McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific offers a Master of Science in Law (MSL) program designed to provide graduate-level legal education through a variety of areas of study and program formats. Katjana Wurschum, Director of Graduate & Online Programs, provided an overview of the program, its concentrations, and the next steps for prospective students interested in applying.
The MSL offers several concentrations, with options available in different formats. Three concentrations are offered fully online: Business Law, Government Law & Policy, and Water & Environmental Law. The program also offers two hybrid concentrations, Health Law and Human Resources Law, which combine online and in-person courses. Students can also pursue a general Master of Science in Law without a concentration.
The Master of Science in Law (MSL) degree allows students to gain expertise in an area of law without pursuing a traditional JD, and it can be a valuable option for professionals who are looking for or need a background in a specific area of law. The degree can also enhance potential for career advancement by providing an education in law that complements a student’s existing professional background. For those considering a change in employment fields or starting a new career, the MSL may help them get their foot in the door in a new field.
Curriculum and Concentrations at McGeorge
The MSL offers flexibility to accommodate students’ different schedules and commitments. The program is considered full-time, with two courses per semester (six units) as the standard course load. All students must complete 26 units to graduate with an MSL. In their first semester, all MSL students, regardless of concentration, take two required courses: Introduction to Legal Analysis and Contracts Analytical Skills.- The Government Law & Policy concentration serves a broad range of professionals working in government affairs, lobbying, legislative staff, and similar areas. Most students in the concentration work for a local, state, or federal agency. Coursework includes Executive Branch and Administrative State and Legislature and Lawmaking, Government Law and Policy, Persuasive Public Speaking, and Leadership in Organization.
- Business Law prepares professionals to address regulatory concerns, contracts, and risk management. Second-semester students take Business Organizations and Negotiations, Persuasive Public Speaking, and Leadership in Organization. The remaining units are made up of electives.
- The Water & Environmental Law concentration attracts consultants, engineers, and individuals working for water agencies, environmental agencies, and nonprofits who work with legislative and regulatory matters. McGeorge’s environmental law program is also frequently recognized among the top environmental law programs in the United States. Coursework includes Executive Branch and Administrative State and Legislature and Lawmaking, as well as Water Resources Law, Persuasive Public Speaking, and Leadership in Organization.
- Health Law is designed for students working in healthcare or with healthcare organizations and dealing with issues such as patient privacy, healthcare finance, and policy reform. It includes an online Health Law course, as well as Reproductive Rights and Justice and Elder Law and Social Policy, which are offered on campus.
- The Human Resources Law concentration is geared toward professionals working in human resources and other areas involving employment law, workplace compliance, discrimination, labor relations, and other areas with significant legal regulation. Online courses include Employment Law and Contract Drafting, while Implicit Bias in the Law and Labor Law are offered on campus.