MSL Program

The Master in the Study of Law (MSL) is for those students who seek graduate-level studies in law, but do not seek to practice as a licensed attorney in the United States. MSL students will have the opportunity to create a customized program of study with access to a wide variety of courses in the School of Law’s JD and LLM programs.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the US legal system.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to use legal authority and perform legal analysis.

Degree Requirements

The MSL program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis with enrollment options in the fall and spring terms. The program is primarily offered on a residential basis with a limited number of courses available online. Full-time students will complete the program over two terms, while part-time students can complete the program in as few as three terms or up to four years. Students must complete a total of 30 units with a final weighted average of at least 2.3 (C+) to graduate.

A minimum of 22 units must be completed in LAW courses offered by the BU School of Law.

Additionally, students must complete the following specific degree requirements.

1. One Foundational US Law course:

a. LAW JD 810 Constitutional Law, OR
b. LAW AM 709 Fundamentals of US Constitutional Law for LLM Students, OR
c. LAW AM 700 Introduction to American Law, OR
d. LAW BK 912 Introduction to the American Legal System

2. One Legal Research and Writing course:

a. LAW JD 602 Lawyering 1, OR
b. LAW JD 603 Lawyering 2, OR
c. LAW AM 704 Research and Writing Seminar for LLMs, OR
d. LAW AM 706 Effective Writing (LLM): The Lawyer’s Craft, OR
e. LAW JD 874 Advanced Legal Writing

No Thesis Requirement

The MSL is classroom—not research—focused. As such, there is no thesis requirement, though students will likely write one or more lengthy research papers in the seminars they take. We make available writing coaches to help students organize and structure academic writing projects and improve expressive skills.

Attorney Licensure

The MSL does not qualify students for admission to any US State bar. Students interested in practicing law in the United States should consider applying to the School of Law’s Juris Doctor (JD) program or, for internationally trained attorneys, the LLM in American Law program.