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Curriculum - On-Campus MSL
USC Gould School of Law

To earn the Master of Studies in Law degree, you must earn satisfactory grades in 21 units of studies. Introduction to the U.S. Legal System is the only mandatory course for the on campus MSL degree. The remaining 19 units required for the degree may be taken from the elective courses listed below.

Students may enroll in our on-campus MSL classes only and will take courses alongside on-campus MSL students. We do not offer a hybrid option for earning the MSL. Class offerings may change every semester/year.

USC Gould offers on-campus MSL students the option of earning a graduate certificate in Business Law, Compliance, Human Resources Law and Compliance, or Media and Entertainment Law. Each certificate requires 12 units; some certificates may require three semesters of enrollment. Courses may also count toward more than one certificate.

Mandatory

Introduction to the US Legal System (2 units)

Electives

Business Organizations (3 units)

Contract Drafting and Strategy (2 units)

Corporate Governance (2 units)

Dealmaking (2 units)

Digital Media Transactions (2 units)

Effective Writing for Professionals (2 units)

Employment Discrimination Law (2 units)

Entertainment Law (2 units)

Fundamentals of Intellectual Property Law (3 units)

Health Care Compliance (3 units)

Human Resource Compliance (3 units)

Introduction to Litigation in U.S. Courts (2 units)

Negotiation Skills (2 units)

Regulatory Compliance (3 units)

Certificates

You may pursue one of our graduate certificates concurrent with your studies. Each certificate requires the completion of 12 or more units of law coursework specific to that certificate. There are no additional tuition costs associated with the certificates. Students are limited to pursuing two certificates with their degree. Some certificates may require three semesters of enrollment to complete course requirements.

Business Law Certificate — 12 units

Mandatory

Business Organizations (3 units)

Electives (Choose 9 or more units)

Contract Drafting and Strategy (2 units)

Corporate Governance (2 units)

Dealmaking (2 units)

Fundamentals of Intellectual Property Law (3 units)

Negotiation Skills (2 units)


Law, Social Justice and Diversity Certificate

Gould Courses (Residential) - Select 6 units

Mandatory

LAW-520 Introduction to US Legal System, 2 units (mandatory)

Electives (Choose 4 units)

Class offerings change every semester/year. Please consult with an advisor.

Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Courses (Residential) - Select 6 units

Class offerings change every semester/year. Please consult with an advisor.


Compliance Law Certificate — 14 units

Mandatory

Business Organizations (3 units)

Contract Drafting and Strategy (2 units)

Health Care Compliance (3 units)

Human Resource Compliance (3 units)

Regulatory Compliance (3 units)


Human Resources Law and Compliance Certificate - 12 units

Mandatory

Human Resource Compliance (3 units)

Regulatory Compliance (3 units)

Electives (Choose 6 or more units)

Contract Drafting and Strategy (2 units)

Employment Discrimination Law (2 units)

Negotiation Skills (2 units)


Media and Entertainment Law Certificate - 12 units

Mandatory

Business Organizations (3 units)

Entertainment Law (2 units)

Fundamentals of Intellectual Property Law (3 units)

Electives (Choose 4 or more units)

Contract Drafting and Strategy (2 units)

Digital Media Transactions (2 units)

Negotiation Skills (2 units)

Note: Units earned may not be applied toward a JD degree even if you elect to pursue one at a later time. Courses used toward a degree or a certificate completed at another university may not be applied toward a master's degree at USC. If courses were not used toward a conferred degree or certificate, a maximum of five units may be transferred to our MSL degree.

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