Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program is intended for non-lawyers who work in professions where legal knowledge, regulatory compliance, and legal analysis play a critical role. The program is designed to help professionals understand how law impacts their field without requiring them to become practicing attorneys. Professionals from a variety of fields will benefit.

• Banking Professionals
• Insurance Professionals
• Financial Advisers
• Estate Planners
• Cybersecurity
• Leaders in Education
• Healthcare Professionals
• Human Resources Professionals
• Tax Professionals
• Sports and Entertainment Professionals
• Compliance Officers and Directors
• Fraud Prevention
• Regulatory Officers
• Risk Managers
• Pharmaceutical Professionals
• Public Healthcare Compliance and Privacy Officers
• Special Educators
• Small Business Owners
• Corporate Managers and Executives and many more

No, the MSL degree is for non-lawyers. Graduates may not sit for the bar or practice law.

The MSL offers three concentrations: Financial & Tax Compliance, Healthcare Compliance, Financial Services & Estate Planning, as well as a General Legal Studies track. Areas of study include Sports and Entertainment Law, Banking Regulation and Compliance, Employment Law and Compliance, and Education Law.

The MSL program serves professionals who seek to deepen their understanding of the law as it applies to their careers without pursuing a traditional law degree. Concentrations and Areas of Study allow students to focus their studies on areas directly relevant to their professional responsibilities.

MSL classes are kept small, with an emphasis on intimate class sizes in all industry-focused courses.

Transfer of credits may be accepted, for a review please contact the program staff.

No. Currently, according to ABA standards, a law school may only grant credit for courses taken in a Juris Doctorate program.

The MSL application consists of the UF Graduate Application, the application fee, a statement of purpose, a resume or CV, and official transcripts from every college or university where a degree was earned. No LSAT or GRE score is required, and letters of recommendation are not required. Applicants may receive a decision on unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts must be submitted within the first term.

Yes. MSL students may apply for federal financial aid loans and must maintain a minimum of 5 credits each term to remain eligible. See Costs and Financial Aid for details.

The MSL program is 30 credits. Students can finish in as little as one year across three semesters. All students must complete the program within five years.

Most students take 2-3 classes per term; most classes are 2 credits.

The classes are taught by both full-time law faculty and industry experts.

The program is offered 100% online and in-person at the University of Florida’s Jacksonville campus.

Yes! The MSL students are invited to the University of Florida’s main campus in Gainesville for commencement.

Students may begin the MSL program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer term. The Fall 2026 materials deadline is August 3, 2026, and the Spring 2027 priority deadline is December 11, 2026.

Contact the MSL Program Office at MSL@law.ufl.edu or (352) 273-0818.

The MSL program is 30 credit hours. Florida residents pay $745.14 per credit hour, or $22,355 in total tuition. Non-residents pay $1,445.30 per credit hour, or $43,359 in total tuition. Tuition is billed per term based on enrollment, and additional university fees and course materials apply.

No. Test scores are not used to make admission decisions for the MSL program. International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 (iBT or Home Edition) or an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5.