Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Degree - Online

The online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree offers seasoned and early-career non-lawyer professionals an unparalleled education to help better understand complex legal matters.

Through the MSL, you will gain legal skills and knowledge that can be applied directly to advance your career. Please note that this degree is not intended to train students for careers as attorneys, nor to prepare them for any state bar exam.

Degree Outcomes

Acquire practical knowledge in the theories, history and application of American law
Demonstrate an understanding of the U.S. legal system, government, historical context and foundational values
Develop fluency in advanced legal terminology through exposure to substantive texts, cases, statutes and memoranda
Demonstrate an ability to use legal authority and perform legal analysis

Interested? Learn more.

Receive more information about our Online MSL degree and get notified about upcoming events.

A top-rated law school nationwide, USC Gould is the first law school in Southern California, renowned for its history of innovation and excellence in legal education.

The online MSL prepares students for leadership roles in a wide variety of settings.

Receive a certificate at no additional cost to specialize your legal education in areas of law that can meet a variety of career goals. Certificates can be earned concurrently with a USC Gould degree (at no additional cost), or as a standalone online or on campus.

Earn a master's degree from a fully accredited, elite, top-ranked law school
No GRE or LSAT required
100% online — convenient
Part-time and flexible — perfect for working professionals
Students complete their studies in as few as 16 months
Deeply committed and distinguished faculty
Access Trojan Family network connections to more than 14,000 USC Gould alumni worldwide
Create new career opportunities
Admission decision within two to four weeks of application completion
Receive an additional certificate at no additional cost

Our online MSL degree is taught in a 100% digital environment that combines self-paced (asynchronous) and real-time (synchronous) components.

If you are interested in an in-person experience, please consider our on-campus MSL degree, which offers the same learning objectives at our University Park campus in downtown Los Angeles.

Our interactive, online learning platform is accessible anywhere you have an internet connection.

You will engage in weekly live discussions facilitated by your professor.

Small classes that allow for greater student and faculty interaction

Classes incorporate both synchronous and asynchronous activities, including interactive modules, message boards, weekly assignments, group work and virtual office hours. While the format is flexible, the MSL is academically rigorous, and each class requires approximately 12-16 hours of work each week.

Our unique academic week of Wednesday through Tuesday allows students to best maximize their time, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, to complete their course requirements

Our team of experienced advisors will provide you with individualized guidance on course selection to meet your personal and career goals.

The online MSL prepares students for leadership roles in a wide variety of settings. Receive a certificate at no additional cost to specialize your legal education in areas of law that can meet a variety of career goals. Certificates can be earned concurrently with a USC Gould degree (at no additional cost), or as a standalone online or on campus.