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Redefine your career with a graduate degree from USC Gould School of Law.
Whether you want to strengthen your understanding of legal practices in your professional role or specialize your studies in a specific industry, USC Gould School of Law at the University of Southern California offers a variety of degree programs and certificates to fit your schedule and career goals. Learn more about our academic graduate programs at the links below.

Graduate Programs

For students who do not have prior law degrees.
Master of Studies in Law (MSL)

Our MSL degree educates professionals outside of the legal field to be familiar with the numerous ways that law and policy influence business. Note: Graduates will not be licensed to practice law.

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

Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)

The MDR degree immerses students in immediately applicable legal approaches to dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation and arbitration.

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

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

Offered by USC Dornsife Department of Economics jointly with USC Gould, the MIELR degree equips graduates with skills to address the complexities of big data, Al and machine learning innovations through a legal lens.

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

Master of International Trade Law and Economics (MITLE)

Offered by USC Gould jointly with USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Department of Economics, the MITLE degree provides students with the knowledge and skills relevant to the laws, policies, and business practices that shape international trade and economics.

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

Graduate Certificate
Programs

USC Gould certificates are designed for students to specialize their legal education in areas of law that can meet a variety of career goals. Certificates can be either be earned by themselves (standalone) or concurrently with a USC Gould degree (at no additional cost).

Format: On-Campus | Online
Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree
Start: Fall | Spring

Degrees for Law Graduates

For students who have a law degree prior to enrollment in our program.
Master of Laws (LLM)

The LLM degree is offered online and on campus for international students who have earned a JD, LLB or equivalent law degree and  learning the U.S. legal system.

Format: Full-Time | Part-Time | On Campus | Online
Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent
Start: Fall | Spring | Summer

Connect with USC Gould

Attend an Event

View upcoming webinars, sample lectures and recruiting events online and in your area

Schedule a Meeting

Set up an appointment with one of our admissions advisors to discuss your program of interest

Redefined Blog

Alumni Spotlight: Ifeoluwa Familoye (LLM in IBEL 2024)
Alumni Spotlight: Ifeoluwa Familoye (LLM in IBEL 2024)
Ifeoluwa Familoye is a recent graduate of the USC Gould School of Law’s Master of Laws in International Business and Economic Law program. Originally from Nigeria, Familoye came to USC Gould to advanc
October 17, 2024
Alumni Spotlight: Jenny Januszewski, MDR 2024
Alumni Spotlight: Jenny Januszewski, MDR 2024
Alum Jenny Januszewski, MDR 2024, reflects on her most memorable experiences at USC while earning her degree.
June 27, 2024
Navigating Your Legal Journey: Choosing Between a Master's Degree and Graduate Certificate
person writing in a notebook
Navigating Your Legal Journey: Choosing Between a Master's Degree and Graduate Certificate
If you're weighing the decision between pursuing a master’s degree or graduate certificate, this blog post will provide insights to help you make an informed decision.
June 21, 2024