MSL Residential Format

The MSL full-time residential format can be completed in nine months at Northwestern Law’s downtown Chicago campus.

The MSL program operates on the semester system, with each semester divided into two eight-week terms. Each eight-week term includes a seven-week session and a one-week session, known as “Power Week.” The seven-week sessions include foundational and in-depth classes, while the Power Weeks tend to include more focused, specialized, and workshop-type classes. 

This unique structure of four separate seven-week sessions coupled with four Power Weeks allows MSL students to experience a wide variety of classes, topics, formats, and pedagogical techniques. 

Classes in the MSL residential program are scheduled Monday through Friday, in both daytime and evening timeslots, with occasional weekend classes. 

MSL residential students are in class an average of 12 to 15 hours per week. Students should expect a substantial amount of out-of-class work, approximately 4 to 8 hours per course per week.