Distance Learning

USC Gould Launches Online Master of Studies in Law Program

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 03/16/16

The University of Southern California has announced a build-out of its law degree offerings with a new online degree. The Gould School of Law will be kicking off an online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program in fall 2016. Graduates will gain an understanding of how the United States legal system functions but won't be allowed to sit for any bar exam or practice law in this country.

The new degree will reside alongside the university's other online law degree offering, the Online Master of Laws, which is designed for international attorneys and others with the same goal — learning more about U.S. law. In fact, students from both programs will sit "alongside" each other for many of the same course offerings.

Applicants for the MSL must already have a bachelor's degree. During the program they'll complete 21 units, including two requirements: the U.S. legal system and legal research, as well as at least 18 units of elective courses, such as business for lawyers, constitutional law, mergers and acquisitions and securities regulation.

It's expected that students will be able to complete their degrees within three semesters. Tuition is $2,214 per credit hour; 21 credit hours would total about $46,500.

According to Deborah Call, associate dean of USC Gould's graduate and international programs, students will receive instruction from both full-time and adjunct faculty members within the law school.