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Get to Know the Pitt Law Online Experience

Now is the perfect time to accelerate your career and stand out to employers by earning your legal degree or certificate online. Pitt Law’s online programs give you the same valuable education as you would receive from attending the program on campus, with the added advantage of asynchronous courses and geographical freedom. Transform your career on your terms, on your schedule, from your home.

As an online student, you are as much a part of the Pitt Law community as the on-campus students. In addition to your Panther Card, you’ll have access to the University of Pittsburgh’s libraries (both in person and online) and invitations to attend university events, including receptions and guest speakers.

Learn more about what to expect from your online experience and the support you will receive on this exciting educational journey.

Benefits of the Online MSL and Certificate Programs

Learn on your schedule with asynchronous classes
Learn from experienced, working legal experts who teach and practice law in their respective areas of specialization
Gain access to a valued and diverse network of colleagues and mentors within the Pitt Law and broader Pitt communities
Build concentrated expertise to work more knowledgeably with lawyers and gain increased regulatory and legal awareness

*Join the American Bar Association for free as law students, gaining access to free and high quality legal education programs on many topics as well as other numerous benefits.

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Which MSL program or graduate certificate are you interested in?*

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Are you considering a master’s degree in law or a graduate certificate to take your career to the next level? Pitt Law’s Master of Studies in Law online program is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their careers with a versatile alternative to the traditional three-year JD degree. The certificate programs are ideal for those who are not currently looking to pursue a master’s degree.

Complete the form to get a program brochure for Pitt Law’s Online MSL plus your chosen specialization, or your chosen certificate program, delivered to your inbox.

The MSL degree, and specifically the Online MSL courses and the health care compliance track, have been instrumental in enhancing my career path. The online format option was especially perfect for my studies during times of business travel.

Kenneth Cote ’22, Online MSL with Health Care Compliance Specialization

Experience the Advantage of an Engaging Online Learning Experience

Our students find that online learning opens up a variety of networking opportunities. As a student in Pitt Law’s Online MSL and graduate certificate programs, you will forge strong connections with your peers and professors. Get the details on the workload, class structure, and credit hours that bring the online experience together.

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Workload: What to Expect

You should plan to spend 10-15 hours per week on coursework. This includes all elements of your self-paced learning journey, including viewing modules in the learning management system, assignments, and asynchronous collaboration with your peers. While the time you spend on your courses is ultimately up to you, 10-15 hours is a suggested benchmark to keep you on track.

Class Structure

All the online classes are designed to be similar in structure, giving you a consistent experience in the learning management system (LMS) throughout your program. The LMS is highly organized, intuitive, and dynamic. You can access course materials 24/7, and all quizzes and assignments are submitted through real-time submission links. Your instructor supports your progress each week, interacting with you through email, comments on assignments, discussion threads, and via group and private discussions, primarily held over Zoom.

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Counting Up Credit Hours

You will take two to three courses each semester for both the online MSL and graduate certificate programs. Courses range from 1.25 to 3 credits per hour. To complete the MSL program, you will need to complete 15 credits from the MSL core curriculum, and 15 credits in your chosen specialization. To complete any of our graduate certificate courses, you will need to complete 15 credits within that certificate program. These credits can be applied to the MSL degree should you choose to continue on for your master’s.

When a student enters a new online course, it should feel like walking into a familiar room. We took this approach because our students are incredibly busy—most have families and work full time. The consistency of class design and delivery of the online MSL core courses and the certificate courses reduces stress and enables the online student to get to work on content. The course materials are organized by weekly modules, which makes it easy for students to know what work to complete when.

Mary Nell Cummings, Health Care Compliance Program Director

Your Success is Our Purpose

Your Admissions Outreach Advisor supported you through the application process, but what happens once you’ve been accepted? From acceptance through graduation, your Student Success Coordinator will take on an active role to ensure you get the most out of your Pitt Law online experience, whether you are going for the full MSL or a graduate certificate. The Student Success Coordinators are there to help you with any questions or guidance, as well as a full complement of resources that will be available throughout the program.

To get you off to the best possible start, you will receive several check-ins from your Student Success Coordinator, from tech-checks to registration to the first day of classes and more. You will also go through an orientation that serves as an introduction to our learning management system, familiarizing you with its tools, forms of communication, and best practices for success in an online environment. From there, your Student Success Coordinator will be just a call or email away to ensure your continued success.

Application Requirements

Before you start your application, explore the application requirements for the Online MSL and specializations, as well as the certificate programs, at Pitt Law.

View Application Requirements

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Faculty

Pitt Law’s world-renowned faculty members are leaders in their respective fields. They also serve as enthusiastic and compassionate mentors for Pitt Law students.

Meet the Faculty

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Careers

Whether you are looking to move up to a leadership position in your current field or are a career changer looking for a way to stand out, Pitt Law can help. See where a legal education can take you.

Drive Your Career Forward

Madeline Nakfoor

Forge ahead.

Schedule a call with one of our knowledgeable advisors to discuss if the online experience is the right fit for you.

Contact an Admissions Outreach Advisor

Spring 2025 Admissions Deadlines

Dec

Priority Deadline

December 9

Spring 2025

Jan

Final Deadline

January 6

Spring 2025

Jan

Start Date

January 13

Spring 2025