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University of Southern California

University of Southern California Gould School of Law offers an online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) for professionals who want to better understand legal issues without pursuing a Juris Doctor degree. USC Gould states that the program is designed for seasoned and early-career nonlawyer professionals and is not intended to train students to become attorneys or prepare them for a state bar exam.

The online MSL is a part-time, 100% online program. USC Gould states that the program combines self-paced asynchronous work with real-time synchronous components, including weekly live discussions facilitated by faculty. The program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as few as 16 months.

USC Gould’s online MSL requires at least 21 credit units, including three mandatory units and 18 units of electives. Students may complete a general MSL or pursue a certificate track that aligns with their career goals. USC Gould states that certificates can be earned concurrently with the MSL at no additional cost.

USC Gould School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.

University of Southern California – Online MSL Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Studies in Law

School: USC Gould School of Law

Format: Part time and online

Course Delivery: Synchronous and asynchronous online coursework

Credits: At least 21 units

Program Length: As few as 16 months

Start Terms: Fall, spring, and summer

Tuition: USC Gould’s online MSL tuition page lists 2026–2027 tuition at $3,344 per unit. USC Gould lists the approximate total cost for the 21-unit degree at $70,224, in addition to applicable fees.

Program Website: USC Gould – Online Master of Studies in Law

Certificate Tracks

USC Gould’s online MSL certificate tracks page states that each certificate requires 12 units of study and can be completed as part of the online MSL degree at no additional cost.

USC Gould currently lists the following online MSL certificate tracks:

  • Business Law
  • Compliance
  • Entertainment Law and Industry
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Financial Compliance
  • Health Care Compliance
  • Human Resources Law and Compliance
  • Law and Government
  • Privacy Law and Cybersecurity
  • Real Estate Law
  • Social Work Administration
  • Technology and Entrepreneurship Law

Students may also complete the MSL without pursuing a certificate track.

Curriculum

USC Gould’s online MSL curriculum requires at least 21 units. Mandatory courses include:

  • Introduction to the U.S. Legal System
  • Legal Research

Students then choose at least 18 units of electives. USC Gould lists elective categories including U.S. Law and Skills Building, Business Law, Compliance, Entertainment Law and Industry, Dispute Resolution, Financial Compliance, Health Care Compliance, Human Resources Law and Compliance, Law and Government, Privacy Law and Cybersecurity, Real Estate Law, Social Work Administration, and Technology and Entrepreneurship Law.

USC Gould states that most online coursework is asynchronous, allowing students to complete readings, discussion board posts, assignments, quizzes, and exams on their own time. Each class also includes a synchronous “live session,” which USC describes as a 60- to 75-minute virtual class designed to enhance the online experience.

Admissions Requirements

USC Gould’s online MSL application instructions state that applicants must have earned, or plan to receive before enrolling, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. USC Gould states that prior exposure to or experience in law is not required.

Application materials include:

  • Online application
  • Personal statement
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions attended
  • English-language proficiency materials for international applicants, when applicable

USC Gould recommends that the personal statement address why the applicant wants to pursue the MSL, how they plan to use the degree to advance their career, and what strategies they will use to be successful as an online graduate student.

USC Gould states that the online MSL offers three starts per year: fall, spring, and summer. Prospective students should review the current dates and deadlines before applying.

Accreditation and Required Disclosures

USC Gould School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.

USC Gould also states that the online MSL degree and certificate programs do not qualify students to sit for the bar exam or become licensed attorneys. Students who intend to practice law should pursue a JD degree.

State Authorization

USC Gould’s online MSL application page includes state authorization information. USC states that, due to online learning regulations, the online MSL is not available to students residing in all states. Effective May 1, 2026, USC Gould states that it is unable to accept new applications for admission to the online MSL from students currently residing in Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oregon, and Puerto Rico.

Prospective students should review USC Gould’s current state authorization information and contact USC Gould directly with eligibility questions before applying.

Contact Information

USC Gould lists the following contact information for the online MSL:

  • USC Gould School of Law, Graduate & International Programs
  • University of Southern California
  • Los Angeles, California 90089-0071
  • Email: msl@law.usc.edu

Notes for Prospective Students

USC Gould’s online MSL is designed for professionals who want legal knowledge they can apply in fields such as business, compliance, entertainment, financial services, health care, human resources, government, privacy, cybersecurity, real estate, social work administration, or technology. It is not a JD program and does not prepare students to become licensed attorneys.

Prospective students should confirm current tuition, fees, certificate track availability, application deadlines, state authorization restrictions, and admissions requirements directly with USC Gould before applying.

Please contact the program to determine if the program is available for your state of residence.

Information on this page was last updated in June 2026. If you have additional information that is best fit for this page, reach out to us at contactus@onlinemasteroflegalstudies.com.