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:
Areas of Study
- Sports and Entertainment Law
- Sports Law
- Entertainment and Media Law
- Advanced Contracts
- Privacy Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution or Negotiation Workshop (1) and Professional Communication (1)
- Financial Regulations and Securities
- Brokers and Dealers
- Advanced Contracts
- Fiduciary Administration
- Banking Law and Regulation
- International Crime Taxation
- Employment Law and Compliance (coming soon)
- Education Law (coming soon)
*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.
Admissions Criteria
We seek applicants with relevant professional experience or academic preparation and a strong interest in the intersection of law and their current field.
Application Information
International applicants, please click here for more information.
If you are a UF employee, please contact the program office for more information as a limited number of EEP applicants may be accepted each term.
Tuition and Fees
- Residents: $743.31 per credit
- Non-residents: $1352.15 per credit
Application Deadlines
- Fall 2026 material deadline – August 3, 2026
- Spring 2027 material deadline – January 5, 2027
Students may apply to begin in the Fall, Spring, or Summer terms.
Applications will be reviewed once all required materials have been received.
Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Program FAQ
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.
Concentrations are offered in Tax and Financial Compliance, Healthcare Compliance and Financial Services and Estate Planning. Areas of Study are available in Sport and Entertainment Law, Banking Regulation and Compliance, Employment Law and Compliance (coming soon), Education Law (coming soon) and more.
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.
We aim to have intimate class size in all industry focused classes.
Currently, the MSL program is not accepting transfer of credits.
No. Currently, according to ABA standards, a law school may only grant credit for courses taken in a Juris Doctorate program.
The MSL application process consists of the application, application fee, statement of purpose, resume or CV and official transcripts from all colleges and universities where a degree was earned. Applicants can submit unofficial transcripts and be offered a decision with unofficial transcripts. Upon acceptance students must submit official transcripts within the first term.
Yes, students may apply for financial aid loans. Please find more information here. Students must maintain a minimum of 5 credits each term to be compliant.
The MSL program is 30 credits in length. Students can complete in as quickly as 1 year, 3 semesters. The average length to completion is 2-3 years. Students must complete the program within 5 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 apply to begin the program in the Fall, Spring or Summer terms.
Contact us at MSL@law.ufl.edu
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.