In today’s complex professional world, legal knowledge is a powerful asset not just for attorneys, but for leaders and specialists across industries. From healthcare and human resources to environmental regulation and public administration, understanding the law equips professionals to make better decisions, lead with confidence, and advance their careers.
McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific offers flexible graduate programs designed for professionals who want to strengthen their expertise at the intersection of law and policy — all supported by a dynamic community of alumni, faculty, and career-focused resources.
Legal Education Designed for Professionals
McGeorge offers fully online and hybrid graduate programs that allow working professionals to advance their education on their own schedule. These programs are designed to deliver practical knowledge and real-world skills that translate directly into career advancement, leadership roles, and public impact.
Master of Science in Law (MSL)
The MSL is a customizable, 26-unit program designed for individuals who work with the law or legal concepts but do not plan to become practicing attorneys. The degree offers five concentration areas:
- Government Law and Policy: Provides in-depth knowledge of legislation, regulation, and policymaking
- Water & Environmental Law: Offers legal expertise in water rights, environmental regulations, and sustainable policy development, preparing them to address today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
- Business Law: Addresses regulatory concerns, contracts, and risk management.
- Health: Equips essential legal reasoning and analytical skills for career advancement in the healthcare sector.
- Human Resources: Provides the legal insights needed to navigate labor laws, mitigate risks, and foster fair workplace policies.
If you’re employed in compliance, administration, or regulatory roles, the MSL helps professionals gain a deeper understanding of the legal system and how it affects their work. The program is available fully online, and courses are taught by McGeorge’s experienced faculty with backgrounds in law, government, and public policy.
Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP)
McGeorge also offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) focused on preparing ethical, effective leaders in public service.
- The MPA is ideal for professionals in government, nonprofit, or civic leadership roles, with a curriculum emphasizing law, policy, organizational management, and public finance.
- The MPP prepares students for careers in policy development, research, and analysis, with concentrations available in areas such as Environmental & Water Policy and Public and Nonprofit Leadership.
These programs are offered in hybrid formats, combining online learning with in-person sessions, and provide hands-on learning opportunities through internships, policy labs, and real-world case studies.
Master of Laws (LLM) in Water & Environmental Law
For professionals who already hold a JD or international law degree, McGeorge offers a Master of Laws (LLM) in Water & Environmental Law, a 24-unit program available fully online. This program provides advanced legal training in a highly specialized area of law, ideal for legal professionals looking to deepen their expertise in environmental regulation, natural resources, and water policy.
Courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to learn from anywhere while engaging with faculty who are active in environmental legal practice and policy development.
Building Career Connections That Last
McGeorge’s graduate programs are supported by the school’s Career Services Office, which offers students access to:
- Career advising
- Resume and interview support
- Networking opportunities
- Job search tools and resources
Graduates also benefit from being part of a broad McGeorge alumni community, which includes professionals in law, government, nonprofits, and private industry throughout California and beyond. While not branded as a formal “law network,” this professional community provides a valuable environment for mentorship, collaboration, and career growth.
The McGeorge Edge
Choosing a graduate program from McGeorge means more than earning a respected credential. It means gaining:
- Access to a highly experienced, interdisciplinary faculty
- Flexible formats designed for working professionals
- Programs rooted in legal reasoning, public policy, and leadership
- A supportive community of alumni, educators, and legal professionals
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re working in government, corporate management, healthcare, human resources, or environmental advocacy, McGeorge offers graduate programs designed to expand your impact and increase your career mobility.