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MSL: Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law
Overview
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is a graduate degree for professionals seeking legal knowledge without becoming attorneys. In the Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law concentration, the program offers:
- A foundation in the legal infrastructure of modern global commerce, extending beyond domestic regulation.
- Training that balances legal analysis with applied business strategy to address evolving market demands.
- Insight into corporate governance, financial regulation, and compliance frameworks that shape organizational decision-making.
- Preparation to manage risk, regulatory oversight, and compliance challenges in both private sector and public policy contexts.
Located in the heart of Washington, DC, GW Law offers unparalleled access to the federal agencies, courts, and policy organizations that influence the nation’s financial, corporate, and compliance landscape. Students benefit from proximity to government institutions, industry leaders, and professional networks that bring classroom learning to life and open doors to career opportunities in corporate law, compliance, and financial regulation.
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
What is Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law?
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Flexible
Online, on-campus, or hybrid.
Full-time or part-time.
Use Your Real-World Experience
No JD Required.
For professionals with 3+ years of relevant experience.
Gain a Professional Edge
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Curriculum
MSL candidates in Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law (BFL-CC) must complete 3 credits of Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Writing for MSL Students (6950) and a minimum of 16 credit hours from among the list of BFL-CC Core Courses and Electives and BFL-designated courses, including four credits of Corporations (6250) and at least eight additional credit hours of Core Courses and Electives.
| Courses | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (First Semester) | ||
| Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Writing for MSL Students (6950) | 3 credits | |
| Corporations (6250) | 4 credits | |
| Core Courses and Electives | ||
| Securities Regulation (6252) | 3 credits | |
| Banking Law (6290) | 2 credits | |
| Blockchain: Law, Policy, and Cybersecurity (6894) | 2 credits | |
| Anti-Corruption and Compliance (6511) | 2 credits | |
| International Money Laundering, Corruption, and Terrorism (6521) | 3 credits | |
| Information Privacy Law (6486) | 3 credits | |
| Consumer Privacy and Data Protection: Regulatory Approaches (6896) | 3 credits | |
| Internet Law (6493) | 2 or 3 credits | |
| Cybersecurity Law and Technology (6890) | 2, or 3 credits | |
| Employment Law (6268) | 2 or 3 credits | |
| Labor Law (6266) | 2 or 3 credits | |
| Federal Income Taxation (6300) | 3 or 4 credits | |
| Corporate Finance (6254) | 2 or 3 credits | |
| Law and Accounting (6602) | 3 credits | |
| Consumer Protection Law (6286) | 3 credits | |
| White Collar Crime (6364) | 2 or 3 credits | |
| Additional BFL‑Designated Courses are available to fulfill program requirements. Not all courses are offered online or in a hybrid format; availability may vary by semester. | ||
Who Can Benefit from the Program?
The MSL with a concentration in privacy, data security, and technology law can help professionals serving in a variety of roles, like:
Compliance/Privacy Officers
Help organizations meet data protection standards and safeguard consumer trust.
Information Security Leaders
Help integrate technical expertise throughout your organization to strengthen resilience.
Data-Driven Executives
Lead companies that rely on consumer data with confidence and legal insight.
Consultants
Holistically guide organizations through privacy, data security, and tech challenges.
Policymakers
Shape legislation and policy in the evolving privacy and tech law landscape.
"We are one of the few schools in the country that offers the range of courses that professionals need to succeed at the intersection of law and tech. Only about 4% of law schools offer even a single advanced course in privacy, data security, and tech law. GW Law offers over a dozen."
Dean Adrienne E. Fowler
Bernard Assistant Dean, Privacy and Technology Law Program
Deputy Director, GW Center for Law & Technology: The Bernard Center
Contact MSL Admissions: msladmissions
law [dot] gwu [dot] edu (msladmissions[at]law[dot]gwu[dot]edu) | 202.994.2705