The Master of Science in Law (MSL) is a graduate degree designed for professionals who want to gain legal knowledge without becoming practicing attorneys. It provides a strong foundation in legal reasoning and analysis, helping professionals across industries, such as government, business, healthcare, human resources, and nonprofit sectors, navigate legal and regulatory frameworks in their fields.
McGeorge offers several concentration options to allow students to specialize their degree:
Students in the General MSL can tailor their curriculum to fit their interests and career goals with the support of faculty and advisors.
If you want to become a practicing attorney and take the Bar Exam, a Juris Doctor (JD) is the appropriate degree. The MSL is designed for professionals who want to enhance their expertise with legal knowledge relevant to their field but do not intend to become licensed attorneys.
McGeorge School of Law has been educating lawyers in Sacramento since the 1920s. McGeorge alumni dominate lists of the 100 most influential attorneys in Sacramento and McGeorge alumni are leaders in state agencies, lobbying firms and non-profit organizations as well as law firms in Sacramento and beyond. Members of our McGeorge family serve on nonprofit boards, provide pro-bono legal services, and participate as active community volunteers for dozens of local and national community outreach organizations. Students, faculty, staff and alumni contribute thousands of hours annually to support important community and charitable efforts.
MSL courses are taught by McGeorge’s distinguished faculty and highly qualified adjunct instructors. Adjuncts are often practicing professionals in law, government, and business, bringing real-world insight into the classroom.
Some classes may include both JD and MSL students, but many MSL courses are designed specifically for the needs of non-lawyers pursuing legal training related to their profession.
All MSL concentrations require completion of 26 credit hours. Required and elective courses vary by concentration. Please see the curriculum page for more details.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or support. Check with your HR department to see if your organization offers educational benefits.
MSL programs offer starts in both Fall (August) and Spring (January). Visit the academic calendar for specific dates.
Yes. All students are expected to complete orientation prior to the start of the semester. This may be conducted online or in person depending on your program format.
Yes. Some concentrations are offered fully online, while others follow a hybrid format with limited in-person sessions. Students in hybrid programs typically attend in-person class sessions on a few weekends each semester, with the rest of the coursework delivered online.
Most students take about six units per semester. Expect 1.5 to 3 hours of study time for every hour of instructional time.
Yes. Limited summer coursework is available, including an optional one-unit hybrid course with an on-campus component.
No. Students from many states outside California are welcome to apply. McGeorge complies with state authorization regulations that govern whether an institution can offer distance education in a specific state.
State authorization is a U.S. Department of Education requirement for universities offering online programs to students in other states. Each state has its own rules, so eligibility may vary. The University of the Pacific is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
To learn more, visit our State Authorization page.
If you’re unsure about eligibility in your state, please contact us at graduatelaw@pacific.edu.
Yes! All MSL students are part of the McGeorge community and are welcome to participate in on-campus events, lectures, and networking opportunities as desired.
No prior legal education is required. Most MSL students come from non-law backgrounds. Foundational courses early in the program are designed to bring all students up to speed in legal reasoning and key concepts.
A personal interview may be requested to better understand your goals and background. We look for applicants with relevant professional experience who bring diverse perspectives to the learning community.
Official transcripts from all prior colleges/universities
Admissions decisions are communicated via email. If admitted, you will receive an official letter as an attachment.
We recommend applying early for maximum flexibility. Generally, admitted students must confirm their intent to enroll within two weeks of admission, though extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. MSL students may be eligible for federal financial aid. Additionally, McGeorge offers Dean’s Scholarships for highly qualified applicants. Contact our Financial Aid Office at finaid@pacific.edu or 916.739.7158 for more information.
Contact the Graduate & International Programs Office
Email | 916.739.7019