Michigan State University College of Law Online Global Food Law Program

The Michigan State University (MSU) College of Law offers a fully online master’s degree in Global Food Law through two parallel tracks designed for different professional backgrounds: the Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) for non-lawyers and international professionals without a U.S. law degree, and the Master of Laws (LL.M.) for practicing attorneys and J.D. holders. Both degrees are earned entirely online, making MSU’s Global Food Law program one of the only programs of its kind in the United States.

The program is tailored for professionals working in the food and agriculture industries, food safety, regulatory agencies, government, and other fields where understanding the complex legal environment surrounding food production, distribution, and policy is essential. Students and alumni work in roles spanning in-house counsel, food safety analysis, supply chain management, product development, labeling compliance, and risk assessment. The average student is 39 years old at the time of admission — reflecting the program’s focus on experienced professionals looking to deepen their legal expertise without leaving their careers.

MSU draws on the resources of one of the world’s leading food science universities, and program faculty includes practitioners and experts with deep experience in applied food law and policy. Students work with an advisor each semester to select courses from the menu offered by both the College of Law and the Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR). Up to 12 credits earned through the IFLR Certificate Program prior to enrollment may be applied toward the degree upon acceptance.

MSU College of Law is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Program Highlights

  • One of the only online master’s programs focused exclusively on global food law in the United States, established in 2011
  • Two degree tracks: M.J. (Master of Jurisprudence) for non-lawyers and international professionals; LL.M. (Master of Laws) for U.S. J.D. holders and practicing attorneys
  • Fully online and designed for working professionals; three start terms per year (fall, spring, summer)
  • Flexible, self-directed curriculum: students choose electives based on their area of interest in food law, supported by faculty advising
  • Up to 12 credits from the IFLR Certificate Program may transfer in upon acceptance
  • Guest Student option available for those who wish to take individual courses before committing to the full degree
  • Program must be completed within five academic years; minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA required
  • Average student age at admission: 39; interdisciplinary cohort of lawyers, regulators, food scientists, industry professionals, and government officials

Degree Requirements

M.J. (Master of Jurisprudence) — for non-lawyers and international attorneys without a U.S. J.D.: 26 credits total, including the required 2-credit Foundations of Law and Legal Research course (807A) plus 24 credits of core and elective courses.

LL.M. (Master of Laws) — for U.S. J.D. holders: 24 credits total; Foundations of Law course not required.

Both tracks require at least 4 courses originating at MSU Law. Core courses cover topics including U.S. Food and Drug Law and Food Regulation in the U.S.; elective offerings span international food law, labeling, supply chain regulation, food safety policy, and related areas.

Program Details

  • Test Requirement: No LSAT or GRE required
  • Study Length: Up to 5 years to complete; three start terms per year
  • Credits: 26 (M.J.) / 24 (LL.M.)

Admission Requirements

  • Online application (via MSU’s application portal)
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended (foreign transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution in both original language and official translation, if applicable; emailed to grad.admissions@law.msu.edu or mailed to OGIP, MSU College of Law, 648 North Shaw Lane, Room 364, East Lansing, MI 48824)
  • English proficiency scores (TOEFL or IELTS), if applicable
  • Application fee: $65 domestic / $75 international

Contact Information:

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

Michigan State University’s Global Food Law program information was last updated in March 2026. For more information, visit the university’s website above.