
ONLINE MASTER OF STUDIES IN LAW (MSL)
Legal knowledge for professionals - without becoming a lawyer.
Akron Law's Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is a fully online graduate degree designed for professionals whose work involves legal concepts, compliance, contracts, regulation, policy, or collaboration with legal teams - yet do not intend to practice law.
Note: This degree is not available for international students in F-1 status studying in the United States.
Program Purpose:
The Akron Law Online MSL Program is designed to:
- Equip professionals with a strong foundational understanding of U.S. legal principles.
- Enhance interdisciplinary expertise for individuals whose work involves legal concepts or intersects with legal professionals.
- Offer a flexible, fully online educational experience that accommodates the needs of working professionals.
- Provide targeted legal education through specialized concentrations in Business Law and Technology Law, allowing students to tailor their legal knowledge to specific industries.
- Prepare graduates for evolving legal adjacent roles shaped by innovation, regulation, and the increasing intersection of law and technology.
Program at a glance
- Format: 100% asynchronous online
- Total Credits: 30 credit hours
- Start Term: Fall (August)
- Pace: Complete in as little as one academic year full-time, or complete part-time with flexible pacing.
- No LSAT or GRE required
Student Learning Outcomes:
Graduates of the Akron Law Online MSL program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a foundational understanding of the American legal system, including the roles of courts, statutes, and regulatory frameworks.
- Apply legal reasoning and analysis to issues encountered in business, technology, and other professional settings.
- Communicate effectively in legal contexts, particularly through writing and analytical exercises relevant to professional roles.
- Uphold ethical standards and recognize legal implications of decisions in their respective fields.
- Lead and make informed decisions in environments impacted by legal issues, compliance requirements, and emerging technologies.
- Contribute meaningfully to cross-disciplinary teams by bridging the gap between law and other professional domains.
Curriculum (30 credits)
Required Core (12 credits)
- Intro to the American Legal system (3)
- Legal Analysis and Writing (3)
- Ethics for Legal Professionals (3)
- Capstone (3)
Elective Courses (18 credits)
- Business Track Electives
- Technology Track Electives
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need an LSAT or GRE?
No
Can I practice law with an MSL?
No. The MSL does not qualify you for the bar exam or legal practice.
How long does it take to finish?
As little as one academic year full-time, or longer part-time.
Can international students apply?
International applicants may apply, but the degree is not available for international students in F-1 status studying in the U.S.
Questions?
Misty D. Franklin
Director of Online Education and Master of Studies in Law
330-972-6456
misty@uakron.edu
Related
The MSL does not qualify recipients to take the bar exam or practice law, and credits taken in the MSL program are not transferable to the J.D.