西北大学

The MSL curriculum centers on the intersection of law, business, and technology, with specific focus areas in business law and entrepreneurship, intellectual property and patent design, and regulatory analysis and strategy. Courses are designed specifically for MSL students, and students have the flexibility to design course plans that fit their particular interests and professional goals.

MSL Residential Format

The MSL residential format includes both full-time and part-time options. The full-time program can be completed in 9 months at Northwestern Law’s downtown Chicago campus. The part-time program is designed for STEM professionals in the Chicagoland area and can be completed in two to four years, also at the Law School’s downtown Chicago campus.

The residential options operate on the semester system, with each semester divided into two seven-week sessions and two one-week sessions (called Power Weeks). The seven-week sessions include foundational and in-depth classes, while the Power Weeks tend to include more focused, specialized, and workshop-type classes. This unique structure of four, separate seven-week sessions coupled with four Power Weeks allows MSL students to experience a wide variety of classes, topics, formats, and pedagogical techniques.

MSL Online Format

The MSL online program is designed for STEM professionals around the world who wish to advance their careers by deepening their understanding of law and business within the STEM context. The online MSL is a part-time program, which can be completed in two to four years. Online students may begin in either the Fall or the Spring and will be required to complete a 2-week online orientation before the start of their first term.

Students in the online format receive the same degree as students in the residential format. The requirements and structure of the curriculum are the same, with a rich and varied selection of online electives that cover business law and entrepreneurship, IP and patent design, and regulatory analysis and strategy.

The online program operates on the semester system, with each semester divided into two eight-week sessions. Students can also take classes during the eight-week Summer term. Students can take up to two classes during each term. In addition, students are required to participate in a one-week, on-campus Power Week, which will occur in the late spring. This unique structure allows students to experience a wide variety of classes, topics, formats, and pedagogical techniques.