{"id":24834,"date":"2020-08-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-31T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/?page_id=24330"},"modified":"2023-09-06T01:42:36","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T01:42:36","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ &#8211; Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Degree &#8211; Online"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"24834\" class=\"elementor elementor-24834\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-bb0f1ce elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"bb0f1ce\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-013f078\" data-id=\"013f078\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf49800 page-hero elementor-widget elementor-widget-content_block elh-el content_block\" data-id=\"bf49800\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;title_tag&quot;:&quot;H1&quot;,&quot;slidein_title_tag&quot;:&quot;H2&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"content_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\n        <div class=\"block-content-wrapper \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/resources\/images\/academics\/degrees\/msl\/faq\/header.jpg\" class=\"page-hero-background\" alt=\"Hero Background Image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"block-content-before-wrap \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"block-content-wrap \" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header-wrap \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<H1 class=\"title \">\t\t\t\t\t<span>FAQ - Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Degree - Online<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/H1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sub-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUSC Gould School of Law\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n        <\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5895824 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5895824\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2591357\" data-id=\"2591357\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7db7460 elementor-widget elementor-widget-auto-breadcrumbs elh-el auto-breadcrumbs\" data-id=\"7db7460\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"auto-breadcrumbs.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\n        <div class=\"auto-breadcrumb-wrap  hide-in-mobile \">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"mobile-breadcrump\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-chevron-left\"><\/i> Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Degree &#8211; Online<\/a><\/div><ul><li><a href=\"\/\">Home<\/a> <svg width=\"8\" height=\"10\" viewBox=\"0 0 8 10\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M3.61893 9.44422L3.96744 9.84869L8 5.16751L3.96744 0.486329L3.61893 0.890804L7.05407 4.87848L-7.38225e-07 4.87848L-8.35361e-07 5.4564L7.05407 5.4564L3.61893 9.44422Z\" \/><\/svg><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/\">Academics<\/a><svg width=\"8\" height=\"10\" viewBox=\"0 0 8 10\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M3.61893 9.44422L3.96744 9.84869L8 5.16751L3.96744 0.486329L3.61893 0.890804L7.05407 4.87848L-7.38225e-07 4.87848L-8.35361e-07 5.4564L7.05407 5.4564L3.61893 9.44422Z\" \/><\/svg><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/\">Degrees<\/a><svg width=\"8\" height=\"10\" viewBox=\"0 0 8 10\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M3.61893 9.44422L3.96744 9.84869L8 5.16751L3.96744 0.486329L3.61893 0.890804L7.05407 4.87848L-7.38225e-07 4.87848L-8.35361e-07 5.4564L7.05407 5.4564L3.61893 9.44422Z\" \/><\/svg><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/\">Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Degree &#8211; Online<\/a><svg width=\"8\" height=\"10\" viewBox=\"0 0 8 10\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M3.61893 9.44422L3.96744 9.84869L8 5.16751L3.96744 0.486329L3.61893 0.890804L7.05407 4.87848L-7.38225e-07 4.87848L-8.35361e-07 5.4564L7.05407 5.4564L3.61893 9.44422Z\" \/><\/svg><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/faq\/\">FAQ &#8211; Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Degree &#8211; Online<\/a><svg width=\"8\" height=\"10\" viewBox=\"0 0 8 10\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M3.61893 9.44422L3.96744 9.84869L8 5.16751L3.96744 0.486329L3.61893 0.890804L7.05407 4.87848L-7.38225e-07 4.87848L-8.35361e-07 5.4564L7.05407 5.4564L3.61893 9.44422Z\" \/><\/svg><\/li><\/ul>        <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4fe78e8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4fe78e8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-665ed4b m-sidebar-wrapper\" data-id=\"665ed4b\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e54234 elementor-widget elementor-widget-wp-widget-nav_menu\" data-id=\"8e54234\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wp-widget-nav_menu.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h5>In this Section<\/h5><div class=\"menu-sidebar-academics-degrees-msl-online-container\"><ul id=\"menu-sidebar-academics-degrees-msl-online\" class=\"menu\"><li id=\"menu-item-72191\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-72191\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/application\/\">Application Instructions<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-46162\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-46162\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/curriculum\/\">Curriculum<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-72198\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-72198\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/faculty\/\">Faculty<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-72205\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-72205\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/bar-certificate-tracks\/\">Certificate Tracks<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-72212\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-72212\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/careers\/\">Career Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-72219\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-72219\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/tuition\/\">Tuition &#038; Financial Aid<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-72226\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-72226\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/faq\/\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-72233\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-72233\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/residential-msl\/\">Master of Studies in Law (MSL) &#8211; On Campus<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-72240\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-72240\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goulddev.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl-online\/contact\/\">Contact Us<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6314531 m-content-wrapper\" data-id=\"6314531\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-333e49b background-white elementor-widget elementor-widget-content_block elh-el content_block\" data-id=\"333e49b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;title_tag&quot;:&quot;H2&quot;,&quot;slidein_title_tag&quot;:&quot;H2&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"content_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\n        <div class=\"block-content-wrapper \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"block-content-wrap mb-25\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"description-wrapper  mt-20 mb-30\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>To help you better understand our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl\/\">Master of Studies in Law (MSL)<\/a>\u00a0degree, we\u2019ve compiled some answers to your burning questions on the benefits of the MSL degree, the differences from our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/jd\/\">JD program<\/a>, common career paths and more.<\/p><h3>What is a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree?<\/h3><p>An MSL degree is a master\u2019s degree for those who want to learn the law, but don\u2019t want to become lawyers. No prior law experience or degree is required; only a bachelor\u2019s degree is needed to apply.<\/p><p>You may deal with contracts, negotiations, strategy or compliance at work, or perhaps you work closely with your legal department. The MSL degree will give you working knowledge of the law to amplify your career impact in every field.<\/p><p>Across different academic institutions in the field of law, the MSL degree may go by a number of names, including:<\/p><ul><li>Master of Studies in Law (MSL)<\/li><li>Master of Legal Studies (MLS)<\/li><li>Master of Science of Law (MSL)<\/li><li>Juris Master (JM)<\/li><li>Master of Jurisprudence (MJ)<\/li><\/ul><h3>How is an MSL different from a JD?<\/h3><p>The primary differentiator between the programs is the associated professional goal.<\/p><ul><li>Do you want to become a lawyer? The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/jd\/\">JD program<\/a>\u00a0is best.<\/li><li>Do you regularly need to reference the law and understand legal regulations, even though you don\u2019t want to become a lawyer? Then the MSL is the right choice.<\/li><\/ul><p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/resources\/images\/academics\/degrees\/msl\/faq\/msl-jd-inset.jpg\" \/><\/p><p>With part-time, flexible classes, the MSL allows you to advance your career through immediately impactful legal knowledge and study, while continuing on your current career trajectory in your specific industry.\u00a0<strong>The MSL should not be viewed as a preparatory program for a JD.<\/strong><\/p><p>Additionally, the JD program requires approximately 3 years of full-time study. MSL degrees can be earned in as few as 12 to 18 months.\u00a0<strong>It is important to note that only JD graduates may pursue eligibility to take the bar exam. MSL graduates are not eligible to take the bar exam upon graduation or become lawyers.<\/strong><\/p><h3>What can I do with an MSL?<\/h3><p>The MSL degree enables graduates to redefine their role with a more thorough understanding of the law and how it impacts their industry and organization. MSL degrees are not job-specific and can apply to a variety of career goals.<\/p><p>Below are some of the most common titles held by our graduates:<\/p><div class=\"two_column first\"><ul><li>Business Analyst<\/li><li>Clearance Supervisor<\/li><li>Compliance Director<\/li><li>Contracts Officer<\/li><li>Corporate Executive<\/li><li>Court Administrator<\/li><li>Criminal Investigations Sergeant<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"two_column\"><ul><li>Entrepreneur<\/li><li>Health Care Administrator<\/li><li>HR Director<\/li><li>Nursing Supervisor<\/li><li>Paralegal or Legal Assistant<\/li><li>Senior Accountant<\/li><li>Social Worker<\/li><\/ul><\/div><p>Additionally, our students enroll from a variety of industries, including:<\/p><div class=\"two_column first\"><ul><li>Banking<\/li><li>Business\/Finance<\/li><li>Entertainment<\/li><li>Government and Policy<\/li><li>Health Care<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"two_column\"><ul><li>Higher Education<\/li><li>Human Resources<\/li><li>Intellectual Property<\/li><li>Journalism<\/li><li>Law Enforcement<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n        <\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13b5b48 background-white elementor-widget elementor-widget-content_block elh-el content_block\" data-id=\"13b5b48\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;title_tag&quot;:&quot;H2&quot;,&quot;slidein_title_tag&quot;:&quot;H2&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"content_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\n        <div class=\"block-content-wrapper \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"block-content-wrap mb-25\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-wrapper \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordionMe\" id=\"faq\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">Will the MSL prepare me for a JD? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>No. The MSL program does not prepare students for a JD, but rather for applying the law to their industry and professional growth. We recommend that students who are interested in preparing for a JD program should study for the LSAT and gain legal work experience.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">Can I take the Bar Exam with my MSL degree? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>MSL degree and certificate programs do not qualify students to sit for the bar exam or become licensed attorneys. Students who intend to practice law should pursue a JD degree.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">How many classes do I need to take each semester? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>Students needing financial aid (student loans) are required to take 4 units per semester.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl\/\">Online MSL<\/a>\u00a0students may enroll in 2-3 classes (4-6 units) per semester. Full-time\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/residential-msl\/\">On-Campus MSL<\/a>\u00a0students may enroll in 3-4 classes (8 units or more) per semester.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">How much time do I need for this program? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>Online MSL students may earn their degree in few as 16 months. Students enrolled in the on-campus program can complete their program in either 9 months (full-time) or 16 months (part-time).<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">What GPA do I need for this program? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>Strong applicants have earned bachelor's degrees with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 grading scale). Our Admissions Committee evaluates all parts of each application, and will take other factors into consideration along with each applicant\u2019s GPA. We seek applicants whose academic background, professional aspirations, personal commitment and communication skills meet the demands of a rigorous legal master's degree program.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">Can I study online full-time and finish faster? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>Unfortunately, no. All\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl\/\">Online MSL<\/a>\u00a0students are part-time students. If you would like to pursue the degree full-time, our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/residential-msl\/\">On Campus MSL<\/a>\u00a0offers classes scheduled in the afternoons and evenings to benefit working professionals.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">Can I study online and on-campus for a hybrid option? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>Unfortunately, no. Online programs are completely separate from on-campus programs. From admissions to academics to financial aid, the processes are different. You must complete your program entirely within the modality for which you applied and were admitted.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">What is the online experience like? Do I need to attend class? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>The online experience is interactive and flexible. Most of the online coursework is considered asynchronous, where you can complete your learning activities (such as readings, discussion board postings, assignments, quizzes and exams) in your own time. Each class also offers a synchronous component that we call a \u201clive session.\u201d These are 60-75-minute classes where students attend virtually, and it serves to enhance the online learning experience.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">What is the difference between on campus and online courses? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>Our master\u2019s degree coursework offers non-lawyer professionals an unparalleled education to help better understand complex legal matters, both online and on campus. Required courses are similar, but industry-specific specializations and electives will differ for the online and on campus degrees (see following). Consider your learning style and preferences, time management and scheduling, and costs when deciding which option is best for you.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">Do you offer industry-specific tracks? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>The USC Gould MSL program offers industry-specific certificates for our on-campus and online students to tailor their curriculum to meet their individual goals. Enrolled students will take the required general MSL courses and may choose a certificate \u2018track\u2019 with elective courses aligned with each industry-specific certificate.<\/p><p>Online:<\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/degrees\/msl\/curriculum\/\">MSL (General)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/certificates\/compliance\/standalone\/\">MSL with Compliance Certificate<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/certificates\/health-care\/standalone\/\">MSL with Health Care Compliance Certificate<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/certificates\/business\/standalone\/\">MSL with Business Law Certificate<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/certificates\/hr\/standalone\/\">MSL with Human Resources Law and Compliance Certificate<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/certificates\/financial\/standalone\/\">MSL with Financial Compliance Certificate<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/academics\/certificates\/entertainment\/standalone\/\">MSL with Entertainment Industry and Law Certificate<\/a><\/li><\/ul><p>On Campus:<\/p><ul><li>MSL (General)<\/li><li>MSL with Business Law Certificate<\/li><li>MSL with Compliance Certificate<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">Can I earn multiple certificates? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>Yes. Each certificate may be earned concurrently with a master\u2019s degree. With strategic course planning you may pursue more than one certificate. Let your academic advisor know your interests and goals so they can help you plan.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">I'm pursuing a standalone certificate. Can I earn a master's degree? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>Students admitted to our standalone certificate program must apply separately for the degree program if interested in pursuing a master\u2019s degree. Let your academic advisor know your interests, then submit a master\u2019s degree application during your first semester with us.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">How do I register for classes? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>Your academic advisor will register you for your classes.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">Will my company help to pay my tuition? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>USC Gould partners with a number of corporations and organizations that offer education tuition assistance as an employee benefit. To see if your business is a partner or explore how to speak to your company about corporate sponsorship, please reach out to\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:corporatecustomed@law.usc.edu\">corporatecustomed@law.usc.edu<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">How do I apply for a scholarship? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>USC Gould considers all applications for scholarship automatically. An additional application is not required. Applicants will be notified via email if they are awarded a scholarship after admission.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"header\">Can I transfer credits from another university? <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gould.usc.edu\/assets\/images\/shared\/toggle-down.gif\" class=\"accordion-arrow\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-body-text\"><p>Courses used toward a degree or a certificate completed at another university may not be applied toward a master's degree at USC. If USC courses were not used toward a completed degree or a certificate, a maximum of five units may be transferred to our MSL degree.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<script language=\"javascript\">\n\t\t\t\t\twindow.accordionList.push('faq');\n\t\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n        <\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27a9e0b background-white elementor-widget elementor-widget-content_block elh-el content_block\" data-id=\"27a9e0b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;title_tag&quot;:&quot;H2&quot;,&quot;slidein_title_tag&quot;:&quot;H2&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"content_block.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\n        <div class=\"block-content-wrapper \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"block-content-wrap mb-25\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"description-wrapper  mt-20 mb-30\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Still have questions? Reach out to one of our admissions advisors at\u00a0<a class=\"\" href=\"mailto:msl@law.usc.edu\">msl@law.usc.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n        <\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FAQ &#8211; Master [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":42762,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0},"categories":[],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>FAQ - Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Degree - Online - USC Gould School of Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"FAQ - Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Degree - Online - USC Gould School of Law\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"FAQ &#8211; 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