MSL Application

The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program is intended for non-lawyers who understand that today many workplace decisions are also legal decisions. It is a terminal degree program that can be completed substantially in person or online.  Many students will want to combine their knowledge or expertise in another field with a foundational understanding of law. The one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) degree is designed for those who do not plan to practice law or take a bar exam, but want to increase their understanding of the law and legal analysis.

MSL Program Overview

Application Requirements

Admission will be granted to a limited number of students on a competitive application basis. No graduate school exam (LSAT, GRE, etc.) is required for admission, although a candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than law. Additional application requirements include:

  • The MSL application
  • A current résumé/curriculum vitae
  • A statement describing his or her interest in the program and how the degree could benefit his or her career
  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • An official TOEFL report (if applicable)*

*English Proficiency Requirements: All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless exempt.

The MSL degree, as a terminal degree, is not a precursor to the JD.  The MSL program is designed for those who do not desire a professional law degree, but MSL candidates and graduates will remain eligible to apply for admission to the College of Law’s JD program. If admitted to the JD program, law credits earned in the MSL program will not count toward the minimum credit hours required for the JD degree, and the student will not be permitted to enroll as a JD student in any course successfully completed as an MSL candidate. Any course requirements for the JD degree will be satisfied if the student successfully completed the course as an MSL student, although the student will receive no credit hours for such courses toward the minimum credit hours required for the JD degree.

Completed application materials are reviewed on a rolling basis. For fullest consideration, candidates should apply by April 1.

For more information, contact:

Graduate and International Programs Office
law-gradprograms@illinois.edu
(217) 333-6066