M_S_Law

Master of Studies in Law

Designed for students who want to bring legal knowledge to their current work or strengthen their career outlook.

RWU Law’s innovative and versatile Master of Studies in Law program offers a practical and career-focused approach to the study of law that’s designed to provide mid-career professionals with an understanding of legal doctrine and reasoning that will magnify their effectiveness and responsiveness in a broad array of fields.

From business to journalism, government to real estate, law enforcement to accounting, IT to education, compliance to environmental protection and beyond – today’s economy requires a dynamic grasp of shifting legal and regulatory landscapes that most courses of study don’t even begin to satisfy. The MSL allows you to gain this knowledge while avoiding the time and expense of obtaining a juris doctor degree, sitting for the bar or practicing law.

The MSL will provide you with a foundational understanding of law and the American legal system, while also allowing for tailor-made concentration in your specific field. By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to:

  •     identify, analyze and apply basic concepts and rules of law, both in general and in your area of specialization;
  •     spot potential legal issues and craft arguments and conclusions based on relevant facts and laws; and
  •     use your legal skills and materials to independently research, analyze, and evaluate law-related matters in your field.

Thirty credits are required to earn the degree. Below is a breakdown of the required and elective courses for the MSL Degree.

Degree Requirements

All M.S.L. students must take the following course.

    Course Description

    Introduction to the Study of Law

    Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

    Core Course

    Course Credits

    3.0

    Course Degree

    Master of Studies in Law

    Faculty Associated

    Colleen A. Brown

    Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

    Elective

    Course Credits

    1.0

    Course Degree

    Master of Studies in Law

    Faculty Associated

    Raquel M. Ortiz

In addition they must take a 1L Required Course, chosen from the list below and;
A Capstone Course/Directed Research

    Course Description

    This two-semester course provides an introduction to the law of agreements. Topics include contract formation, the doctrine of consideration and its substitutes, the Statute of Frauds, contract regulation, the parole evidence rule, interpretation, performance and breach, conditions, anticipatory breach, remedies for breach, specific performance, damages, restitution and impracticability and frustration. Both the common law and the Uniform Commercial Code are emphasized. The rights and duties of non-parties are covered to the extent possible.

    Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

    Core Course

    Course Credits

    3.0

    Course Degree

    Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

    Course Description

    This two-semester course provides an introduction to the adversary system and the historical basis and evolving functions of both the state and the federal systems of civil procedure. Topics include an introduction to claims and remedies, jurisdiction, venue, pleading, discovery, joinder of claims and parties, res judicata, collateral estoppel, disposition without trial, court selection, jury and non-jury trials, post-trial motions and appellate review. The drafting of pleadings for a case is included.

    Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

    Core Course

    Course Credits

    3.0

    Course Degree

    Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

    Course Description

    This course examines the general principles of substantive criminal law and concepts of mens rea, causation, parties, elements, criminal responsibility and capacity, justification, excuse and defenses.

    Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

    Core Course

    Course Credits

    3.0

    Course Degree

    Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

    Faculty Associated

    Tara I. AllenEmily J. Sack

    Course Description

    This course provide an introduction to the law of liability for civil wrongs. Topics include intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, nuisance and damages.

    Course Type See Course Type Descriptions

    Core Course

    Course Credits

    3.0

    Course Degree

    Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in Law

Students chose the remaining courses needed to earn the degree from our elective offerings, in the subject matter area they deem most important to their particular goals.
See a full list of electives available here.

Subject Matter Areas

Subject matter areas that students can study include:

Headshot of Katie Mulvaney

Adding Depth

Katie Mulvaney Master of Studies in Law

Seasoned newspaper reporter Katie Mulvaney decided to take her legal-beat knowledge to the next level by entering RWU Law’s Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program. Here, Mulvaney talks about her decision.

Read full story
Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.