A Versatile Graduate Legal Program
The Master of Studies in Law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law is a 30-credit advanced degree designed for professionals seeking to enhance their careers with a versatile alternative to the traditional three-year Juris Doctor degree. It is also appropriate for attorneys who wish to recalibrate or enhance their knowledge of a particular area of law.
The in-person MSL degree can be earned in classroom courses in two-to-four years in a flexible part-time schedule. On rare occassions, students may opt to complete the program in one-year. For further information contact the program director.
Students who successfully complete a Pitt Law Online Certificate—in Health Care Compliance, Human Resources Law or International Business Law—may apply the 15 credits earned in the online program to the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree. This option allows students to earn both the certificate and the MSL in 30 credit hours, at an accelerated rate, and with reduced tuition costs. To learn more, watch this video or contact msl@pitt.edu.
Apply Now
Ready to apply to Pitt Law's Master of Studies in Law program?
MSL Specializations
Pitt Law has one of the oldest Master of Studies in Law programs in the country. Only a handful of students are admitted each year. Pitt Law is unique in that it offers its MSL students the opportunity for specialization in a large number of fields of study or a customizable self-designed specialization.
MSL students take the same vast array of courses as Juris Doctor candidates taught by world-class legal scholars, judges and attorneys, and they gain the advantages and benefits of attending the University of Pittsburgh.
Requirements
Pitt Law's Master of Studies in Law is a graduate-level advanced degree awarded by the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree, and submit transcripts of all college, graduate and professional studies, whether a degree was obtained or not, and a personal statement. Standardized test scores and letters of recommendation are not required.
Early Option for Legal Studies Majors
Learn more about the unique opportunity for College of General Studies students at the University of Pittsburgh to pair their Legal Studies BA with the MSL.
Frequently Asked Questions
The comprehensive FAQs can answer questions that you may have regarding the expectations, benefits, requirements and costs of the program. Questions not answered by this FAQ may be directed to the Master of Studies in Law program director at msl@pitt.edu.
Courses & Electives
In addition to two required courses, MSL students may choose from over 200 first-year and upper-level law school courses in which they take these courses alongside Juris Doctor students.
What Our Graduates Say
Learn how the Pitt Law MSL Degree has helped our graduates and read the survey of MSL alumni satisfaction with the Pitt Law MSL Program.
Contact Us
Would you like to know more about the MSL program and how it can professionally benefit you? Fill out our contact form to ask questions about the MSL Program.
International Students
International students are welcome and encouraged to apply. You must have completed the equivalent of a US Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree and you must submit a OEFL score. The minimum acceptable TOEFL scores are 600 paper, 250 computer, and 100 internet. IELTS scores are also accepted in lieu of TOEFL. International students are encouraged to apply as early as possible because of the greater amount of time needed to process the application, obtain visas, and obtain housing.