Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Program
Program Overview
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) at the University of Florida Levin College of Law is a fully online, 30-credit graduate degree designed for working professionals who work adjacent to the law but do not intend to practice law.
Whether you’re in compliance, tax, finance, healthcare, estate planning, or another profession that may encounter legal issues, the MSL program provides a solid legal foundation tailored to your profession.
You’ll gain practical knowledge of the legal landscape relevant to your industry—strengthening your decision-making, compliance awareness, and leadership capabilities.
Program Highlights
- 30-credit fully online program
- Complete in as little as one year (Most students complete in two years for work-life balance)
- Three start terms per year: Fall, Spring, and Summer
- Specialized areas of study designed to match industry needs
Concentrations and Areas of Study
Concentrations
Choose from one of the following specialized tracks, or customize your own:
The Tax and Finance Compliance concentration equips students with a practical understanding of the regulatory landscape governing today’s financial and business environments. Through coursework designed for non-lawyers, students gain foundational knowledge of federal tax principles, corporate finance regulations, and compliance frameworks that shape organizational decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application, teaching students how to identify risk, interpret regulatory requirements, and support ethical and legally compliant financial operations. Graduates emerge prepared to contribute meaningfully to compliance teams, financial departments, and business leadership roles where tax literacy and regulatory awareness are essential.
- International Financial Crime Regulation
- Income Taxation for Non-Lawyers
- Introduction to Business Entity Taxation
- Introduction to Corporate Finance and Securities Regulation
- Federal Tax Withholding and Reporting Obligations
The Healthcare Compliance concentration prepares students to excel in one of the most highly regulated industries in the nation. Through focused coursework in healthcare law, patient privacy, fraud and abuse regulations, and compliance program development, students gain the tools to support ethical and legally sound healthcare operations. Designed for professionals working in all areas of hospitals, clinics, insurance, biotech, or healthcare administration, this track equips graduates to manage complex regulatory requirements and contribute to organizational accountability and patient trust.
- Health Law Survey for Non-Lawyers
- Elder Law Survey for Non-Lawyers
- Introduction to the Regulation of Healthcare Technology & Pharmaceutical Products
- Bioethics and the Law for Non-Lawyers
- Advanced Elder Law for Non-Lawyers
- Advanced Health Law Survey for Non-Lawyers
The Tax, Financial Services, and Estate Planning concentration offers comprehensive classes for professionals working in finance, tax and estate planning, and those interested in learning more about those areas. This area combines core principles of taxation with essential knowledge in wealth management, fiduciary duties, and estate planning all from a legal perspective. Students gain the legal literacy needed to analyze financial regulations, support estate planning decisions, and work effectively alongside attorneys and financial advisors. This track is ideal for professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise in finance and estate planning environments.
- Wills and Trusts for Non-Lawyers
- Income Taxation for Non-Lawyers
- Taxation of Trusts and Estates for Non-Lawyers
- Introduction to Estate Planning
- Fiduciary Administration for Non-Lawyers
The General MSL track offers maximum flexibility for professionals seeking a broad graduate legal education tailored to their careers. Students can design an individualized curriculum by selecting courses across multiple legal disciplines — compliance, healthcare, financial services, tax, and estate planning. The General MSL offers students the ability to truly customize what they want and need in a program, creating a versatile pathway aligned with their goals. Ideal for leaders across industries, this track builds foundational legal fluency, sharpens critical thinking skills, and provides a competitive edge in roles that intersect with legal and regulatory issues.
Students seeking a general MSL may select 9 classes (18 credits) from the areas of study courses or the electives list of courses. See the MSL Curriculum Roadmap.
Areas of Study
Explores the legal and business frameworks that govern sports and entertainment industries, including contracts, intellectual property, sponsorships, licensing, and regulatory compliance. Designed for professionals working alongside athletes, teams, artists, and media organizations.
- Sports Law
- Entertainment Law
- Advanced Contracts
- Privacy Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution or Negotiation Workshop (1) and Professional Communication (1)
This area of study provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal and regulatory frameworks governing banking and financial services. Courses examine compliance obligations, fiduciary responsibilities, contract management, securities regulation, and cross-border financial crime and taxation. Designed for professionals working in or alongside financial institutions, this group equips students with practical legal knowledge to manage risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and navigate complex financial transactions in a highly regulated global environment.
- Brokers and Dealers
- Advanced Contracts
- Fiduciary Administration
- Banking Law and Regulation
- International Crime Taxation
- Employment Law Fundamentals
- Workplace Investigations and Compliance
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Professional Communication and Negotiation Workshop
- Privacy Law
- Education Law
- Special Education Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Professional Communication and Negotiation Workshop
- Privacy Law
*Select classes from the above areas along with electives to build a unique program.
Learn Online or In-Person
Fully Online
Courses blend asynchronous learning (on your schedule) with optional live sessions for enhanced engagement. Classes are led by UF Law faculty and seasoned legal professionals, providing a balance of real-world insight and academic rigor.
Online & In-Person
This option blends online learning with in-person classes held in Jacksonville, Florida. Students attend classes on four weekends during the 13-week term (Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Between these weekends, coursework and assignments are completed online, keeping students connected with faculty and classmates.
Faculty Perspectives
“The MSL is a great opportunity for professionals to expand their knowledge of the legal and regulatory frameworks that impact their work. My Wills and Trusts course explores estate planning tools and the legal logic behind them—crucial knowledge for financial advisors, trust officers, and anyone planning for future generations.”
—Danaya Wright,
T. Terrell Sessums and Gerald Sohn Professor in Constitutional Law
Professor of Law
“The MSL at UF Law empowers professionals to understand and navigate the legal rules shaping their industries. This knowledge enhances how they interact with clients, colleagues, and regulators—while also supporting stronger personal and professional decision-making.”
—Charlene Luke,
Hubert C. Hurst Eminent Scholar Chair in Law;
Professor of Law
“It is essential for non-lawyers working in healthcare to understand compliance because it directly impacts patient safety, data privacy, and organizational integrity. A strong foundation in legal principles helps ensure accountability and minimizes risk.”
—Rebecca Ramirez, Adjunct Professor
“Welcome to the MSL program at UF Law. This program is crafted for professionals like you—those working in compliance, tax, finance, charitable giving, and healthcare—who want to deepen their understanding of the law. Our goal is to equip you with legal fluency that enhances your professional capabilities and competitive edge in today’s evolving workforce. I look forward to supporting your academic and career success.”
—Jennifer McIntyre, Assistant Dean for Online and Graduate Programs
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree is a graduate program for non-lawyers and does not qualify graduates to sit for the bar examination or to practice law.
Meet the Team
Carlens Clervoyant
Program Manager for Online and Graduate Programs and Students
clervoyant@law.ufl.edu
MSL Program Office
msl@law.ufl.edu
(352) 273-0818