Master of Science in Law: Part-Time Online 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.)

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.

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.