Master of Studies in Law Degree (MSL)

Now there is an opportunity to study law at one of America's top 50 law schools without enrolling in a three-year program.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Law's Master of Studies in Law Degree (MSL) provides education about law to people who use law -- or will use law -- in their careers and who want to learn more about legal studies, but who do not want to become lawyers. You can obtain this degree in one-year full time, or part time over the course of up to four years. The MSL Program consists of regular law school courses with JD students.

Complement Your Career With The Study of Law

Law is a pervasive influence on almost all aspects of life in the United States. Most people's knowledge about law is very limited because the instruction we receive in school, even in college, is very limited. As we progress in various jobs, many of us come into contact with laws and lawyers and have to conduct our careers in ways that require some knowledge of law, but our education about these laws is often very limited.

The master in laws program will provide you with an education about how law and the legal process work in general. Many people think that the law can be known simply by looking it up in the library. In truth, there are great gaps in the law -- or as lawyers say, there is no law on that point. By reading cases decided by courts, statutes passed by legislatures, and regulations issued by administrative agencies, you will learn how to master these legal studies and to reason about what the law would be in a situation in which there currently is no law or no clear law.

In addition to learning how to think like a lawyer, you will learn what the law is in your particular area of interest. Both of these activities will provide you with a better understanding of how the law works and how to use law in your work.

For further information please contact:

You may email questions about the Master of Studies in Law Degree to msl [at] pitt [dot] edu

• Application
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Concentrations
• Required and Elective First Year Courses