MSL Program
An understanding of legal reasoning and doctrine is critical for forward-thinking individuals and organizations to thrive in today’s fast-moving economy. An MSL degree will equip you with knowledge and skills that allow you to evaluate the challenges you encounter from a legal perspective, and help you work with legal departments and outside counsel more easily, having gained a common language and working knowledge of the law.
As a student in the MSL program, you will gain a fundamental understanding of the law and the legal system. You will learn the leverage points in the law where you can have the most influence. You will also have opportunities to hone your negotiating, reasoning, and writing skills – all while participating in the vibrant academic and professional community at UC Law SF.
MSL Enrollment Options
The MSL is designed to fit busy schedules and diverse learning needs. The program requires 24 units to graduate and can be completed fully online or with a mix of in-person and online courses.
FULLY ONLINE MODE includes both synchronous (live online classes with opportunities to interact with faculty and fellow students) and asynchronous (recorded lessons that can be viewed on your schedule) learning opportunities. Students can choose to complete their studies entirely synchronously or entirely asynchronously, or with a combination of both synchronous and asynchronous courses. Please note, however, that specializations are not available in the fully online mode.
HYBRID-FLEXIBLE MODE combines the advantages of online and in-person classes and allows for more tailoring of coursework from the extensive selection of over 200 courses offered in-person at UC Law San Francisco. All specializations are available in this mode.
Both learning modes can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, leading to degree completion in one to four years.
Required Courses
| Course | Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Law | Fall | 3 |
| Legal Research & Writing for Masters Students | Fall | 2 |
| Legal Research for Non-Lawyers | Spring | 1 |
MSL students will earn six units after completing the three MSL required courses. MSL students must also complete a foundational course in their area of interest or a first-year law class (3-4 units) and a research paper in connection with a seminar or an independent study aligning with their interest (2-3 units)
All MSL students work closely with their faculty advisor to select the courses that best meet their professional and personal academic goals.
Note: MSL students must take a minimum of five units to qualify for federal loans, and must attend New Student Orientation two weeks before the start of their first semester of classes. In addition, Introduction to US Legal Systems (1 unit), which is offered in-person during orientation is optional, but highly recommended.
Program Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the Master of Studies in Law degree, you will be expected to have acquired and developed the following skills:
You will be able to identify, explain, and employ basic concepts and rules of law in both core legal areas and in your own chosen area of specialization.
You will be able to identify relevant legal issues and craft legal arguments and conclusions supported by factual evidence and legal rules.
You will be able to independently retrieve, organize, analyze, and evaluate paper and electronic legal and interdisciplinary resources, and differentiate the types and importance of these legal resources.
Testimonial from Lauren, MSL ’13
“The UC Law SF MSL helped me prepare for my career in providing healthcare to children and adolescents. I wanted to learn more about health policy and understand the constitutional basis for legal protections around reproductive healthcare issues. My UC Law SF classes delivered. In my daily work I draw upon the knowledge I gained in the MSL program. My experience with the UC Law SF faculty was fantastic. I appreciated our lively discussions about the intersection of medicine and law.”