The GW Law Admission Guide: How to Apply to the GW Law MSL Program

Many fields reward legal expertise, and for good reasons: it positions professionals to ensure compliance, write organizational policies, manage procurements, reduce risks, and make strategic decisions informed by legal and regulatory constraints. George Washington (GW) Law’s online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Program provides a pathway to add legal expertise to your skillset without a JD degree (the credential required to become an attorney). 

GW Law’s MSL is designed for non-lawyers who want to understand the law and how it applies in various contexts. The MSL offers part-time and full-time online and/or on-campus learning so you can choose the pace and modality that best suits your professional and personal circumstances. 

Explore the program’s features, admissions requirements, and application process in this article.

Master of Studies in Law Program Highlights

The GW Law MSL program equips students with the skills to confidently lead conversations and initiatives involving legal, policy, compliance, and regulatory matters. The program offers three concentrations, enabling you to align your educational experience with your career goals and interests. 

Government Procurement Law

Government Procurement Law focuses on the legal principles, regulations, and processes involved in how governments acquire goods and services. As governments continue to rely on private contractors, the demand for experts in government procurement law is skyrocketing. 

This degree positions you as a specialist in a niche field that is not only highly relevant but also essential in today’s legal and business landscape. You’ll learn from the leading experts in the field; GW Law’s Washington, D.C.. location places students at the heart of U.S. federal procurement law, offering unparalleled access to government agencies, contractors, and policymakers. 

Graduates with this degree are in demand in both public and private sectors, working with the government, industry, non-profits, and private firms. It is ideal for mid-career procurement professionals looking to advance to management or leadership roles. It also benefits more senior professionals interested in specializing in compliance or artificial intelligence (AI) procurement. 

Government Procurement and Cybersecurity Law

Government Procurement and Cybersecurity Law serves the need for cybersecurity legal expertise among government procurement practitioners. Graduates often work in government agencies, private organizations, and nonprofits as program managers, contracting officers, contract administrators, procurement analysts, IT auditors, cybersecurity analysts, cybersecurity managers and penetration and vulnerability testers.

Regardless of their chosen concentration, all students complete 24 credits. Full-time students typically complete the program in 12–16 months, while part-time students tend to take 24–36 months. Visit the program site to learn more about the online learning experience and tuition costs. 

National Security and Cybersecurity Law

National Security and Cybersecurity Law explores the legal and policy issues surrounding national security, cybersecurity, AI, big data, and new technologies. Students learn about the use of the internet and technologies, as well as how sophisticated cyber actors and nation-states exploit vulnerabilities, steal information and money, and develop methods to disrupt, destroy, or threaten essential services. The course work includes law on the use of securing the critical cyber infrastructure, cyber breaches, armed forces and intelligence operations abroad, counterterrorism, homeland security, management of crises, congressional oversight, and classified information. 

A combination of cutting-edge course offerings, highly qualified students, superb teaching, and path-breaking academic research and scholarship makes the National Security and Cybersecurity MSL degree an exceptional program and particularly relevant in an era marked by unprecedented cyber threats and evolving national security risks. 

This concentration can help prepare you for a government or private sector career. However, many National Security and Cybersecurity Law students work in defense departments, government intelligence agencies, the military, or for companies focused on the intelligence and military sectors. 

National Security and U.S. Foreign Relations Law

National Security and U.S. Foreign Relations Law examines the origins of federal powers in setting and conducting foreign relations, with a focus on U.S. law that engages international law and impacts national security. The degree covers a broad range of topics, including armed forces and intelligence operations abroad, classified information, congressional oversight, counterterrorism, crisis management, homeland security, immigration, and nonproliferation.

Expert faculty and access to powerful international actors —  including diplomats, national security agencies, legislators, think tanks, and research centers — distinguish this GW Law specialization, which few other law schools offer in such breadth and depth.

Explore the MSL Program Admission Requirements 

To qualify for admission to the GW Law MSL program, students must meet the following requirements: 

• Educational background: To apply to the GW Law MSL program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent (in any field) from an accredited institution. 
• Professional experience: Applicants must have at least three to five years of professional experience in their chosen concentration. 

How to Apply to the GW Law MSL Program

You can apply to the GW LAW MSL program in two ways: 

1. By submitting your application online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) portal, or
2. By mailing your application directly to GW Law

Your application should include the following items: 

• Completed application form
• $80 application fee
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
• Two original letters of recommendation
• A brief essay outlining your professional goals and areas of interest relevant to the MSL program
• A résumé or CV
• Your TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable)

Be mindful of deadlines and compile your application materials as early as possible to make the application process stress-free. For guidance on the application process, reach out to an enrollment adviser (EA) for support. EAs can help you understand the application requirements and provide personalized advice on strengthening your application.

Guidance for a Stronger GW Law MSL Application

To optimize the likelihood of gaining admission to the GW Law MSL program, curate each of your application materials to showcase your strengths and experiences. Here are some tips and examples. 

Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement

Your personal statement should clearly articulate your motivation for enrolling in the MSL program and why you are a strong candidate. Highlight how your professional goals and interests align with the program’s focus and curriculum, demonstrating how this degree will enhance your career trajectory.

Securing Strong Letters of Recommendation

Select recommenders who can provide meaningful insights into your professional experience, skills, and potential for success in the MSL program. To help them craft a compelling recommendation, share details about the program, your career aspirations, and why earning this degree is important to you.

Tailoring Your Resume to Program Requirements

GW Law requires MSL candidates to have three to five years of relevant work experience. Structure your resume to emphasize your professional background, key accomplishments, and leadership roles, ensuring it aligns with the program’s expectations.

Preparing for English Proficiency Tests (if needed)

Applicants whose initial degree was earned from a non-U.S. school where English was not the language of instruction must take the TOEFL or IELTS test. Schedule your exam in accordance with the application deadlines. To qualify for admission, you need a score in the 100-point range on the internet-based TOEFL test or in the 600-point range on the paper-based TOEFL test. If you take the IELTS test, you must receive a score of 7.0 or higher.

Apply to the GW Law MSL Program

Applying to graduate school is an exciting journey that requires dedication and focus. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the process alone—support and resources are available to guide you every step of the way. Connect with an enrollment adviser today to learn more about the next steps.