From the Lab to the C-Suite
The Degree for Triple-Threat Professionals
Northwestern Law's MSL offers STEM professionals the opportunity to expand their understanding of law and business with a distinctive, flexible curriculum that prepares students to lead the development of innovation, policy, and strategy.
The MSL's integration of legal and business training creates uniquely qualified professionals who can work and communicate across functions and disciplines. MSL courses teach students to analyze risk, understand and negotiate contracts, interpret and comply with laws and regulations, and recognize opportunities for innovation.
Choose the Format That Works for You
With online part-time and residential full-time options, the MSL program is designed to meet the needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Both formats follow the same core curriculum, have the same requirements, and feature the same faculty. Additionally, both the part-time and full-time MSL formats operate on a semester system, with each semester divided into two eight-week terms.
Online Part-Time
- Can be completed in two to four years
- Online students may begin in either the Fall or the Spring
- Online courses incorporate a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities
Residential Full-Time
- Completed in nine months
- Residential students begin in the Fall
- Located on Northwestern Law’s downtown Chicago campus
Essential Foundational Knowledge
Adding Law and Business to Your Skill Set
The MSL allowed me to become an interdisciplinary professional. I view problems from different perspectives, which really makes me stand out. I can integrate engineering principles and legal analysis at the same time. Not many engineers have this skill set.
Scott, MSL Graduate
Product Design Engineer
70+
Elective courses specifically designed for the MSL program to build expertise in legal, regulatory, and policy analysis across a range of areas, including business, IP, and entrepreneurship; health and medicine; and data, technology, and privacy.
96%
MSL graduates have achieved great professional success. 81% were employed in jobs relating to their MSL training and 15% were enrolled in further academic study, pursuing programs in medicine, law, business, and technology.
Online Part-Time
- Duration: 2-4 years
- Location: Online
- Start Dates: August and January
- Format options: Online students must take two credits in elective classes offered in person in Chicago and are welcome to take as many additional in-person elective classes as they'd like.
Residential Full-Time
- Duration: 9 months
- Location: Chicago campus
- Start Date: August
- Format options: Residential students take most of their classes in person, with the option of taking up to nine credits in online elective courses.
Attend One of Our Info Sessions!
Interested in learning more? Connect with the MSL team at our monthly information sessions.
Alumni Stories
Ready to Apply?
Expand your career options and become a leader in the global economy. Apply to the MSL program with:
- No application fee
- No test score requirement
- A streamlined application process
- A prompt admissions decision
Meet Us at the Intersection
An MSL from Northwestern Law will provide you with a strong foundation for growth and success in a wide variety of business, legal, and tech fields. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals.
Questions About the Northwestern Law MSL?
We're here for you! If you need additional information about our application or the MSL program, don't hesitate to reach out!