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MSL: Privacy, Data Security, and Technology Law
Prepare to lead in privacy and data protection for any organization that relies on consumer data.
Overview
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is a graduate degree for professionals seeking legal knowledge without becoming attorneys. In the Privacy, Data Security, and Technology Law concentration, the program offers:
- A holistic understanding of how policy, law, and technology intersect.
- Insight into the regulation of the tech and digital information ecosystems, including emerging sectors like AI and blockchain.
- Exploration of laws and regulations that impact product development and corporate risk.
- Preparation to manage product development, oversight, risk management, and compliance challenges.
Located in the heart of Washington, DC, GW Law offers unparalleled access to the federal agencies, courts, and policy organizations that shape the nation’s privacy, data security, and technology 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 compliance, data security, and technology law.
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 Privacy, Data Security, and Technology Law?
Privacy, data security, and tech law covers the rules about:
- When and how companies, governments, or other people can use technology to gather information about people–and what can be done with that information.
- What responsibilities companies, governments, and people have when developing or using technology–and what happens if they don’t live up to those responsibilities.
- Keeping technological systems (and the information stored in them) safe.
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
Learn how the law interacts with the privacy, data security, and AI landscape.
Be the go-to professional for working with both legal and technical teams.
Curriculum
The MSL concentration in Privacy, Data Security, and Technology (PDT) Law is a 24-credit program comprising three mandatory courses, a selection of advanced PDT law courses, and the option to take courses in other areas of the law.
| Courses | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Courses - 9 credits | ||
| Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Writing for MSL Students (6950) | 3 credits | |
| Information Privacy Law (6486) | 3 credits | |
| Cybersecurity Law and Technology (6890) or, with permissions, an alternative cybersecurity law class | 3 credits | |
| Advanced Courses in PDT Law - 9+ credits | ||
| Consumer Protection Law (6286) | 3 credits | |
| Computer Crime (6369) | 2 credits | |
| Constitutional Law Seminar (Cyber, Privacy and Speech) (6399) | 2 credits | |
| Health Law Seminar: Assisted Reproductive Technologies (6411) | 2 credits | |
| Telecommunications Law (6414) | 2 credits | |
| Intellectual Property Law (6470) | 2 or 3 credits | |
| Information Privacy Law (6486) | 3 credits | |
| Internet Law (6493) | 2 or 3 credits | |
| Selected Topics in Technology Law (6613) | 1, 2, or 3 credits | |
| Genetics and the Law (6616) | 2 credits | |
| Technology Law Seminar (6619) | 2 credits | |
| Artificial Intelligence Law and Policy (6881) | 2 or 3 credits | |
| Technology Foundations for Cybersecurity (6884) | 1 credit | |
| Consumer Privacy and Regulatory Protection: Regulatory Approaches (6896) | 3 credits | |
| Blockchain: Law, Policy, and Cybersecurity (6894) | 2 credits | |
| Global Privacy Law and Conflict Seminar (6895) | 2 credits | |
| Cybersecurity Law Crisis Challenge: Protecting Critical Infrastructure, Risk Management, and Incident Response (6898) | 2 credits | |
| Other Law Electives - up to 6 credits | ||
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