.png)
Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
Program Overview
GW Law’s MSL is designed for non-lawyers who seek to gain a fundamental understanding of the law and how it is applied in various contexts across government, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations.
Our program equips you with the insight and skills necessary to confidently lead conversations and initiatives involving legal and regulatory matters. The MSL is structured so that you can continue to work toward professional advancement while building pertinent skills to become a valuable asset to your organization.
GW Law offers flexible online, on-campus, and hybrid formats, enabling you to advance your education without pausing your career. Whether you’re looking to deepen expertise in your current field or pivot into a new area, each concentration provides practical, immediately applicable knowledge that enhances your value within your organization.
Program at a Glance
24 Credits
1-2 Years
Program Duration
(Full-Time/Part-Time)
Online,
On-Campus, or Hybrid
Format
June 1, 2026
Fall 2026 Application Deadline
$63,600 + fees
Approximate Tuition
Lead in a Growing Field With Your Master of Studies in Law
You don't have to become a lawyer to master the law. The GW MSL program provides a pathway to career advancement through six distinct online concentrations that equip you with the legal specialization to guide strategic discussions and decisions.
Choose the Legal Concentration That Matters Most to Your Career
With a rigorous yet manageable curriculum, the GW Master of Studies in Law program offers the flexibility to learn online and choose one of the six available concentrations to complete your 24-credit program:
Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law
Build the legal insight to navigate corporate governance, financial regulation, and organizational compliance with confidence.
Government Procurement Law
Master federal procurement rules and contracting processes to excel in government acquisition and public‑sector partnerships.
Government Procurement and Cybersecurity Law
Gain expertise at the intersection of procurement and cyber regulation, preparing you to manage secure, compliant federal contracts.
National Security and Cybersecurity Law
Explore the legal frameworks shaping national security and cybersecurity policy to support defense, intelligence, and technology‑driven roles.
National Security and U.S. Foreign Relations Law
Understand the laws guiding national security, diplomacy, and international engagement — ideal for government and policy professionals.
Privacy, Data Security, and Technology Law
Develop the skills to navigate privacy regulation, data protection, and emerging tech policy in today’s digital landscape.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Most MSL students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help cover the cost of tuition. Visit our Financial Aid page for resources about the FAFSA and how to apply as an MSL student.
Designed for Working Professionals
Advance your education without pausing your career. The MSL is built for busy professionals who need flexibility, relevance, and immediate ROI.
Flexible Online Format
Learn on your schedule through engaging online modules and live Zoom sessions.
Apply Your Real-World Experience
Connect coursework to your day‑to‑day challenges through case studies and applied projects, built for professionals with 3+ years of experience and no JD requirement.
Gain a Professional Edge
Gain practical tools in compliance, regulation, and risk that strengthen your role and open new opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
GW MSL students gain foundational and specialized knowledge of laws and policies and become well-equipped to:
- Identify and articulate legal aspects of problems.
- Identify and communicate to non-lawyers regarding legal risks and how to reduce them.
- Problem-solve through a legal framework.
- Succinctly express complex ideas.
- Understand how the law can allow for different outcomes.
- Understand the current legal landscape.
- Understand foundational legal concepts.
- Write persuasively in a well-organized format for a variety of audiences
Career Outcomes
Our graduates are recruited and employed by prominent government agencies, private corporations, and nonprofits, including:
- Amazon
- Boeing
- Department of Defense
- Department of Homeland Security General Dynamics
- General Services Administration (GSA) Google
- Lockheed Martin
- Meta
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon
The GW Law MSL Program has been designed to the highest academic standards. You will take the same courses our JD students take, and our online approach is more than just Zoom classes; these are courses that have been fully designed to take advantage of the online modality. The result is a best-in-class education that is specifically tailored to working professionals like you.
Paul Schiff Berman
Faculty Director of Online Programs
Walter S. Cox Professor of Law
Contact MSL Admissions: msladmissions
law [dot] gwu [dot] edu (msladmissions[at]law[dot]gwu[dot]edu) | 202.994.7242