Master in the Study of Law (M.S.L.)
The benefits of an M.S.L. degree
The Master’s in the Study of Law degree offered by The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law is designed as a flexible program for those who want to learn more about the law in order to strengthen their professional skills. Does law cross over into your area of expertise? Would knowing about certain legal practices, laws and regulations help advance your career? This program will provide you with a foundation in U.S. law, and the flexibility to design your course schedule in a way that best suits your career needs. You will attend classes alongside J.D. and LL.M. students at one of the country’s top 15 public law schools.
Academic requirements
To receive the M.S.L. degree, a student must earn passing grades in not fewer than 30 semester credit hours of law school courses. A full-time student typically will be able to complete the program in one academic year. Part-time students generally will be expected to complete the requirements for the M.S.L. degree within four academic years.
M.S.L. students are required to complete three traditional first-year courses: Legal Analysis and Writing I or Legal Analysis, Research and Writing for International Students; and two of the following: Civil Procedure I, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Legislation, Property, or Torts. For the remaining credits, students can design their own curriculum, or complete a concentration in one of the following areas:
- Corporate Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Dispute Resolution
- Intellectual Property and Information Law
- International and Comparative Law
- Labor and Employment Law
Students must receive approval from the Assistant Dean for International and Graduate Programs for their chosen courses.
Text adapted from the Moritz Faculty Rules, section 3.08.
NON-DEGREE GRADUATE STUDENT
If you need to take courses in order to fulfill the Ohio Supreme Court requirements for Bar Exam eligibility, or you are simply interested in taking classes at Moritz College of Law outside of a specific program, please apply as a “Non-Degree Graduate Student.” This is possible for students with no visa constraints, or those participating in Optional Practical Training. Please see Graduate and Professional Admissions for more information, including deadlines, and apply at go.osu.edu/gndapp. Please contact grdhotline@osu.edu if you have questions or need assistance with the online application.