Program structure

The Master of Science (MS) in Law program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is structured to provide working professionals with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles pertinent to their fields. The program offers specializations in Health Care Law, Cybersecurity Law, and Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law.

Program Duration and Format:

• Duration: Approximately 16 months, encompassing four semesters, including a summer term.
• Format: Part-time and fully online, facilitating a balance between professional commitments and academic pursuits.

Curriculum Structure:

1. Foundational Courses (First Two Semesters):

   • Introduction to the U.S. Legal System
   • Legal Research and Writing
   • Survey course in the chosen specialization (e.g., Health Care Law, Cybersecurity Law, or Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law)

2. Specialized Seminars (Third Semester):

   • In-depth seminars focusing on advanced topics within the selected specialization.
   • Examples include:
     • For Health Care Law: Bioethics, Regulation of Health Care Facilities
     • For Cybersecurity Law: Cybercrime, NSA, Foreign Intelligence, and Privacy
     • For Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law: Emergency Management, Cybersecurity

3. Capstone Project (Fourth Semester):

   • A faculty-supervised project addressing a practical challenge within the student's area of specialization.
   • The project must demonstrate the application of at least three core competencies of the program, such as:
     • Understanding legal regimes and structures
     • Conducting basic legal research
     • Assessing legal issues to determine when to engage legal professionals

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be equipped to:

• Navigate and interpret legal documents relevant to their industry.
• Identify and manage legal risks affecting decision-making in public and private organizations.
• Effectively communicate with legal professionals to evaluate appropriate options for specific circumstances.

This structured approach ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills applicable to their professional roles.

For more detailed information, please visit the MS in Law Program Curriculum page.

Fees and Funding

The Master of Science (MS) in Law program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their legal knowledge within specific industries. Understanding the associated tuition, fees, and available funding options is crucial for prospective students.

Tuition and Fees:

• Tuition: The MS in Law program operates on a per-credit basis. For the most current tuition rates, please refer to the MS in Law Tuition & Fees page.

• Fees: Additional fees may include technology fees, student activity fees, and other administrative costs. Detailed information is available on the Tuition & Fees page.

Funding Opportunities:

• Federal Employee Discount (FEDEM) Grant: This grant offers a 10% tuition discount to qualifying federal employees and their legal spouses enrolled in the MS in Law program. To qualify, applicants must:

  1. Apply and be admitted to the MS in Law program.
  2. Submit a brief Letter of Request identifying the federal employment department, unit, or location.
  3. Provide a recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) dated within the past 30 days.
  4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the University of Maryland, Baltimore school code: 002104. For spouses, additional documentation such as a valid marriage license is required. More details can be found on the MS in Law Tuition & Fees page.

• External Scholarships: Various organizations offer scholarships for graduate students pursuing legal studies. While the law school provides a list of potential external scholarships, students are encouraged to research and apply independently. A compilation of such opportunities is available on the JD External Scholarships page.

• Financial Aid: Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal loans and other financial aid options. The University of Maryland, Baltimore's Office of Student Financial Assistance and Education can provide guidance on the financial aid process.

Payment Policies:

Tuition and fees are posted to a student's account upon class registration. Payments can be made through various methods, and due dates are published on the Financial Services-Student Accounting website. For detailed information on payment procedures, refer to the Tuition & Fee Payments policy.

Contact Information:

For specific inquiries regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid for the MS in Law program, please contact:

• Office of Admissions
  • Email: msl@law.umaryland.edu
  • Phone: (410) 706-0580

Prospective students are advised to review all financial information carefully and reach out to the appropriate offices for the most current and detailed guidance.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law offers several financial assistance options for students enrolled in the Master of Science (MS) in Law program.

Merit-Based Scholarships:

A limited number of partial scholarships are available to help defray tuition costs. Applicants interested in scholarship consideration must submit the MSL Scholarship Application Form to the Office of Admissions. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions with any questions about scholarships.

FEDEM Grant:

Through a federal alliance with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the law school provides the FEDEM Grant, offering a 10% tuition discount to qualifying federal employees and their legal spouses enrolled in the MS in Law program. To qualify, applicants must:

1. Apply and be admitted to the MS in Law program.
2. Submit a brief Letter of Request identifying the federal employment department, unit, or location.
3. Provide a recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) dated within the past 30 days.
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the University of Maryland, Baltimore school code: 002104.

For spouses, additional documentation, such as a valid marriage license, is required.

Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program:

Students pursuing the MS in Law with a concentration in Cybersecurity Law may be eligible for the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program. This award supports students committed to working for a Maryland state government entity in the cybersecurity field. The scholarship can be used for educational expenses, including tuition and room and board.

External Scholarships:

Various organizations offer scholarships for graduate students pursuing legal studies. While the law school provides a list of potential external scholarships, students are encouraged to research and apply independently.

Financial Aid:

Students planning to borrow educational loans must complete the FAFSA, available starting October 1 each year. The school code for the University of Maryland, Baltimore is 002104. The Office of Student Affairs includes a Student Financial Planning Coordinator to assist with the financial aid process.

University of Maryland Law School

Contact Information:

For specific inquiries regarding scholarships and financial aid for the MS in Law program, please contact:

• Office of Admissions
  • Email: admissions@law.umaryland.edu
  • Phone: (410) 706-3492

Prospective students are advised to review all financial information carefully and reach out to the appropriate offices for the most current and detailed guidance.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Science (MS) in Law program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of legal frameworks within their respective fields. The program offers specializations in Health Care Law, Cybersecurity Law, and Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Educational Background: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Application Components:

1. Online Application:

   • Complete the online application form available through the school's application portal.

2. Statement of Interest:

   • A 500- to 1,000-word essay detailing your area of interest and reasons for applying to the MS in Law program. You may also include relevant personal and professional background information.

3. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV):

   • Provide a detailed résumé or CV outlining educational history, employment experience, skills, honors, and other pertinent information.

4. Character and Fitness Form:

   • Complete the form, including explanations where necessary, to address any character and fitness considerations.

5. Transcripts:

   • Arrange for official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended to be sent directly to Maryland Carey Law. Electronic transcripts can be emailed to msl@law.umaryland.edu, or mailed to:

     Office of Admissions – MS in Law Program
     University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
     500 West Baltimore Street, Suite 130
     Baltimore, MD 21201

   • International applicants must provide a course-by-course transcript evaluation from a credentials evaluation agency, such as WES or ECE, in addition to official transcripts.

6. Letter of Recommendation:

   • Submit at least one letter of recommendation, preferably from a current or former supervisor who can speak to your professional accomplishments and interests. Up to three letters may be considered.

Standardized Tests:

• Entrance exams (e.g., GRE, LSAT, GMAT) are not required for admission to the MS in Law program.

Application Deadlines:

• Spring Semester Start (Cybersecurity Law and Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law specializations only):

  • Priority Deadline: November 1
  • Final Deadline: December 1

• Fall Semester Start (All specializations):

  • Priority Deadline: April 1
  • Final Deadline: August 1

Applications submitted after these deadlines may be considered on a space-available basis.

Review Process:

The admissions committee conducts a holistic review of each applicant, considering academic records, professional experiences, accomplishments, and alignment with the program's objectives. The goal is to admit students who will contribute positively to the academic community and benefit from the program's offerings.

Additional Information:

• Transfer Credits: Credits earned from other institutions cannot be applied toward the MS in Law degree requirements.

• International Applicants: Applicants from outside the U.S. are welcome to apply. Those for whom English is a second language may need to demonstrate English proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS.

For further assistance or inquiries during the application process, please contact the Office of Admissions at msl@law.umaryland.edu or (410) 706-0580.

Application Procedure

The Master of Science (MS) in Law program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is tailored for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of legal frameworks within their industries. The application process is designed to assess each candidate's academic background, professional experience, and alignment with the program's objectives.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.

Application Components:

1. Online Application:

   • Complete the application through the application portal.

2. Statement of Interest:

   • A 500- to 1,000-word essay detailing your area of interest and reasons for applying to the MS in Law program.

3. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV):

   • Include educational history, employment experience, skills, honors, and other relevant information.

4. Character and Fitness Form:

   • Complete the form, providing explanations where necessary.

5. Transcripts:

   • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended should be sent directly to Maryland Carey Law.

   • Electronic transcripts can be emailed to msl@law.umaryland.edu.

   • Physical copies can be mailed to:

     Office of Admissions – MS in Law Program
     University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
     500 West Baltimore Street, Suite 130
     Baltimore, MD 21201

   • International applicants must provide a course-by-course evaluation from a credentials evaluation agency, such as WES or ECE, in addition to official transcripts.

6. Letter of Recommendation:

   • At least one letter, preferably from a current or former supervisor who can speak to your professional accomplishments and interests.

Standardized Tests:

• Entrance exams (e.g., GRE, LSAT, GMAT) are not required for admission.

Application Deadlines:

• Spring Semester Start (Cybersecurity Law and Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law specializations only):

  • Priority Deadline: November 1
  • Final Deadline: December 1

• Fall Semester Start (All specializations):

  • Priority Deadline: April 1
  • Final Deadline: August 1

Applications submitted after these deadlines may be considered on a space-available basis.

Review Process:

The admissions committee conducts a holistic review, considering academic records, professional experiences, accomplishments, and alignment with the program's objectives.

Additional Information:

• Transfer Credits: Credits from other institutions cannot be applied toward the MS in Law degree requirements.

• International Applicants: Applicants from outside the U.S. are welcome. Those for whom English is a second language may need to demonstrate proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS.

For further assistance or inquiries during the application process, please contact the Office of Admissions at msl@law.umaryland.edu or (410) 706-0580.