Master of Studies in Law

The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program is for accomplished professionals and academics in other disciplines who want to learn about the law to strengthen their professional skills. It is a non-professional, terminal degree program designed for those who have had no legal training, do not desire a professional law degree, and do not wish to practice law. Students can enroll full-time, complete the degree in one year, or enroll part-time and complete the degree in two years.

The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program is a non-professional, terminal degree program 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. Students can enroll full-time (12-20 credit hours per semester), complete the MSL degree in one year, enroll part-time (6-11 credit hours per semester), and complete the MSL degree in two years. Whether enrolled full-time or part-time in a given semester, students must complete the degree by the end of their second academic year and enroll in no more than 20 credit hours in a single semester. MSL students will take coursework from the same curriculum offerings available to JD and LLM students.

The College of Law at Illinois is one of the oldest law schools in the country, with influential faculty, a smart and collegial student body, and a strong alumni network.

Since 1897, the University of Illinois College of Law has offered students a rigorous, broad-ranging, and innovative legal education on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, one of the world's great research universities.