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Today’s leaders are expected to navigate legal risk, regulatory complexity, and compliance challenges—often without formal legal training.
Cornell’s Master of Science in Legal Studies equips professionals with the legal fluency, strategic perspective, and practical tools needed to make confident, informed decisions in high-stakes environments.

Through rigorous, Cornell Law faculty–led coursework, you will learn to think like a lawyer, collaborate effectively with counsel, and apply legal principles directly to your organization’s most pressing challenges.

Why Msls At Cornell Law

  • Purpose-Built for Business Professionals:  Tailored for leaders across industries, with assignments designed to help you excel in complex regulatory and litigation environments.
  • Advanced Legal Curriculum:  Focus on 2nd- and 3rd-year law school topics, such as contracts, compliance, litigation strategy, and regulatory frameworks.
  • Think Like a Lawyer:  Learn strategic decision-making and critical thinking modeled after top legal professionals.
  • Enhanced Communication with Legal Counsel:  Gain skills to collaborate effectively with legal teams, knowing what questions to ask and how to optimize their advice.
  • Recognize Opportunities Others May Miss:  Identify legal and regulatory opportunities to elevate your organization.
  • Cornell Alumni Network Benefits:  Lifelong access to MSLS alumni and the broader Cornell alumni network.
  • Tailored Assignments for Immediate Application:  Apply legal concepts directly to your current role with real-world projects that drive impact.

Fast Facts

CORNELL LAW FACULTY

Michael Dorf
Robert S. Stevens Professor of Law
Cornell Law School
Mark Underberg
Adjunct Professor
Cornell Law School
Bradley Wendel
Professor of Law
Cornell Law School
Oskar Liivak
Professor of Law
Cornell Law School
Celia Bigoness
Clinical Professor of Law
Cornell Law School
Stewart J. Schwab
Professor
Cornell Law School
Richard John
Adjunct Professor of Law
Cornell Law School
Jed Stiglitz
Director, Center for Law and AI
Cornell Law School
Franci Blassberg
Adjunct Professor of Law
Cornell Law School
George A. Hay
Professor
Cornell Law School
Kristen Underhill
Professor
Cornell Law School
Weill Cornell Medical College
Len Kennedy
Adjunct Professor of Law
Cornell Law School
Dan Awrey
Professor
Cornell Law School
Charles Whitehead
Professor
Cornell Law School
Howard Leib
Adjunct Professor of Law
Cornell Law School
Frank Pasquale
Professor of Law
Cornell University
Sarah Kreps
Professor and Director of Tech Policy Institute
Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
Roger Pao
Academic Director, MSLS Program, and Lecturer of Law
Cornell Law School
  • Business Professionals Work closely with legal teams and navigate regulated environments.
  • Leaders in Regulated Industries Healthcare, finance, energy, transportation, and compliance roles.
  • Strategic Decision-Makers Professionals responsible for managing risk and complex initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The MSLS is a graduate degree designed for professionals seeking advanced legal expertise without practicing law. It’s ideal for those in regulated industries or working closely with legal teams to navigate compliance, contracts, and risk management.

The MSLS equips you with expertise in compliance, contracts, regulatory strategy, and risk management to secure promotions, leadership roles, or pivot into new opportunities.

No, LSAT and prior legal experience are not required. Admissions are based on your Bachelor’s degree, GPA, and professional experience.

Cornell’s MSLS combines Ivy League academic rigor, advanced curriculum, and access to one of the world’s largest and most successful alumni networks, preparing you for high-level decision-making roles.

Cornell’s Master of Science in Legal Studies (MSLS) is designed for professionals seeking advanced, law school-level expertise in areas like compliance, litigation strategy, and regulatory frameworks. While most MLS programs focus on foundational legal concepts, Cornell’s MSLS emphasizes leadership development and strategic decision-making, making it ideal for executives and industry leaders.

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Learn more about the Master of Science in Legal Studies.