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Advance Your Career With a Master of Studies in Law

Stand out in competitive industries by earning your MSL and gaining critical legal skills.

Tell us about yourself.

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by George Washington University and its partners via email, phone, or text for program information and application guidance. You grant us permission to call or text you at this number, and that contact may be made using automated dialing systems and/or an artificial or prerecorded voice.

Flexible, Diverse Curriculum

Engage in our rigorous yet manageable curriculum through your own customized mix of online and on-campus courses.

Six
Concentrations

Build your 24-credit Master of Studies in Law program with one of six areas of concentration.

Self-Paced Learning

Complete your degree in one year as a full-time student or take courses at a part-time pace to suit your schedule.

MSL for Professionals

The George Washington University Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is designed for non-lawyers who want to lead conversations, initiatives, and negotiations in the world of government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. As an MSL student, you’ll learn how to think like a lawyer and strategize like a leader through a fundamental understanding of the law and how to apply it in various contexts.

Concentrations

The GW Master of Studies in Law program offers students the flexibility to learn online or on campus and choose from one of six available concentrations to complete their 24-credit program:

Government Procurement Law

Gain a rich understanding of how government contracts and procurement systems operate, both in the U.S. and abroad.

National Security & Cybersecurity Law

Explore the legal and policy issues surrounding national security, cybersecurity, AI, big data, and new technologies, and understand how nation-states, individuals, and corporations seek to exploit and protect against vulnerabilities in order to conduct war or disrupt, destroy, or threaten essential services.

Two students discussing a project to complete their master of studies in law online degree.

Government Procurement

& Cybersecurity Law

Specialize your government procurement knowledge with cybersecurity legal expertise.

Two law colleagues consult a laptop with a graphic of a engineering system shown in the background.

National Security & U.S. Foreign Relations Law

Develop expertise in U.S. law that shapes national security and foreign policy. Explore the legal aspects of counterterrorism, armed forces abroad, intelligence operations, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Person looking at screens with hand on their chin

Privacy, Data Security, and Technology Law

This program covers what both governments and private actors in the United States need to do when they’re using technology to interact with, influence, or collect information about people. Topics include the evolving rules that apply to artificial intelligence, state and federal limits on what information can be collected about people and what can be done with it, and the duties organizations have to secure personal information.

Two people sitting at a table going over paperwork

Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law

Modern business requires a strong understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks for financial markets, compliance, corporate governance, and transactions. As corporate systems become more complex, legal risks and opportunities demand professionals skilled in these areas. This program is designed for those in financial regulation, banking, FinTech, private equity, consulting, compliance, and public policy.


Apply to GW’s MSL: Key Dates

Spring 2026
Final Complete Deadline
November 1, 2025
Begin Your Journey

GW Advantages

We invest in our students’ success through strong academic and professional support, which includes mentorship, networking, and one-on-one career counseling. Our location in the heart of Washington, D.C., provides students with access to the nation’s most influential legal and policy activity, making our program immersive and unparalleled. You’ll learn from law faculty members with prominent backgrounds who are active in their fields at government agencies and businesses, including the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Microsoft, Google, and others.

Our graduates are recruited and employed by prominent government agencies, private corporations, and nonprofits, including:

  • Amazon
  • Boeing
  • Department of Defense
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • General Dynamics
  • General Services Administration (GSA)
  • Google
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Meta
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Raytheon

FAQ

Students in the MSL program are required to complete 24 credit hours. On average, students can earn their degree in 12-16 months at a full-time pace or 24-36 months at a part-time pace.

Yes. Students have a variety of options to fund their education. Request more information, and an enrollment adviser will contact you to answer any questions you may have.

Connecting with an enrollment adviser will help you:

  • Understand the program admissions criteria and know whether you are eligible to apply
  • Gain insight into application best practices and how to submit a strong application
  • Know what to expect in your online classroom, including the level of faculty interaction, program outcomes, and more
  • Have an immediate line of support in the event you have questions or need clarification about the MSL program

Master the Law With Your MSL

Open doors to opportunities that extend beyond the traditional legal landscape. Our MSL prepares you to become a versatile expert in the law, ready to navigate complexities in a diverse range of industries. Gain a competitive edge and prepare for professional growth with our Master of Studies in Law.

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