synchronous work required?
Online courses incorporate a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, including regular engagement with faculty and peers. Every class has required synchronous class meetings over Zoom. These sessions give students the opportunity to apply their learning in an interactive environment and to engage regularly with peers and instructors.
How much school work should a part-time MSL student expect?
MSL courses are academically rigorous and require approximately 8–10 hours of work per week, including synchronous sessions. Part-time students choose to take one or two courses at a time; their MSL workload ranges from 8–20 hours per week.
How are the online courses organized?
In a typical week, an online course would include required reading, video lectures, asynchronous discussion boards, group projects, knowledge checks, and assessments (e.g., assignments or quizzes). Each course also includes several synchronous sessions over the seven-week term, during which all students are required to be in class (via Zoom) at a designated time. Required classes and most elective classes meet two to five times over the seven-week session; a few elective classes meet every week. 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 over a period of time and do it all in one sitting or at the end of the course.
When are synchronous sessions offered?
Most synchronous class sessions take place in the 7–9 pm CT time slot on weekday evenings, though some electives start as early as 5 pm CT and a few are offered on Sunday evenings. Dates and times of synchronous sessions are posted in advance to allow students to plan ahead.
Is it possible to complete the MSL degree without the synchronous sessions or the residency requirement?
No. The synchronous sessions and the residency requirement are an essential part of the MSL degree. The culture of the MSL is rooted in interaction, involvement, and connection — this is true for both the in-person and online formats. Having all students together in class at the same time and having students spend time in the Law School building contribute to this positive MSL culture. On the academic side, synchronous time allows students and faculty to participate in the learning process in a direct and immediate way. Students get to know faculty and form connections with each other, and this enhances the learning process in all classes. As for the residence requirement, when MSL students come to the Law School building, they connect to the program, to the faculty, and to each other in ways that make their degree more meaningful. Online students report that they love their time in the Law School and in Chicago; they actively engage in in-person classes and they participate in a variety of academic and social events that take place during their visits. Many online students return to the Law School for multiple visits, even if they have already satisfied the residence requirement. In short, the MSL online format thrives on the student engagement that occurs in synchronous sessions and campus visits; the MSL is not an anonymous program!
Can online students take residential (in-person) classes?
Yes. Online students may take as many elective courses as they wish in the residential format. Most often, these are compressed courses, but locals can also take seven-week regular term courses. (Note that these classes are offered at the downtown Chicago campus and many take place during daytime hours.)
Are online MSL courses offered during the summer?
Yes, the MSL program usually offers two or three elective courses in the online format during the summer term. Summer enrollment is optional; many students choose to enroll in the summer to maintain continuity and momentum through the program, while others use the summer term to regroup and focus on non-school matters.
Can I switch between the online and residential formats?
Switching from one MSL format to another is possible; students who wish to do so should seek permission from the program. A switch usually must occur before the student has completed 50% of the credits required for the degree.
Careers and Professional Development
What are some of the skills I will gain from MSL study and how will those skills help in my career?
Northwestern's Master of Science in Law curriculum focuses on business, legal, and regulatory topics that relate to a variety of STEM disciplines. The curriculum exposes students to patents, contracts, privacy, regulation, licensing, business deals, risk management, compliance, entrepreneurship, and many other real-world subjects. MSL students improve their writing, presentation, quantitative, negotiation, and communication skills. The unique combination of integrated legal and business skills that MSL graduates acquire makes them highly valuable in the marketplace.
What kinds of careers does the MSL help prepare me for?
Students in the MSL program come from many different backgrounds and are interested in a variety of professional roles; the MSL program meets students where they are and prepares them for a variety of careers and career advancements. Most graduates pursue careers that require them to interact across functions and utilize business judgment, policy expertise, and legal knowledge. Examples include management consulting, privacy and data security, product development, risk assessment, regulatory and compliance analysis, project management, and many others.
Many experienced professionals come to the MSL with C-suite level ambitions, recognizing that they need additional skills and knowledge to achieve their goals. The MSL program helps guide its students to where they want to be: on a professional path that allows them to utilize their interdisciplinary skills in a productive and rewarding career.
I already have a good job. Why should I get an MSL?
The MSL degree will allow you to go further in your career. You’ll learn to tackle multi-faceted issues with insight and perspective, and you’ll be prepared to engage with decision-makers (including lawyers) at the highest levels. Whether you are a recent college graduate in the early stages of your career, a STEM professional looking to branch out beyond the bench, a mid-career professional looking to pivot in your career, or an accomplished professional who wants to advance further up the corporate ladder, the MSL’s focus on the legal, regulatory, business, and policy aspects of your work will be a game-changer in your career.
I’ve recently completed my undergraduate studies and don’t have a specific sense of what I want to do professionally. Will the MSL help me figure this out?
Yes. Many students who come to the MSL program without substantial work experience use their time in the program to explore career possibilities, and many of them identify the path they want to pursue through this exploration. Students learn about professional roles they may not have known about and they are able to get a real-world sense of what it is like to work in different areas. Many MSLs will tell you that the program opened their eyes to new possibilities and gave them insight into the career path they wanted to pursue.
What if I already know I want to go to medical school or another graduate program after the MSL; does the MSL program provide support for those who wish to pursue further study?
Yes! Many students come to the MSL knowing they want to apply to medical school, earn a PhD, or possibly even apply for a JD in the future. The MSL program provides guidance, panels, and resources for students who are interested in further study, including advice related to applications, interviewing, and discovering which programs and/or schools are the best fit.
What does the MSL program do to help students learn about jobs and go through job searches?
Beginning on day one, the MSL program aims to guide students through the professional development process. We regularly offer panels to explore different career opportunities, and we frequently connect current students with MSL alumni who provide examples of interesting career paths. We also offer a series of sessions focused on the concrete aspects of job searching – including such things as finding appropriate jobs to apply for, creating a strong LinkedIn profile, developing resumes, and interviewing effectively. MSL advisors work with each student individually to help them navigate the job search process and take advantage of the myriad opportunities that being an MSL student at Northwestern University allows them.
How do employers view the MSL degree?
Awareness about the MSL degree and what MSL graduates are capable of doing professionally continues to grow. Many employers who have hired one MSL graduate have returned to hire additional graduates; once they see what our graduates can do, they want more. Employers value efficiency, and MSL graduates contribute by being able to take on a greater variety of work, to work across functions, and to better anticipate challenges and opportunities along the way. We have noticed an increasing trend of job postings that specifically mention or seek out employees with legal training who are not lawyers, but who bring legal acumen to the table.
Does the MSL have a career fair or on-campus interviewing?
Yes, the MSL sponsors a career fair each year; the fair includes employers who have hired MSLs in the past and/or are specifically interested in hiring MSL graduates in the future. MSL students can also participate in Northwestern University career fairs and STEM career fairs.
Will the MSL degree prepare me for the Patent Bar?
The Master of Science in Law degree will definitely help you prepare for the Patent Bar, but it is not designed to substitute for a Patent Bar preparation course. MSL students have the opportunity to take numerous classes that are relevant to the Patent Bar and to patent practice, and they generally have very high pass rates on the Patent Bar.
Will the MSL be beneficial to me if I decide I want to become a lawyer?
Yes, it will. First of all, studying in the MSL program will allow you to be more confident about your decision to become a lawyer. You can make a more informed choice about this path and will have a much better sense of what you are getting into.
In addition, earning an MSL degree at Northwestern usually leads to a stronger application for JD study. You can demonstrate that you have already succeeded in a demanding law program and that you will be ready to hit the ground running. Having been exposed to law study and many of the topics you will encounter in a JD program, you are also likely to perform much better than you would have without MSL study.
The MSL will also set you apart when you are looking for jobs as a lawyer. Studying in a STEM-based program and engaging with applied and interdisciplinary aspects of law will distinguish you in the field.
Can the MSL alumni network help me in my career?
You bet. The MSL alumni community, now over 800 strong, is tight-knit, active, and dedicated to the success of MSL graduates. Alumni act as mentors to current students, both through a formal mentorship program and frequent informal interactions. They also share their experiences and guide students in professional development through panel discussions, networking events, and alumni reunions. The MSL Alumni Club and its governing board spearhead multiple initiatives designed to enhance the student experience — after all, nobody understands the value of the MSL better than someone who has experienced the program first-hand.
In addition to the MSL alumni network, students 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.
International Students
How does the visa process work for international students in the full-time residential program?
Once an applicant is admitted to the residential program and places a seat deposit, the student will work with the MSL program and relevant campus offices to go through the visa process. Because the process can take a few months, international students who wish to study in the residential format must apply for admission to the MSL program by April 1.
Are international students in the full-time residential format eligible for the MSL scholarship program on the same basis as domestic students?
Yes, full-time international students are eligible to receive awards from the MSL scholarship program on the same basis as domestic students.
If English is not my first language, will I still be able to perform well in the MSL program?
Yes, many students who do not have English as their first language perform very well in the MSL program. That said, studying law in English requires a high level of proficiency, and we use the admissions process to ensure that students have the language skills necessary to excel in the program.
Do part-time students need a visa to enroll in the online format?
Part-time students coming to the U.S. to complete their residence requirement (2 credits) are responsible for making travel and visa arrangements that allow for U.S. study and travel. Each country’s rules vary; it is the student’s responsibility to understand and comply with the rules and policies of their home country. A student who has questions or concerns about their ability to obtain a visa should reach out to MSL program staff.
Is the online format of the MSL degree recognized outside the U.S.?
In most places, yes, but students will want to research this issue so they understand the status of the MSL degree in their home country.
Application and 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 technology/STEM, who are attracted to the distinctive curriculum of the MSL program, and who want to use the MSL to launch or develop their careers. MSL 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 or take on more responsibility; accomplished executives and doctors who want to fill in knowledge gaps 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; students with a STEM background who have always had a background interest in law; 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. Applicants who have studied subjects in science, engineering, technology, math, and medicine qualify. Additionally, applicants who have work experience in technology, research & development, pharma, and other STEM-related fields make good candidates. Applicants who 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.
Having a formal degree or work experience in a STEM setting provides the requisite background. Alternatively, some students develop their interests in relevant areas through self-study or other life experiences. However you come by your interest in the MSL, you will have the opportunity to explain your fit as part of the application process.
If you are interested in the Master of Science in Law degree, but aren't sure you have the proper background, we invite you to sign up for an admissions consultation, where you can explore your fit with the MSL program.
Am I at a disadvantage for admission to the MSL program if I don’t have a background in law?
No. Your application will not be viewed negatively if you do not have a legal background — in fact, most Master of Science in Law students enter the program without a background in law. You’ll get more than enough law through your MSL study!
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, and are not at a disadvantage if they don’t.
Is there an interview option as part of the application process?
Not just an option — a requirement! When submitting their applications, applicants will be guided to complete a video interview through an online portal. An application is not complete until the video interview has been submitted.
What kinds of recommendations are you looking for?
The Admissions Committee is looking for objective references who can say something meaningful about you and your fit with the MSL program. The best recommenders are current or previous academic professors or professional supervisors. It is best not to use family members, friends, or peer-level colleagues as recommenders.
How are admissions decisions communicated to applicants?
Applicants will be notified via email when their admissions decision is available, and they can view that decision in the online admissions portal.
If I’m accepted, how long will I have to decide to enroll?
Deposits are usually required within three to four weeks of the admission decision.
Tuition and Financing
How do students finance the MSL?
Students finance the MSL in a variety of ways: with scholarship funding (see above), savings, employer benefits, scholarships and grants from outside entities, and through part- and full-time work. We understand that the program is costly, but experience has shown that the return on investment makes the expenditure worthwhile.
If I am a Northwestern employee, can I use the University's tuition benefit for the MSL?
Yes! Many Northwestern employees (including post-docs) have used the employee tuition benefit to help finance their MSL tuition. Learn more about Northwestern's Employee Reduced Tuition Benefit here or contact the Benefits Office for information.
Am I eligible for an MSL scholarship if I am using an employer-provided tuition benefit (from Northwestern or elsewhere)?
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?
The MSL program does not offer any work-study or teaching assistant jobs for law students. Some students take on campus employment as research assistants for law professors, in libraries or labs, or on campus in Evanston. Students are encouraged to contact the Northwestern Career Advancement office for more information about campus employment.
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.
Are there opportunities for alumni to give back to the program?
Absolutely! MSL alumni play a vital role in shaping the future of the program and supporting current students. There are several meaningful ways to stay engaged and give back:
- Mentorship: Alumni can serve as mentors to current students, offering guidance on career paths, industry insights, and professional development. This connection helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
- Alumni Board: Joining the MSL Alumni Board is a great way to contribute to strategic initiatives, strengthen alumni engagement, and help steer the direction of alumni programming.
- Speaking Events: Alumni are frequently invited to participate in panels, guest lectures, and networking events. Sharing your experiences and expertise not only enriches the student experience but also fosters a vibrant and connected MSL community.
Information Sessions
A great way to learn about the MSL is to join one of our monthly information sessions.
Ready to apply?
Applying to the MSL program is easy: the process takes place entirely online and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Apply NowKeep exploring:
Curriculum | Careers and Professional Development





