Helicopter shot of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, in Arlington County, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. MSL: National Security and Cybersecurity Law
MSL: National Security and Cybersecurity Law

MSL: National Security and Cybersecurity Law

 

Overview

The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is a graduate degree designed for professionals who want to gain legal knowledge without becoming attorneys. In the National Security and Cybersecurity Law concentration, the program prepares students to address urgent legal and policy challenges by offering:

  • Training to confront vulnerabilities from physical and cyber threats that can destabilize societies and compromise essential services.
  • Exploration of national security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, big data, and emerging technologies.
  • Expertise in safeguarding critical infrastructure and addressing issues in counterterrorism, homeland security, crisis management, congressional oversight, and classified information.
  • Preparation to lead at the forefront of global security, protecting nations, corporations, and individuals in an era defined by technology and risk.

Located in the heart of Washington, DC, GW Law can draw on our unparalleled access to the federal agencies, courts, and policy organizations that shape the nation’s national security and cybersecurity landscape. Students — no matter where they are — benefit from our faculty's "insider" expertise that comes from decades of experience in government, military, corporate, or nonprofit sectors. Our professional networks bring your classroom learning to life — opening doors to unique career opportunities in cyber defense, intelligence, and security policy.

 

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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

 

 

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A student with a GW backpack walking near the Washington Monument.

What is National Security and Cybersecurity Law?

The practice area has evolved with the world's increased connectivity through the use of modern technology and cyberspace and the accompanying growing vulnerabilities from physical and cyber threats. The field includes law on the use of securing critical cyber infrastructure, cyber breaches, armed forces, and intelligence operations abroad, counterterrorism, homeland security, management of crises, congressional oversight, and classified information.

 

 

  

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 cybersecurity and national security issues.
   Strengthen your ability to assess risks and support informed decisions.

 

 

 

Curriculum

Students are required to complete 8 to 9 credits of core courses, five credits of cyber-related courses, and eight credits of national security or cyber-related courses.

ProgramCredits
Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Writing for MSL Students (6950)3 credits
National Security Law (6870)2-3 credits
On-Campus Option
Cybersecurity Law and Policy (6879) + Technology Foundations for Cybersecurity (6884)
OrOnline Option
Cybersecurity Law and Technology (6890)
3 credits total for either option

Elective course options include:

  • Internet Law
  • AI Law and Policy
  • Foreign Access to U.S. Technology
  • Information Privacy Law
  • Consumer Privacy and Data Protection
  • Cybersecurity Law Crisis Challenges
  • International Law of Human Rights
  • Anti-Corruption and Compliance
  • Blockchain Law

 

Career Opportunities

As cyber threats grow more complex, federal agencies, defense contractors, and public-sector organizations increasingly need professionals who can bridge the gap between law, policy, and technology. In-demand roles include:

  

Cybersecurity Policy Advisor

Crafts cyber policy and guides high‑level security decision‑making.

  

Regulatory Analyst

Translates new regulations into clear compliance actions.

  

National Security Risk Officer

Identifies vulnerabilities and recommends protective safeguards.

  

Public Sector Compliance Lead

Oversees daily practices to meet legal and regulatory standards.

 

 

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Roberto Macoto

  

This degree will absolutely cement my ability to work through the decision-making process that is fact-based and logical in ascertaining courses of action and decisions that are relevant, impactful, and meet the spirit of the law.

Roberto Macoto, MSL '21
Department of Defense

 

Contact MSL Admissions: msladmissionsatlaw [dot] gwu [dot] edu (msladmissions[at]law[dot]gwu[dot]edu) | 202.994.7242