Master of Science in Law: Full-Time Residential Format
Complete the MSL in Nine Months in Downtown Chicago
The full-time MSL format takes place in person at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s Chicago campus. Designed for recent graduates building on other educational programs (undergraduate, master’s or doctoral) and for early- and mid-career professionals who will interact with law or leverage legal knowledge in their work, the program is ideal for those who can dedicate nine months to full-time study. MSL students participate actively in their classes and enjoy a tight-knit academic and social community. They are also part of the larger Law School community; they participate in school-wide activities and enjoy exploring the Chicagoland area.
Student Body Profile: Full-Time Residential Format
| Average age | 24 |
| Age range | 20–41 |
| Women / Men | 65% / 35% |
| International students | 41% |
| Prior graduate degrees (MD, PhD, MBA, etc.) | 5% |
| Prior work experience | 43% |
| Average work experience | 2 years |
Learn More About Residential Alumni
Curriculum
The cutting-edge MSL curriculum includes eight foundational required classes and a mix of electives that span a wide range of topics at the intersection of law, business, technology, regulation, and policy. With so many options, each student is exposed to a variety of interesting areas and can tailor their coursework to align with personal interests and career goals.
Career Outcomes
Equipped with their MSL degree, graduates from the full-time format pursue a variety of professional opportunities. Early-career students enter the workforce with an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of real-world problems and an awareness of opportunities available at the intersection of law and STEM. More experienced students leverage MSL learning to take on increasingly complex work, pivot in their careers, or pursue promotions and leadership opportunities. Some use the MSL as a bridge to further graduate study, including medical, business, or law (JD) study.
Stephanie
Associate Director, Program Management, AbbVie
“The MSL degree offered aspects of intellectual property and regulation that helped me transition from academia to industry and policy. Along with the prestige of obtaining a degree from Northwestern, the MSL program offered relevant, hands-on coursework that prepared me for the next stage of my career. I now have options that I didn’t have with the PhD alone.”
Investing in Yourself
Earning an MSL degree is a powerful investment in your future. Because the MSL combines the study of law and business, it is a very efficient way to gain a combination of skills and knowledge not readily available in other educational offerings. In addition to the usable expertise students acquire, Northwestern’s strong reputation and the prestige of the Law School add significant value to a graduate’s professional profile and network, opening doors to new opportunities and setting them apart in the marketplace.
To help make the MSL program more affordable for residential full-time students, the Law School offers merit-based scholarships and also earmarks some funds for awards based solely on need. Students have access to federal and private loans through Northwestern’s Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
There's a lot to consider when deciding to get a graduate degree; the MSL is a high-quality, efficient, and practical degree that will yield a significant return on your investment.
Learn MoreFAQs
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.
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.
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Curriculum | Careers and Professional Development | FAQs