Law, MSL

for the Master of Studies in Law

A bachelor’s degree is required for admission, and admission will be granted to a limited number of students on a competitive application basis.

Admission
The Graduate College admission requirements and English language proficiency requirements apply. In addition for the LL.M. program, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) requirement is 80 internet-based. Students are not required to take the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Students are admitted on an individual basis according to a review of their prior accomplishments with an emphasis on academic achievement. Admission is generally made for the fall semester only.

Financial Aid
Applicants to the College of Law graduate programs are welcome to apply for scholarship assistance. Scholarships typically are awarded to applicants with a combination of excellent academic and professional credentials and proven financial need. Awards usually provide part of tuition and do not cover living expenses. There are always more qualified applicants than there are funds available. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to explore alternative sources of funding.

for the Master of Studies in Law

The elective hours can be any graduate-level Law course offered by the College of Law, pursuant to a plan of study formulated in consultation with the college’s academic advisors. Law credits earned in the M.S.L. program will not count toward the minimum credit hours required for the J.D. degree.

For additional details and requirements refer to the College of Law's graduate degree requirements and the Graduate College Handbook.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
LAW 609	Legal Writing & Analysis	2
LAW 627	Legal Research	1
Select two of the following:		8
LAW 601	Contracts
LAW 602	Property
LAW 603	Torts
LAW 604	Criminal Law
LAW 606	Constitutional Law I
LAW 607	Civil Procedure
Completion of the Upper-Level Writing Requirement		2
Total Hours		32

Other Requirements

Grad Other Degree Requirements
Requirement	Description
Other requirements may overlap
A faculty supervised research paper is required
Minimum GPA:	2.75

for the Master of Studies in Law

Demonstrate basic knowledge of American substantive and procedural law. This requires
1. The foundational rules governing liability for civil or criminal wrongdoing.
2. The foundational rules that regulate the transaction of business among individuals and the ownership of property.
3. The constitutional rules that shape the American legal system.
4. The procedural rules that govern court adjudication.
5. Several advanced areas of substantive or procedural law or both.
Use legal reasoning and legal analysis. This requires:
1. The ability to identify, formulate, and apply legal rules.
2. The ability to read and analyze judicial opinions.
3. The ability to parse and interpret legal texts such as statutes, regulations, contracts.
Bring practical legal skills. This requires:
1. The ability to write clearly and effectively in a wide range of legal contexts and for various audiences, such as courts, clients, opposing counsel and academics.
2. The ability to articulate one’s thoughts verbally in a clear and effective manner.
3. Knowledge of and ability to use tools of legal research.
4. The ability to identify and gather factual information relevant to the application of legal rules.
5. The ability to work collaboratively with others, including others with opposing interests.
Conduct himself or herself professionally and in keeping with the highest standards of civic virtue. This requires:
1. Knowledge and appreciation of the ethical rules governing legal practice.
2. The ability to learn and grow professionally through self-reflection and continuing education.
3. An understanding of the lawyer’s distinctive role in society and of the lawyer’s concomitant responsibility to contribute to society through public service and pro bono representation.
4. The ability to understand and be understood across various social, economic, cultural, political, national, racial, gender, and ethnic backgrounds.
Produce a substantial piece of substantial research and analysis

Graduate Degree Programs in the College of Law

for the Master of Studies in Law

College of Law
Dean of the College: Jamelle Sharpe
Senior Associate Dean for Graduate and International Programs: Margareth Etienne
Correspondence and Admission Information: Kelly Salefski, Office of Graduate and International Legal Studies
College of Law website
College of Law faculty
244 Law Building, 504 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-6066
Law email

Course Catalog

Other Requirements

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