No, one cannot take the bar exam after graduation from the MIELR program. Gould is not authorized to confirm who is eligible for the CA Bar exam.
The Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation (MIELR) degree is offered by USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Department of Economics jointly with the USC Gould School of Law. This STEM-designated program equips graduates with the essential skills required to address the complexities of big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning innovations through the lens of antitrust, privacy, data security and intellectual property laws.
Students in this distinctive program gain comprehensive knowledge of the economic and regulatory complexities of digital service industries and innovation-driven workplaces that include tech and biotech. It is ideal for students with an interest in law looking to study economic theory and data analysis or for students with a background in economics or STEM looking to study relevant laws and economics that govern innovation.
The 32-unit degree program may be completed over two academic years on campus on a full-time basis. However, full-time students may complete their coursework in two or three semesters.
This degree is open to anyone with a bachelor's degree in any field; however, students are required to have a solid foundation in mathematics, including calculus.
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Full-Time | On-Campus | Bachelor’s Degree | Fall | Spring |
The Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation at USC is a STEM-designated program, which allows international students on F-1 visas to apply for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT).
With top-rated programs in economics and law, USC is renowned for its history of innovation and excellence in graduate education.
No, one cannot take the bar exam after graduation from the MIELR program. Gould is not authorized to confirm who is eligible for the CA Bar exam.
MIELR graduates are invited to both Dornsife and Gould commencement ceremonies and are alumni of both schools, but Dornsife is the school listed on the diploma.
It is our understanding that bar exam eligibility, in and outside of the U.S., is on a case-by-case basis. The MIELR program is designed for students interested in law as it relates to economics, innovation and regulation. Students who wish to practice law should consider our Master of Laws (LLM) program instead.
Yes. MIELR courses are among our “upper division” offerings, which enroll JD, LLM and other specialized master’s degree students.
MIELR students take from our catalog of course offerings, which enroll all students at USC Gould School of Law. The vast majority of MIELR students do not have a background in law, and they do well in our law courses. We offer many opportunities for academic support for students who seek additional help.
We offer a limited number of small merit-based scholarships. No additional application is required, and scholarship decisions are released at the time of admissions.
MIELR students can apply for a JD program, but it is very important to note that transfer credit is not applied. Our specialized master’s degrees are meant to be alternate pathways than a JD program. We recommend that any student who thinks they would like to pursue a JD program should spend time studying for the LSAT exam and apply directly to the JD program.
Yes. The Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation at USC is a STEM-designated program, which allows international students on F-1 visas to apply for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT).
MIELR Co-Director, Carolyn Craig Franklin Chair in Law, USC Gould School of Law
MIELR Co-Director, Professor of Economics, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
MIELR Associate Director, Assistant Professor (Teaching) of Economics, USC Dornsife
Lawrence Wu is President of NERA Economic Consulting and an expert in the economics of antitrust. Before NERA, he was a staff economist for the FTC Bureau of Economics. He has a BA in economics from Stanford and a PhD in economics from the University of Chicago. Dr. Wu has published extensively in the area of antitrust. He co-authored a book on antitrust class certification, The Revolution in the Law and Economics of Antitrust Class Certification, and has edited 3 books on the economics of antitrust, including a book on the use of econometrics in antitrust analysis.
Jiasu Yan is pursuing his Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation (MIELR) at USC. He earned his undergraduate degree in Quantitative Economics, where his research explored how legal frameworks shape competitive behavior in technology markets. His passion lies in connecting law, economics, and technology to better understand how regulation influences innovation and market dynamics.
Maham Pirzada earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration at the American University in Dubai. Growing up and working in a fast-evolving city like Dubai is what sparked her interest in the intersection between economics and law, particularly in supporting startups and emerging companies. Maham is also passionate about visual arts and enjoys finding ways to incorporate it into her academic and professional pursuits.
Yunxiang Zhang earned a B.A. in Economics from Fordham University, where he developed strong quantitative skills. Before coming to USC, Yunxiang worked at Interactive Brokers in New York, supporting institutional clients with trade lifecycle management and risk analysis. Yunxiang is fluent in Mandarin and passionate about bridging finance, law, and technology to drive innovation in those fields.
