Frequently Asked Questions

The MS in Law is an academic pathway for learning the law, policies, and regulations that govern other industries. At Maryland Carey Law, students can focus their studies in Health Care Law, Cybersecurity Law, and Homeland Security & Crisis Management Law.  

The main difference is that an MS in Law does not prepare you to become a practicing lawyer. Here are other ways the two degrees differ: 

If you would like to discuss which degree is right for you, please contact us for an advising appointment.

No. While the MS in Law may give future a JD student a head start in learning about the law, it is not a method to “fast-track” obtaining a JD. MS in Law credits do not transfer towards the JD program. 

No. The Master’s program is designed for professionals who desire education in the law without becoming practicing lawyers. Graduates will not be eligible to sit for any bar exam. 

Students find that what they learn in the program is related and readily applicable to their current professions. Explore examples of how the MS in Law coursework could apply to different professions on our MS in Law career benefits page. If you would like one-on-one advice, contact us for a career counseling session. 

Professional development is offered as part of the program. Individualized career counseling is conducted remotely and by appointment. We also offer regular workshops that cover a variety of professionalism and career development topics.

No. Entrance exams (GRE, LSAT, GMAT) are not required for admission to the program.

Yes. Applicants outside the U.S. may apply for the MS in Law program. 

No. Students may not transfer or apply credits earned elsewhere toward the MS in Law program degree requirements. 

Yes. You can apply for the MS in Law program even if you already have a law degree.

Only students with a JD may request advanced standing and could receive credits for the first semester of the MS in Law program. Any other graduate or PhD level programs do not quality for transfer credits or advanced standing.

No. You do not need to wait for official transcripts and letters of recommendation in order to submit an application. You can submit an application without all the supporting documents, however, an application is not reviewed until it is complete.

You will receive an email regarding the status of your application. Once we receive all of your supporting documents, your application will go through the application review process.

It takes approximately 2-4 weeks to get a letter of decision from the school after you submit the application and supporting documents. You will recieve notification via email and the application portal. 

Depending on your start date and standing in the program, there are 5-15 students in each class.

Your classmates will all be students in the MS in Law program. However, some of your classmates may already hold other advanced degrees, including a JD (a degree of study for those who are eligible to become practicing lawyers) from Maryland Carey Law.

Lectures are asynchronous and pre-recorded, allowing you to set your own schedule and work toward completing your coursework by the established deadlines while managing your other personal and professional obligations. You will still connect with your professor and classmates through assignments and discussions in an online learning platform called Blackboard, but you won’t have to show up for class at a specific time. 

Before your first semester begins, you will participate in an orientation program that will include learning how to navigate Blackboard. Our tech support personnel are also available to help you navigate any issues you might have throughout the program.

Courses are arranged into modules, class activities centered around a specific theme or learning outcome. You will get one module per week per class and are required to complete each module within 9-10 days. Professors interact weekly with students. The online program offers flexibility for when you want to sit down and log in to complete your weekly assignments; it does not, however, let you “binge watch” an entire course in one weekend. 

Assignments and discussions take place in an online learning platform called Blackboard. Before your first semester begins, you will participate in an orientation program that will include learning how to navigate Blackboard. Our tech support personnel are also available to help you navigate any issues you might have throughout the program.

At minimum, students must have access to a reliable high-speed, broadband Internet connection. Students are encouraged to use a laptop or desktop computer rather than a tablet or smartphone, though the technology also works on these devices. Having access to a word processor or presentation software (Google docs, Microsoft suite, etc.) is also advised.

There are several ways your instructor will facilitate interaction through the course, including group breakout sessions, posting questions and comments via discussion boards, multiple choice polling, chat rooms, office hours, postings, video simulations, and other means.

Yes. All courses are monitored to ensure continual course success, and staff regularly verifies that students have access to the learning management system. Any individual issues you may encounter are addressed via a ticketing system. 

At this time, all orientation, coursework, and commencement activities are virtual.