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MSL: Government Procurement Law
Become a government contracts expert in the world's preeminent government procurement law program.
Program Overview
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is a graduate degree built for professionals who want advanced legal training without becoming attorneys. The diverse curriculum of our Government Procurement Law concentration, taught by world-renowned faculty, equips you with a richer understanding of how procurement systems operate, both in the United States and abroad, and exposes students to varying perspectives on emerging issues in the law. We provide our graduates with the knowledge, connections, and opportunities to become future leaders and policymakers in the acquisition community, both domestically and abroad.
Located in the heart of Washington, DC, our proximity to the hub of government contracts law and policy provides our students with unparalleled opportunities to gain practical knowledge and experience while earning their degrees.
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 Government Procurement Law?
Government contracts law students become adept at navigating the complexities of contracts, ensuring that government agencies meet all legal compliance requirements for each contracted procurement.
Flexible Format
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
Build practical skills to navigate federal contracting rules and procurement processes.
Strengthen your ability to interpret regulations and support compliance in acquisition settings.
Curriculum
Students are required to complete 11 credits of core courses and 13 credits of elective courses.
| Core Courses | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Writing for MSL Students (6950) | 3 credits | |
| Government Contracts Overview (6518) | 1 credit | First semester |
| Formation of Government Contracts (6502) | 3 credits | First semester |
| Performance of Government Contracts (6503) | 3 credits | |
| Government Contracts Cost and Pricing (6506) | 2 credits | |
| Analytical Writing for Government Contracts (6519) | 1 credit | First or second semester |
| Anti-corruption and Compliance (6511) | 2 credits | |
| Students must also write a research paper completed in a government procurement seminar course or in the graduate independent legal writing course (6696) |
Elective course options include:
- Bid Protests
- Government Procurement of Intellectual Property
- Intro to Federal Appropriations Law
- Procurement Reform
- Other Transactions
- Government Procurement of Technology
Career Opportunities
As federal acquisition rules evolve and oversight grows more complex, agencies and contractors increasingly need professionals who can navigate procurement law, interpret regulations, and support compliant, efficient contracting. In‑demand roles include:
Contracts Administrator
Supports contract preparation, documentation, and compliance throughout the acquisition process.
Contracts Manager
Oversees contract lifecycles and ensures compliance with federal acquisition requirements.
Warranted Contracting Officer
Awards and administers federal contracts using delegated procurement authority.
I have used the skills learned at GW almost immediately. I can’t believe how applicable this education has been to my day-to-day job supporting federal procurement.
John McKnight, MSL '25
The Aerospace Corporation
Contact MSL Admissions: msladmissions
law [dot] gwu [dot] edu (msladmissions[at]law[dot]gwu[dot]edu) | 202.994.7242