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
Core CourseCourse Credits
3.0Course Degree
Master of Studies in LawFaculty Associated
Colleen A. BrownCourse Type
ElectiveCourse Credits
1.0Course Degree
Master of Studies in LawFaculty Associated
Raquel M. OrtizIn 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
Core CourseCourse Credits
3.0Course Degree
Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in LawCourse 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
Core CourseCourse Credits
3.0Course Degree
Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in LawCourse 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
Core CourseCourse Credits
3.0Course Degree
Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in LawCourse 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
Core CourseCourse Credits
3.0Course Degree
Juris DoctorMaster of Studies in LawStudents 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:
Admiralty and Maritime Law
Students of Maritime or Admiralty Law engage with the vast body of laws governing maritime activities, including relations between private entities that operate vessels on the oceans.
Business and Corporate Law
Business and corporate lawyers assist partnerships, publicly and privately held companies, business start-ups, and others, on their numerous legal rights, responsibilities and obligations.
Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
This track is designed for students seeking a strong background in litigation and trial advocacy, from basic evidence and civil procedure to hands-on judicial and legal externships.
Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law usually refers to rights granted by the U.S. Constitution. Cases often involve the Bill of Rights, or respective rights of federal and state governments.
Criminal Law
Criminal law is a fast-paced area of practice, providing extensive courtroom experience and opportunities to help people and protect the integrity of the justice system.
Cybersecurity Law
Cybersecurity Law engages U.S. and international law applying to data security, data breaches, sensitive information safeguarding, law enforcement surveillance, cybercriminal combat, privacy, and more.
Employment & Labor Law
Focusing on the laws governing relations between workers and their employers, this track covers such issues such as unfair labor practices, collective bargaining and employee grievances.
Environmental Law
Our waterfront campus offers students a dramatic focus on the network of laws that govern the impact of human activity on the waterfront and marine environment.
Family Law
Family lawyers are trained to deal with many issues that impact families, including divorce, child custody and support, spousal support, adoption and domestic violence.
Immigration Law
Immigration law encompasses a wide range of situations that involve a person from a foreign country coming to the United States, whether temporarily or permanently.
Intellectual Property Law
This track exposes students to the law of trademarks, copyrights and patents. Spurred by new technology and a global economy, the field has grown dramatically in recent years.
International Law
In an era of globalization and “transnationalization,” this track prepares lawyers to confront issues within the public and private spheres of international law.
National Security Law
National Security Law can include topics such as bioterrorism, cyber law, civil liberties, intelligence law, maritime law, and foreign relations, among others.
Real Estate and Land Use Law
Real estate lawyers are focused on sales, purchases, leasing and other transfers of real estate, as well as titles, development, zoning and land use.
Tax Law
Tax law deals with the constitutional, common-law, statutory, tax treaty, and regulatory rules that constitute the law applicable to taxation.
Self-Designed Program
Where do you want to go with your MSL degree? Whatever your interest, we’ll help you design an academic and experiential pathway to get you there.
Adding Depth
Katie Mulvaney Master of Studies in LawSeasoned 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.
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