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.


Format: Full-Time \| On-Campus	Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree	Start: Fall \| Spring

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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.
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

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

The Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation (MIELR) degree is offered jointly by USC Dornsife College of Letters, Art and Sciences Department of Economics and USC Gould School of Law.

Prepare for careers in government, international trade, economics, and policy work with targeted curriculum taught by experienced faculty.

Learn from leading experts in economics and law. Gain a global perspective on the policies and practices shaping the field.

USC offers workshops and individually tailored guidance on developing your career plan, as well as mentorship opportunities and tools for exam preparation.

USC’s worldwide network — hundreds of thousands strong — actively supports fellow Trojans, with Gould alumni among the top partners at major law firms and the CEOs and presidents of leading companies.

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

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

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MIELR Co-Director
Professor of Economics, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

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MIELR Associate Director
Associate Professor of Economics, USC Dornsife

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MIELR Non-Resident Fellow
Partner and Head of China Practice, Econic Partners

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MIELR Non-Resident Fellow
President, NERA Economic Consulting

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Ziqing (Olivia) Lei is an honors Progressive Degree Program student completing a concurrent B.A. in International Relations and Global Economy and MIELR. Her legal and policy experience spans a judicial internship at the Superior Court of Los Angeles County; legal research for a project funded by the Department of Justice at the National Center on Elder Abuse; and policy work with the LA Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. This fall, she joins Columbia Law School's Class of 2029 to pursue her JD degree.

Sharon is a MIELR alum interested in antitrust, intellectual property, and how law shapes emerging technologies. She has experience in legal and policy work through internships in both public-interest and private-sector settings, including immigration, citizenship, and litigation support. Outside of academics, she was a member of the Trojan Archery Team as a compound archer and enjoys portrait photography.

Before attending USC, Edoardo Maggi earned his undergraduate degree in International Politics and Government from Bocconi University in Italy. His academic interests reflect an international perspective, with a focus on U.S. antitrust law and European competition policy, particularly in how they shape global markets.

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.

Jack McCarthy is an Australian former Division I collegiate athlete and finance graduate, having captained the tennis team at Cornell University before completing graduate studies at USC. He is now beginning his career in investment banking in New York, with a strong interest in technology, capital markets and entrepreneurship.