Explore the Online Learning Experience at The George Washington University Law School

Online learning constitutes a critical component of the current educational landscape, with approximately two in five graduate students and one in four college students choosing to study entirely online. Convenience, flexibility and degree accessibility all factor into students’ decisions to pursue online learning.

The GW Law School Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program offers on-campus and fully online options, allowing students to choose the modality that better fits their lifestyle and educational needs. Students can also mix and match online and on-campus courses in any combination that fits their schedule. This article explores the GW Law online learning experience to help you learn what to expect if you enroll in the 100% online MSL program.  

Why Earn Your Master of Studies in Law Online?

GW Law’s MSL caters to non-lawyers seeking a fundamental understanding of the law and its application in various contexts across government, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. GW Law MSL students gain deeper knowledge of the law relevant to their field and learn how to use their legal knowledge to inform strategy and decision-making. 

Earning your MSL from GW Law online offers several unique benefits: 

• Study at a prestigious institution without relocating: Regardless of students’ location, GW Law’s presence in Washington D.C. enables students to gain D.C. insider knowledge and training, drawing on the university’s longstanding relationships with leaders in government agencies, the military, the corporate and the nonprofit world.
• Continue working while earning your degree: At GW Law School, you can earn your MSL while working full-time, allowing you to enhance your professional experience (and earn a salary) while you study. 
• Choose a pace that works for you: GW Law offers its MSL at a full-time or part-time pace, enabling you to balance your studies with your other commitments. 

Structure of the Online Learning Experience at GW Law

The GW Law MSL program offers a flexible learning approach so students can study 100% online or 100% on campus, or toggle between residential and online courses throughout the program. The online learning experience consists of synchronous, asynchronous and immersive learning activities, including analytical reading, guest lectures and self-paced lecture videos. Online students spend five to seven hours weekly on classwork for each course, including 60–90 minutes in synchronous live class sessions. 

Regardless of their chosen concentration, all students must complete 24 credits. Full-time students typically complete the program in 12–16 months, while part-time students tend to take 24–36 months. 

Engage in the Online MSL Classroom

The GW Law online MSL curriculum includes weekly live classes conducted on Zoom. These mandatory sessions allow students to ask questions and participate in discussions and debates. Live courses are essential to the GW Law online learning experience, providing real-time feedback and opportunities to network with peers and faculty members. 

You must also complete asynchronous modules and assignments to prepare for online lectures and solidify your learning afterward. Asynchronous coursework generally includes video lectures, tasks and exercises, and discussion boards. Some courses include group assignments. 

Find a System of Support as an Online Learner

GW Law is committed to helping students succeed. As an online student, you will have access to academic and professional support, including mentorship, networking and one-on-one career counseling. 

GW Law’s faculty members are scholars and practitioners respected within the legal community, government, and national media. Throughout the program, you can connect with faculty members during online classes and virtual office hours. 

Explore the Online Learning Ecosystem at George Washington University 

GW Law’s online MSL program allows working professionals to earn their advanced degrees from anywhere. The GW Law online learning experience combines synchronous and asynchronous coursework to enable students to balance their studies with their professional and family commitments without compromising on engagement and connection. 

A GW Law MSL can help you advance your career. Many GW Law graduates are recruited and employed by nonprofits, prominent government agencies and private corporations such as Amazon, the Department of Defense, Google and Boeing. 

Do you want to learn more about the GW Law online MSL experience? Attend a virtual event or schedule a program overview call with an enrollment advisor.