Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation (MIELR)

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.

Interested? Learn more.

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).

Top reasons to pursue the Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation (MIELR) degree offered by USC Dornsife and USC Gould:

Earn a master's degree from the USC Dornsife Department of Economics, whose research ranks among the top 20 U.S. academic institutions and USC Gould School of Law, a nationally top-ranked U.S. law school.
Enroll in specialized coursework - Study economic theory and data analysis alongside courses focused on relevant laws and economics that govern innovation.
Scholarships and housing stipends offered - All applicants will be considered automatically for our scholarship awards.
Receive career and professional support - USC offers workshops and individually tailored advice on developing your career plan, as well as mentorship opportunities and tools for exam preparation.
Join the Trojan Family - A renowned network of over 450,000 alumni who are deeply committed to furthering the success of USC graduates.

Understand the overlap between law and microeconomics, particularly in the fields of antitrust and intellectual property law
Develop interdisciplinary skills in economics and the regulation of markets that include analytical and written skills
Economists and consultants gain training enabling them to better interface with lawyers
Gain a comprehensive knowledge of the economic and regulatory complexities of digital service industries and innovation-driven workplaces

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).