Program information

• Who will benefit from the MSL degree?

  With so many businesses and industries being impacted by constantly changing laws and regulations, having knowledge and training in legal analysis can be advantageous in dealing with those everyday law-related issues.
  
  Our MSL program is specifically designed to help specialists in corporate compliance, human resources, and health care expand their knowledge of legal principles and the U.S. legal system. The program will help you develop the expertise to identify and navigate the complex, law-related issues that can be triggered from the first contact with potential employees through retirement.

• Are there other concentrations in the MSL program?

  Concentrations in the MSL program include human resources, health law, and corporate compliance. Additional concentrations may be added in the future.

• Will the MSL program train me to be a lawyer?

  No. The MSL program provides legal skills and knowledge to enhance your current or future career. It will not permit you to take the bar examination and so it is not intended for those who want to practice law. If you want to become a lawyer, you should pursue your J.D.

• Do the MSL courses count toward the J.D. degree if I decide I want to pursue that degree?

  No. The American Bar Association regulations do not permit credits acquired in the MSL degree to be credited toward the J.D. degree.

• Will the MSL degree help me get into a J.D. program?

  No. The MSL is not intended to prepare you for the J.D. degree. However, students who successfully complete courses in the MSL program will have a better understanding of the law than people who have not. If you eventually enroll in a J.D. program, the MSL experience might prove beneficial.

• If I have completed part of a J.D. program and wish to switch to the MSL program, may I do so?

  Students who have begun, but do not wish to complete a J.D. program at Wayne State University or another law school may apply for admission to the MSL program.
  
  Please note however, if you are accepted, you will be required to complete all courses, including the core courses. While there may be some overlap between 1L courses and our core courses, we believe the courses are different in focus and content.

• If I already have a J.D. degree, can I get an MSL?

  No. The MSL program at Wayne State University is not appropriate for individuals who have earned their J.D. However, we hope to develop MSL graduate certificates in the near future. Please make sure to check back with us.

• Can I transfer credits from another university?

  Courses used toward a degree or a certificate completed at another university may not be applied toward a master's degree at Wayne State University. Transfer credit will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A maximum number of 6 credits may be transferred to our MSL program and must have been taken within the last 5 years. In addition, a grade of 3.0 (B) or better must have been earned in the course.

• How long does it take to complete the MSL program?

  The MSL degree can be completed on a part-time (24 months) or full-time basis (15 months). The maximum time to complete the degree requirements is six years. We strongly encourage you to complete the program in three years or less in order to maintain continuity of study and consistent progress toward the degree.

Course structure

• Are MSL courses regular law school courses?

  No. MSL students take classes that are specifically designed for the program. MSL classes are meant to provide focused training that will be of practical use to human resources, health specialists, and other professionals.

• What is the online experience like? Do I need to log in on specific days and times?

  The online experience is interactive and flexible. Each course will consist of a variety of experiences that will include different types of learning activities. While most of the online coursework will be asynchronous, there will be opportunities for synchronous events.

• How much work will there be for students in the MSL program?

  The MSL curriculum covers a wide range of topics and is full of activity and learning. The program is academically rigorous. At a minimum, we anticipate that you will spend 6 to 10 hours each week per course.

• What is required for the MSL capstone course?

  The MSL capstone course draws on concepts covered in other courses and focuses on a specific problem or area of interest. It may include an individual or group project that addresses a complex issue or under a faculty member's supervision.

• How do I access my courses?

  All MSL courses will use the Canvas Learning Management Platform.

• When do MSL courses begin?

  As a Wayne Law program, the MSL will follow the Law School's academic calendar in regards to semester start and end dates and deadlines. Please make sure that you refer to the academic calendar on the Law School's website.

• Do I have to take the courses in order?

  You are encouraged to complete the core courses first. However, if you have successfully completed at least two core courses, you may begin taking the concentration courses.

• Will I receive guidance on which courses I should take?

  Yes. We will work with you to create an individualized plan of work (your path to graduation) tailored to your needs.

• May I take courses outside of the Law School?

  Our MSL is structured to give you robust and complete exposure to the areas you will need to be successful. Not taking one of these courses will leave you with a gap in knowledge. Requests to take courses outside of the Law School will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• What is the grading system for students in the MSL program?

  The graduate grading system is intended to reflect higher standards of critical and creative scholarship than those applied at the undergraduate level.
  
  To be awarded a graduate degree, a student must have achieved at least a 'B' (3.0) overall grade point average. Grades of 'B-minus' and below are unsatisfactory for graduate-level work. A limited number of 'B-minus', 'C-plus,' or 'C', though unsatisfactory, may be applied toward a graduate degree provided they are offset by a sufficient number of higher grades to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 Grades below 'B' can constitute reason for dismissal from a program at the department or program's discretion.

Admissions, enrollment and financial aid

• When can I begin the program?

  Students are admitted into the MSL program in the fall and winter semesters.

• What GPA do I need to be considered for admission?

  Strong applicants have earned bachelor's degrees with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 grading scale). We evaluate all parts of the application and will take other factors into consideration along with each applicant's GPA. We seek applicants whose academic background, professional aspirations, personal commitment and communication skills meet the demands of a rigorous legal master's degree program.

• Do I have to have education or experience in human resources or health care in order to pursue the MSL program at Wayne State University?

  No, the MSL program is designed for corporate compliance, human resource, and health care professionals as well as those without specific education or experience that are interested in entering those fields.

• Are graduate school entrance exams required for admission?

  Graduate school entrance exams (e.g. LSAT, GRE, GMAT) are not required.

• How do I apply?

  We accept applications for the Fall and Winter semesters. The Fall semester begins in August and the Winter semester begins in January. The Fall application priority scholarship deadline is June 15 and the final application deadline is August 1. The Winter application priority scholarship deadline is October 15 and the final application deadline is December 1.

• What is the application deadline?

  The deadline to apply for fall semester is August 1st. The priority deadline is July 15th, to be considered for all scholarship opportunities. Extensions to the application deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• What is the tuition rate for the MSL program? Are there funding opportunities available?

  MSL students pay Wayne Law graduate tuition rates. Current tuition rates are posted here. University tuition and fees are subject to change and are evaluated each June by the Board of Governors. For planning purposes, you should estimate a 3-5% increase for the upcoming academic year.
  
  Funding opportunities include scholarships through the WSU Graduate School, external funding and awards, and federal student aid. In addition, many employers provide tuition assistance to employees. If you are working, you should inquire with your employer.

Career development

• What opportunities are available to MSL students after completing the program?

  We expect that MSL students will be able to take advantage of the services offered through the law school's Office of Career and Professional Development.