Overview

The Law M.S.L. programme at Yale University provides a unique opportunity for accomplished non-lawyers to engage with a sophisticated legal curriculum. This one-year terminal degree is specifically tailored for individuals who do not intend to practice law but require a deep understanding of legal frameworks for their research, teaching, or reporting. Students study alongside professional degree candidates, benefiting from an intellectually diverse and challenging environment.

Why Law at Yale University?

The institution offers an intimate learning environment where M.S.L. candidates benefit from exceptionally small class sizes and direct interaction with world-renowned faculty members. Students are integrated into the vibrant academic community of the Law School, attending courses and seminars with J.D. and other graduate students. The programme is highly selective, typically admitting experienced scholars with doctorates or mid-career journalists, ensuring a high level of peer discourse and professional networking. Furthermore, the school provides extensive resources, including access to one of the world's premier legal libraries and various specialised research centres.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 76636 per year
National fee: USD 76636 per year
Local fee: USD 76636 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in legal principles during the first term, followed by a highly flexible second term. Modules may include:

Constitutional Law
Contracts
Torts and Regulation
Procedure
Independent Research
Clinical Experience

In the second term, students have the freedom to choose from a wide range of elective courses and seminars. With prior approval, participants may also complete a portion of their credits through relevant coursework in other departments across the university to support their specific interdisciplinary interests.

Careers with Law

Graduates of this programme typically return to their primary fields with an enhanced capacity to analyse and interpret legal issues. For academic scholars, the degree facilitates interdisciplinary research and teaching that bridges the gap between law and other doctoral disciplines. Journalists who complete the course are better equipped to provide in-depth reporting and education on complex legal matters, constitutional issues, and the judicial system. The programme serves as a significant professional accelerator for those in media, higher education, and specialised research roles where legal literacy is a critical asset.

Programme Structure

Courses Included:

Students enjoy small class sizes side-by-side with J.D. and other graduate students and a close relationship with the Yale Law School faculty.

With approval, M.S.L. students may earn up to six units of credit in Yale University courses outside of the Law School to be counted toward the M.S.L. degree.

Participants in the M.S.L. program are not eligible for subsequent admission to the J.D. program at Yale Law School.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-10 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New Haven, United States

Disciplines

Civil & Private Law Public Law Legal Studies View 139 other Masters in Public Law in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

$80 application fee or fee waiver

Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor

School Report with transcript

English proficiency test results - recommended for non-native English-speakers

Mid-Year Report & Final Report

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

76636 USD / year

≈ 76636 USD / year
Out-of-State

76636 USD / year

≈ 76636 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

76636 USD / year

≈ 76636 USD / year

Living costs

New Haven

United States

1380 - 2110 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Law.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New Haven

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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