Master in the Study of Law
July 15, 2026
August 25, 2026
Lead with legal insight
Advance your career with the Master in the Study of Law (MSL) program at Ohio State. Offered through the Moritz College of Law, the MSL is ideal for non-lawyers whose work regularly involves laws and regulations. It offers you the legal insight you need to work more confidently within your field.
Whether managing people, shaping policy, or serving communities, this graduate legal studies program helps strengthen your understanding of legal reasoning and analysis. You’ll build the skills to make informed decisions, manage risk, and engage more thoughtfully with legal counsel.
Make the program your own
- Choose a schedule that fits your life, with flexible full-time and part-time options. You can earn your degree in as little as 12 months.
- Complete your degree 100% online, or take courses online and on Ohio State’s Columbus campus.
- Tailor your legal education by choosing from elective courses or focusing in area of concentration.
- Learn from Moritz College of Law faculty and seasoned practitioners, helping tie your coursework directly to your day-to-day responsibilities.
MSL concentrations
Ohio State’s MSL program lets you choose the pathway that aligns with your professional goals. While not required for graduation, concentrations allow you to signal deep expertise to employers. To earn a concentration, you must complete 12–15 credit hours within your chosen field as part of your degree.
Personalize your MSL degree with electives. Beyond the program’s core courses, it’s your call how you complete 80% of your degree requirements. You’ll work with the MSL program director to design a tailored curriculum that meets your career goals. This path is ideal for professionals whose career goals span multiple disciplines.
Master the art of conflict resolution outside the courtroom. Sharpen your legal negotiation, mediation, and arbitration skills to strengthen your relationship-building, conflict management, and leadership abilities. The Alternative Dispute Resolution concentration focuses on collaborative processes that save time, reduce costs, and preserve professional relationships.
Navigate the complexities of risk management. The MSL Compliance concentration prepares you to design and manage compliance functions across diverse industries. You’ll gain specialized knowledge that prepares you to sit for the Compliance Certification Board (CCB) exam.
Address the legal challenges created by rapid scientific and digital innovation. The Intellectual Property and Data Privacy Law concentration covers the principal forms of intellectual property protection — copyright, trademark, and patent law — as well as issues related to privacy, cybersecurity, and technology.
The Health Law track is designed for professionals in one of the world’s most heavily regulated sectors. Examine the fundamentals of health law and healthcare compliance, and select from a wide range of health law elective courses, including food and drug law, public health law, and regulatory compliance.
Gain a robust understanding of the statutory and common laws that govern the corporate world. This track explores the rules and regulations that impact daily business operations and long-term strategy, such as business formation, contracts, employment law, federal taxation, and financial regulation.
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“I got to pick what was important to me and what helped in my career. Because it was something I was truly interested in, I was able to balance my work and school and life. It was work, but it didn't feel like hard work. When you truly like something, it doesn't feel as daunting.”
Liz Kooi Master in the Study of Law Grad '24 -
“I knew that if I paired this master's program with my current job, it would be a perfect complement. Taking this class was actually helping me with my job, and my job is helping me with the program as well.”
Lauren Lutman Master in the Study of Law Student -
“I completed the program to provide better understanding and services for my patients. I have two children, and I was caring for my dad who was ill. The flexibility was huge because I couldn't have done it without.”
Audra Jordan Master in the Study of Law Grad
Frequently asked questions
No. The Master in the Study of Law (MSL) program is designed for working professionals whose careers interface with the law on a regular basis, or who wish to advance in their fields or pivot to a new area of interest through a more in-depth understanding of the law. The MSL degree is not an alternative to the JD degree and does not qualify its graduates to take a bar exam or practice law.
After completing the Master in the Study of Law degree, you will have a deep understanding of the U.S. legal system, including the ability to comprehend legal language, grasp current legal issues, and develop vital legal skills like communication and critical thinking. This knowledge can be applied across various industries and professional fields, helping you to stand out to prospective and current employers.
No. The admission and academic requirements for each program are different. Credits earned in the MSL program will not be recognized towards a JD degree.
Designed for working professionals, Ohio State’s Master in the Study of Law offers flexible pathways to earn a premier legal education. You can complete the MSL program 100% online, take classes in person at the Columbus campus, or combine both for a hybrid learning experience. Customize your study pace for your schedule, ranging from part-time (1 to 7 credit hours) to full-time (8+ credits) per semester.
Depending on your course load, you can earn your MSL in as little as 12 months (3 semesters) or take up to four years.
No. To graduate, MSL candidates are not required to complete a master’s thesis or a capstone project.
A top-ranked legal education
The Moritz College of Law is one of the country’s premier law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report rankings:
#1 Law School in Ohio
Top 30 Law School in the Nation
#1 in Dispute Resolution
CCB Accredited
The Compliance concentration is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB).
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Related Programs
Whether you’re exploring professional development opportunities or building a strong foundation for a pursuing master’s degree, the Moritz College of Law’s online graduate certificates offer in-demand skills in a flexible format. Plus, you can stack earned credits toward the MSL program.
All graduate certificates require a bachelor’s degree for admission.
Navigate the complexities of business law with key skills you can immediately apply in your current role. Learn more about the Business Law Certificate.
Champion compliance in various industries. Ohio State’s Compliance Certificate equips you with the legal and operational knowledge to lead in complex regulatory environments.
Offered by Moritz in collaboration with the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, the online certificate in Cybersecurity Law, Policy, and Management provides you with interdisciplinary knowledge to advance in a growing field.
The online Health Law Certificate offers a flexible curriculum for health professionals and compliance officers navigating health care legal regulations.
Academic Calendar
As a flexible program for working professionals, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the Master in the Study of Law degree.
Academic Calendar
As a flexible program for working professionals, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the Master in the Study of Law degree.
Admission Criteria
To be considered for admission to the Master in the Study of Law, you should have:
- At least a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last bachelor’s or advanced degree earned*
- Evidence that you can succeed in the MSL program, whether through substantial relevant work experience or strong academic performance
GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores are not required for admission. If you’re not sure if you meet the admission requirements, contact an Enrollment Advisor.
* During the admissions process, a recommendation to enroll in the Graduate Bridge Program (to qualify for admission to the MLT degree) may be considered for applicants who have a GPA below 3.0 from the last undergraduate or advanced degree earned.
Application Materials
When you apply to the MSL program, you’ll submit the following materials with an Ohio State Graduate Admissions online application.
Start by completing the application form. You can access it by clicking “Apply” under the term you’re interested in. Then, choose the option that applies to you and follow the steps in our online application system:
- If you’ve never attended an Ohio State graduate program, start a new application.
- If you’ve recently completed or are enrolled in an Ohio State program, log in to our application system with your Ohio State credentials.
Share your professional experience and accomplishments. Upload an updated copy of your resume or CV listing work and educational experience in the online application system.
To complete your application and verify your degree and undergraduate GPA, you must submit transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended.
When applying:
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- You may upload scanned copies of official transcripts, diplomas, or degree certificates to the online application system.
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- These scans help form a complete application packet, but they do not replace the need for official documents.
What is not accepted:
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- Advising reports
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- Unofficial transcripts or scans labeled “UNOFFICIAL”
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- Documents with a URL across the top
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- Transcripts missing the institution’s name, seal, stamp, or GPA
These types of documents will not be used for degree verification or GPA calculation.
Exception: You do not need to submit transcripts for coursework or degrees earned from The Ohio State University.
We only require two letters (not three, as listed on the OSU Graduate Admissions page). Your recommenders should know your academic ability, qualifications for graduate study, and/or professional performance.
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- Each letter should be signed and on business letterhead.
- After you submit your application, we’ll email your references a link to upload their letters.
- If they have trouble with the link, they can email the letter to moritzmsl@osu.edu.
Tell us about your professional goals, what you hope to achieve through graduate study in the MSL program, and how gaining legal knowledge and skills will help you reach those goals.
A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required. Ohio State alumni may be eligible for an admissions fee waiver.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
International Students
The MSL program is designed for professionals who want to gain legal knowledge, not for practicing law in the United States. This is not a Master of Laws (LLM) program and does not qualify foreign-trained lawyers to sit for a U.S. bar exam. If you already hold a first law degree from your home country and want to practice law in the U.S., we encourage you to explore the Master of Laws (LLM) Program at Moritz College of Law.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide test scores to show proficiency. Minimum scores are:
- TOEFL: 80 (internet-based), 550 (paper-based), or 213 (computer-based)
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 120
You’re exempt if:
- You’re a citizen or permanent resident of, or earned a degree in, one of these countries: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean/West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, Singapore, the U.S., or Wales.
- You’ve held U.S. permanent resident, asylee, or refugee status for at least one year before your first term of enrollment.
Sending scores:
Tests must be taken within the past two years. Scores should be sent directly to Ohio State. For TOEFL, use institution code 1592.
Because the MSL program is fully online, Ohio State does not issue immigration documents for F-1 or J-1 visas.
If you’re currently in F-1 or J-1 status in the U.S., check with your international student advisor to confirm that taking online classes won’t affect your status. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, consult an immigration attorney.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Whether you want to advance in your field or pivot careers through a more in-depth understanding of the law, Ohio State’s online Master in the Study of Law can elevate your professional journey. The MSL degree’s flexibility allows you to design your own curriculum that best aligns with your career goals. The program equips you with the legal knowledge you need to work in a wide range of potential careers.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Work Activities
Prepare detailed reports on audit findings. Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities. Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $52,780
- Mid Level: $81,680
- Senior Level: $141,420
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
- Budget Analysts
- Financial Examiners
- Tax Preparers
- Treasurers and Controllers
Job Sectors
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
Work Activities
Determine existence and amount of liability according to current laws, administrative and judicial precedents, and available evidence. Monitor and direct the activities of trials and hearings to ensure that they are conducted fairly and that courts administer justice while safeguarding the legal rights of all involved parties. Prepare written opinions and decisions.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $56,970
- Mid Level: $115,230
- Senior Level: $203,990
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
2.1%
Related Careers
- Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
- Judicial Law Clerks
- Lawyers
Job Sectors
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Medicine and Dentistry
What They Do
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
Work Activities
Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms. Send samples of clients' work and other promotional material to potential employers to obtain auditions, sponsorships, or endorsement deals. Keep informed of industry trends and deals.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $48,530
- Mid Level: $96,310
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
9.2%
Related Careers
- Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Advertising Sales Agents
- Public Relations Specialists
- Talent Directors
- Writers and Authors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Fine Arts
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
Work Activities
Report violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required. Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation. Discuss emerging compliance issues to ensure that management and employees are informed about compliance reporting systems, policies, and practices.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $68,860
- Mid Level: $136,550
- Senior Level: $227,590
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.7%
Related Careers
- Compliance Officers
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Management Analysts
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Job Sectors
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
What They Do
Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Work Activities
Investigate employment practices or alleged violations of laws to document and correct discriminatory factors. Prepare reports related to investigations of equal opportunity complaints. Interview persons involved in equal opportunity complaints to verify case information.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $46,230
- Mid Level: $78,420
- Senior Level: $130,030
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
5.4%
Related Careers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
- Human Resources Managers
- Human Resources Specialists
- Labor Relations Specialists
Job Sectors
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sociology and Anthropology
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Work Activities
Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems. Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes. Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $83,790
- Mid Level: $140,030
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.5%
Related Careers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Human Resources Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Training and Development Managers
Job Sectors
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Work Activities
Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel. Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports. Plan, implement, and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $69,680
- Mid Level: $117,960
- Senior Level: $219,080
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
28.5%
Related Careers
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Social and Community Service Managers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Education and Training
What They Do
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Work Activities
Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system. Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements. Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $39,710
- Mid Level: $61,010
- Senior Level: $98,990
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
1.2%
Related Careers
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Job Sectors
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
Work Activities
Prepare detailed budgets and financial reports for properties. Manage and oversee operations, maintenance, administration, and improvement of commercial, industrial, or residential properties. Plan, schedule, and coordinate general maintenance, major repairs, and remodeling or construction projects for commercial or residential properties.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $39,360
- Mid Level: $66,700
- Senior Level: $141,040
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
3.2%
Related Careers
- Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
- Facilities Managers
- Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
- Real Estate Brokers
- Real Estate Sales Agents
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Law and Government
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.
Work Activities
Develop regulatory strategies and implementation plans for the preparation and submission of new products. Review all regulatory agency submission materials to ensure timeliness, accuracy, comprehensiveness, or compliance with regulatory standards. Direct the preparation and submission of regulatory agency applications, reports, or correspondence.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $68,860
- Mid Level: $136,550
- Senior Level: $227,590
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.7%
Related Careers
- Clinical Data Managers
- Compliance Managers
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Management Analysts
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Administration and Management
- Biology
- Education and Training
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Work Activities
Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management. Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers. Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $50,020
- Mid Level: $78,240
- Senior Level: $129,820
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
8.2%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Community Health Workers
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Psychology
- Education and Training
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The Master in the Study of Law is a flexible degree that allows you a great deal of autonomy over your graduate legal studies. You can choose to enroll as a part-time or full-time student. You can take all of your classes completely online — or, if you’re local to Columbus, opt for a mix of online and in-person courses for a hybrid experience.
To earn your MSL degree, you will need to complete at least 30 credit hours, six of which are required foundational courses. You can pursue the general track by selecting any courses that suit your interests and schedule, or you can focus on a specialized concentration that aligns with your career needs and goals.
Required foundational courses
All Master in the Study of Law students, whether pursuing a concentration or not, are required to take two foundational MSL courses (6 credit hours total).
The course introduces the basic structure of the U.S. legal system, including the Constitution, the separation of powers, and federalism. The course introduces foundational principles underlying many substantive areas of law, including among other topics administrative law, contracts, criminal law, property, and torts. It also describes the adversary system, the state and federal court systems, and the legal profession generally.
The course provides a foundation in conducting legal research, reading legal materials, and analyzing those materials. It will help you learn how to find, read, and use cases, statutes, and secondary materials. You will also develop an understanding of how to review contracts by learning contract drafting style and conventions, key types of provisions (such as declarations, covenants, and representations and warranties), and important contractual provisions. Finally, you will hone your writing skills by learning how lawyers communicate and how to communicate like lawyers, both informally (through, for example, email correspondence) as well as in more formal persuasive writing.
Concentration requirements
While concentrations are not required for graduation in the MSL program, you can personalize your legal education by pursuing the track that best aligns with your career goals.
To graduate with a concentration, you’ll take 12-15 credits of core and elective courses within your specialized area of study. To complete the remaining credits needed to meet the MSL degree’s 30-credit requirement, you can select any other courses of personal interest to you.
With the general track, you can fully customize your MSL degree. You’ll design your own curriculum by choosing from a wide range of electives to fulfill your remaining 24 credit hours. You can enroll fully online or take any combination of both online and in-person courses (note that in-person courses will also include JD students). Your academic advisor will work with you to select courses that meet your goals.
Focus on negotiation, mediation, and arbitration as alternatives to traditional litigation. This concentration is designed for future leaders, managers, and professionals looking to master conflict management, relationship building, and out-of-court transaction resolutions.
Alternative Dispute Resolution core courses (6 credits)
You must complete two core courses to earn your MSL with a concentration in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
| Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 7106 – Legal Negotiation | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8560 – Mediation | Online | 3 |
Alternative Dispute Resolution elective courses (6 credits)
Choose from the elective concentration courses below to complete the remaining credits necessary to meet the Alternative Dispute Resolution concentration’s 12-credit requirement.
| Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 6121 – Contracts | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7112 – Dispute Resolution Processes** | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7113 – Dispute Resolution in Employment | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8889 – Business Law and Strategy | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7124 – International Dispute Resolution | In-person | 3 |
| LAW 7602 – Family and Divorce Mediation | In-person | 2 |
| LAW 8950 – Resolving Community Civil Rights Disputes | In-person | 1 |
| LAW 7103 – Arbitration* | In-person | 3 |
| LAW 8889 – Arbitration Practice* | In-person | 2 |
| Any 1-credit in-person course in ADR | In-person | 1 |
**This course is offered entirely online as part of the JD/non-JD in-person schedule. It is a full semester-long course (14 weeks) compared to the session-based online courses (7 weeks) in the MSL program.
Other elective courses
To meet the 30-credit requirement for the Master in the Study of Law degree, you may complete the remaining credits in any other Health Law concentration courses listed above and/or any other online or in-person courses in other fields of law available to MSL students.
Build practical skills in risk analysis and compliance management. You will explore regulatory frameworks, HR compliance, financial crime, and data privacy. Notably, this concentration is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB).
Compliance core courses (15 credits)
You must take all five required compliance courses to earn your Master in the Study of Law with a concentration in Compliance.
| Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 7228 – Regulatory Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7229 – Healthcare Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8530 – Financial Services Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7805 – Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Regulation and Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8540 – HR Compliance | Online | 3 |
Compliance-related elective courses
If you wish to take additional compliance-related courses to satisfy your MSL elective credit hours (9 credit hours), the list below includes recommended compliance-related courses at the Moritz College of Law. You are also free to choose any of the other elective courses available to MSL students.
| Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 8109 – Employment Discrimination Law | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8889 – Federal Income Taxation | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7804 – Law of Cyberspace | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7215 – Securities | In-person | 2 |
| LAW 7225 – Financial Regulation Law and Policy | In-person | 2 |
| LAW 7209 – Accounting for Lawyers | In-person | 2 |
| LAW 8189.40: Compliance Externship* | In-person | 3 |
Master the legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks governing the healthcare sector. You’ll learn the fundamentals of health law and healthcare compliance, with access to a wide selection of electives to customize your expertise.
Health Law core courses (6 credits)
You must complete two core courses to earn your MSL with a concentration in Health Law.
| Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 8809 – Health Law | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7229 – Healthcare Compliance | Online | 3 |
Health Law elective courses (6 credits)
Choose from the elective concentration courses below to complete the remaining credits necessary to meet the Health Law concentration’s 12-credit requirement.
| Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 6121 – Contracts | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7805 – Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Regulation and Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7228 – Regulatory Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8535 – Introduction to Tech & IP Transactions | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8811 – Food and Drug Law* | In-person | 3 |
| LAW 8896.38 – Marijuana Law and Policy* | In-person | 2 |
| LAW 7812 – Patent Prosecution* | In-person | 3 |
| LAW 8810 – Public Health Law* | In-person | 3 |
Other elective courses
To meet the 30-credit requirement for the Master in the Study of Law degree, you may complete the remaining credits in any other Health Law concentration courses listed above and/or any other online or in-person courses in other fields of law available to MSL students.
Explore the intersection of law and modern innovation. You will study the core pillars of IP protection—copyright, trademark, and patent law—alongside critical contemporary issues like cybersecurity, data privacy, and cyberspace law.
Intellectual Property and Technology Law core course (3 credits)
You must take the following core course to earn your MSL with the Intellectual Property and Technology Law concentration.
| Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 7815 – Introduction to Intellectual Property | Online | 3 |
Intellectual Property and Technology Law elective courses (9 credits)
Choose from the elective concentration courses below to complete the remaining credits necessary to meet the Intellectual Property and Technology Law concentration’s 12-credit requirement.
| Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 6121 – Contracts | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7804 – Law of Cyberspace | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7805 – Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Regulation and Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8535 – Introduction to Tech & IP Transactions | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8889 – Information Law and AI | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7800 – Copyright Law | In-person | 4 |
| LAW 7803 – Trademark Law | In-person | 2 |
| LAW 7812 – Patent Prosecution | In-person | 3 |
| LAW 7809 – Patent Law | In-person | 3 |
| LAW 8811 – Food & Drug Law* | In-person | 3 |
Other elective courses
To meet the 30-credit requirement for the Master in the Study of Law degree, you may complete the remaining credits in any other Intellectual Property and Technology Law concentration courses listed above and/or any other online or in-person courses in other fields of law available to MSL students.
This business law concentration the regulations and legal rules that shape commercial operations. Key focus areas include business formation, contracts, employment and labor law, taxation, and corporate compliance.
Business Law core course (3 credits)
You must take the following core course to earn your MSL with the Legal Environment of Business concentration.
| Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 7200 – Business Associations | Online | 3 |
Business Law elective courses (9 credits)
Choose from the elective concentration courses below to complete the remaining credits necessary to meet the Legal Environment of Business’s 12-credit requirement.
| Course | Modality | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 6121 – Contracts | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7113 – Dispute Resolution in Employment | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7228 – Regulatory Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 7805 – Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Regulation and Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8109 – Employment Discrimination Law | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8530 – Financial Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8540 – HR Compliance | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8535 – Introduction to Tech and IP Transactions | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8700 – Federal Income Taxation | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8889 – Business Law and Strategy | Online | 3 |
| LAW 8889 – Information Law and AI | Online | 3 |
Other elective courses
To meet the 30-credit requirement for the Master in the Study of Law degree, you may complete the remaining credits in any other Business Law courses listed above and/or any other online or in-person courses in other fields of law available to MSL students.
Online law course descriptions
The courses listed are the MSL program’s 100% online courses, which are 7-week, asynchronous classes. Most part-time students take two courses per semester, one course at a time. Each course is three credit hours.
This course introduces the laws governing business entities. We will examine the structure and characteristics of modern business organizations, particularly publicly traded and closely held business corporations. Significant emphasis is placed upon the nature of the corporate governance system and the fiduciary obligations of directors and officers.
The Business Associations course can count towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Legal Environment of Business | Core |
The Business Law and Strategy course can count towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Alternative Dispute Resolution | Elective |
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
This course focuses on when promises are given legal weight, how contracts are formed, when they are and are not enforced, what their terms mean, and what remedies are available when they are breached. In addition, you’ll discuss contract negotiation and drafting, legal planning issues, and international and comparative aspects of contract law. The course emphasizes both the influence of contract law on transactions and how courts deal with contracts in legal disputes.
The Contracts course can count towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Alternative Dispute Resolution | Elective |
| Health Law | Elective |
| Intellectual Property and Technology Law | Elective |
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
The course examines the legal, policy, operational, and risk management issues related to data privacy and data protection in a digital world. Data privacy law affects a vast range of businesses, products, and processes, including social media, marketing, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, retail, and technology. This course reviews U.S. federal and state law and regulations in depth and provides an overview of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other global data protection schemes. It adopts an operational approach that focuses on a privacy lawyer or privacy professional’s role within the corporate environment, touching on the various aspects a data privacy function has on legal and compliance, information technology, marketing, human resources, information security, and internal audit.
The Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Regulation and Compliance course can count towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Compliance | Core |
| Health Law | Elective |
| Intellectual Property and Technology Law | Elective |
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
This course explores practical strategies for resolving employment disputes in both unionized and non-unionized workplaces. You will examine key statutes, case law, and dispute resolution frameworks related to employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, and other workplace conflicts. The course also introduces union grievance procedures and their role within collective bargaining relationships. You will gain foundational knowledge and tools to navigate workplace disputes via investigation, mediation, arbitration, and grievance resolution processes.
The Dispute Resolution in Employment course can count towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Alternative Dispute Resolution | Elective |
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
The Employment Discrimination course addresses developments in civil rights law in the context of the workplace. We will look at the growing body of law designed to protect against discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation. The main focus of the course will be on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
Employment Discrimination counts towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
This course provides a broad overview of family law and advocacy, which includes traditional family law topics such as marriage, divorce, dissolution, parental rights, and financial responsibility. It defines the foundation of state and federal court systems and introduces the intersection of family law topics and various disciplines such as civil law, criminal law, alternative dispute resolution, administrative law, child welfare, and more. You will take part in practical, interactive exercises to improve communication, negotiation and advocacy skills while applying legal knowledge to practical, real-life family situations.
This course is not assigned as a core or elective course for any concentration.
This course is an introduction to U.S. federal income taxation of businesses and individuals. This course will cover select topics which are foundational to a broad understanding of the U.S. federal income tax system. Topics include inclusions and exclusions from gross income, deductions, credits, differences in the taxation of different types of business entities, and taxation of investments. This course will not focus on the computation of income tax liability, but rather will emphasize an understanding of tax law concepts and research.
Federal Income Taxation counts towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
The Financial Compliance course helps you understand the laws, regulations, and policies covering financial services compliance, including money laundering, data protection, SEC filings, and whistleblowing. You will explore the fundamental elements and risks that impact financial services compliance. The course provides a review of the work and ethical obligations of a financial services compliance officer, including compliance officers’ liability, expectations, risks and effectiveness. The course then provides a substantive review of relevant financial services regulations, including challenges on compliance officers, and provides a way forward to convert these challenges into opportunities.
Financial Compliance counts towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Compliance | Core |
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
The Health Law course focuses on selected issues in healthcare and clinical research; professional relationships in healthcare, the obligation to provide care, medical malpractice, healthcare privacy, end-of-life and other ethical issues, the business structure and regulation of the health care industry, healthcare fraud, abuse and antitrust, and the regulation of clinical research.
Health Law counts towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Health Law | Core |
The Healthcare Compliance course offers a practical approach to understanding the basic elements of a modern health care compliance program. It provides a practical, case-study-based approach to a modern health care information management and compliance. You will learn the role of compliance officers in implementing a compliance program, and will develop an understanding of the rules and regulations that are foundational to a health care compliance program, including obtaining patient consent, protecting health care information, and managing health care-related documentation and reporting obligations. You will also learn how to help develop policies and procedures, provide employee training, and assist with compliance audits.
Healthcare Compliance counts towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Compliance | Core |
| Health Law | Core |
This course introduces key compliance legislation relevant to U.S. workplaces, along with the fundamental legal requirements for managing employees. Designed for current or aspiring managers, the course covers topics such as minimum wage, equal employment opportunity, workplace health and safety, and employee benefits. You will also explore major workplace laws and best practices for maintaining compliance.
HR Compliance counts towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Compliance | Core |
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
Information Law and AI counts towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Intellectual Property and Technology Law | Elective |
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
Introduction to Intellectual Property counts towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Intellectual Property and Technology Law | Core |
This course introduces the basic theories of intellectual property rights (IPRs): trademark, trade secrets, patent, and copyright. The course also covers confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, software licensing, professional service agreements, software as a service (SaaS), IP contract drafting and negotiation, and third party risk management.
Introduction to IP and Tech Transactions counts towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Intellectual Property and Technology Law | Elective |
| Health Law | Elective |
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
Can the internet be regulated? Who gets to decide? What is the law of the internet? How is it enforced? Is the internet special or exceptional, or is it simply a new variation on long-standing structures? This course will examine the law of the internet – some things old (traditional legal concepts applied to new technological and legal constructs); some things new (government regulation specific to “cyberspace”); and the merging of both old and new legal concepts to govern ever-changing technologies.
Law of Cyberspace counts towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Intellectual Property and Technology Law | Elective |
The Sport Law course examines the complex legal landscape governing the sports industry. You will analyze foundational legal doctrines, landmark cases, and evolving legal issues in professional, intercollegiate, and amateur sports. Topics include commissioner authority, discrimination, contracts, agency duties, privacy, antitrust, labor relations, and NCAA compliance.
This course is not assigned as a core or elective course for any concentration.
Arts and cultural organizations enrich our personal lives and our society. To do their work, these organizations must navigate intersecting legal issues. Legal issues touch every aspect of nonprofit organizations from the people they hire, to the events they plan and produce, to the donations they accept. However, many cultural managers are often unprepared to recognize, discuss, or think proactively about the legal issues that affect the organizations they run.
This course is not assigned as a core or elective course for any concentration.
The course offers skills and strategies for effective negotiation and mediation advocacy emphasizing the importance of building working relationships and achieving better outcomes in individual and group negotiation and mediation. Two broad objectives have been built into the course design: to practice basic negotiation skills through interactive exercises and to familiarize the student with various strategies for dispute resolution other than resolving differences through litigation.
Legal Negotiation can count towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Alternative Dispute Resolution | Core |
This course offers skills and strategies for effective mediation advocacy emphasizing the importance of building working relationships and achieving better outcomes in individual and group mediation. Two broad objectives have been built into the course design: to practice basic negotiation skills through interactive exercises and to familiarize the student with various strategies for dispute resolution other than resolving differences through litigation.
Mediation can count towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Alternative Dispute Resolution | Core |
The Regulatory Compliance course analyzes the legal, ethical and policy foundations of regulatory compliance and the effort to translate statutory requirements into compliant corporate and individual behavior.
Regulatory Compliance can count towards the following concentrations:
| Concentration | Core or Elective |
|---|---|
| Compliance | Core |
| Health Law | Elective |
| Legal Environment of Business | Elective |
Program Faculty
In Ohio State’s Master in the Study of Law program, you’ll gain first-hand knowledge from legal experts. The graduate-level courses are led by esteemed Moritz College of Law faculty and seasoned practitioners who practice their subject matters on a daily basis.
Featured Faculty
Anne Ralph
“Our courses are engaging, informative, and immediately actionable. Our instructors really enjoy the opportunities they have to engage with students in reflection to deepen their learning. Our students find great value in being able to connect with expert faculty.”
Colleen Settineri
“Students will gain knowledge and acquire skills that will enable them to anticipate and understand potential legal issues, and to be an informed partner to legal counsel. In that way, the MSL program gives students a strategic mindset that will help advance [their] career.”
Todd Starker
“The MSL program provides an exceptional opportunity for professionals seeking a greater understanding of the law without becoming an attorney. [It] will equip professionals with the tools to meet the demands of navigating risk, compliance, and the rapidly changing legal environment.”
About Ohio State’s Moritz College of Law
The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law, founded in 1891, is the top-ranked law school in Ohio and one of the nation’s pre-eminent public law schools. With approximately 570 students and over 50 faculty members, it’s known for its rigorous academic program, research, commitment to teaching, and development of future leaders. Moritz alumni include justices of the Supreme Court of Ohio, federal judges, U.S. senators, U.S. representatives, governors, CEOs, and prominent attorneys.
Faculty
Elizabeth Anstaett
Financial ComplianceMarcel Duhamel
Law of CyberspaceBill Froehlich
MediationKevin Grether
Regulatory ComplianceStephanie Hanna
Legal NegotiationsKirk Herath
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Regulation and ComplianceSarah Kaiser
Federal Income TaxNatasha Landon
Legal Research and WritingMax Reisinger
ContractsColleen Settineri
Legal Research and WritingTodd Starker
Intro to US Legal SystemsTrent Stechschulte
Healthcare ComplianceLiz Stokes
Health LawKevin Tabor
Federal Income TaxLaura Vlieg
Legal Research and WritingMindi Wells
HR Compliance, Employment Discrimination LawTestimonials
Find out how learning the law has helped Ohio State’s Master in the Study of Law graduates elevate their careers.
“The professors made it really easy. They have this real-world experience, and they're able to relate to things that I've experienced. Because a lot of the class was online, they always made themselves available. If I had a question, they were quick to respond.”
“As a working professional with a family, I knew it would not be feasible for me to pursue a JD program. I am grateful that Ohio State provided this opportunity for someone like me interested in gaining more knowledge of specific legal practices, regulations, and laws that could help further a current career path or a different career path such as myself. You are able to select the courses in which you have a personal and professional interest, and the program now offers courses specifically for MSL student lifestyles. I have been in higher education my whole life but having an opportunity to make a career change has been the best decision I made when pursuing and completing the program.”
“The highlight of the MSL program has been applying real-world scenarios I am interested in to our coursework. We have had the opportunity to discuss everything from restructuring NFL contracts to settling disputes between record labels and their recording artists. I cannot recall a time I have been more interested in my coursework.”
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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