High value, highly valued.
High value, highly valued.

Pitt Law School Application Requirements

To apply to the Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) or to one of the graduate certificate programs at University of Pittsburgh School of Law, you are required to submit the following materials:

  • Completed online application
  • Personal statement
    • This single-spaced, typed statement should be one page long and describe your reasons for pursuing an MSL degree or certificate, and include any information you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee in making its decision
    • The committee recommends explaining why you are interested in your chosen program and how earning the degree or certificate will be helpful to you
  • Undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts
    • Transcripts are required from all colleges or universities attended. The transcript should clearly indicate the dates of attendance, the courses taken, the grades received, and the degree conferred
    • Unofficial copies of transcripts will be accepted for review purposes. However, if you are admitted, you must provide your official transcripts before starting the program.
  • Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher. Applicants with less than a 2.75—especially those with significant work experience—may be considered for provisional admissions to the program—schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more
  • International applicants must have taken either the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo examinations of English competency within the past two years.*
  • $38 application fee

Download the Application Checklist

Students who complete a certificate program are eligible to apply for the MSL program. Admission to the MSL program is contingent upon the satisfactory academic performance in the certificate, including meeting academic standards and deadlines, and is at the discretion of the MSL program director.

*The TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo requirement may be waived for prospective students who attend the University’s English Language Institute (ELI) and successfully complete Level 5 or 6 in the ELI's program with a score of 85% or higher.

Start Your Application
Get started on your MSL or graduate certificate application. Prospective students have the opportunity to start in the spring or fall terms.

Our admissions outreach advisors are here to help you along the way. If you have any questions during the application process, schedule an appointment or send our team an email.

Apply Now

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Program Brochure

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.

Application Process at Pitt Law

For applicants to the Online MSL or certificate programs, here is what you can expect from the application process.

Upload application materials via the online application portal

  • Application form
  • Personal statement
  • Unofficial transcripts

Submit materials directly to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law

  • Original, official transcripts must be received by Pitt Law in an unopened, sealed envelope with the issuing administrator's signature along the envelope seal or delivered via electronic transcript directly from the degree issuing institute. Transcripts may be mailed directly to the MSL Admissions Office by the issuing institution or by the applicant.
    • Unofficial copies of transcripts will be accepted for admissions decision purposes. If you are admitted to the program, your official transcript must be submitted prior to matriculation.

Address all hard copies and original documents to:
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
ATTN: Beth Ann Pischke
3900 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Transcripts can also be emailed directly to Beth Ann Pischke from the issuing institution.
Email to: pischke@pitt.edu
(Please indicate which program you are submitting this documentation for.)

Spring 2025 Admissions Deadlines

Dec
9
Priority Deadline
December 9
Spring 2025
Jan
6
Final Deadline
January 6
Spring 2025
Jan
13
Start Date
January 13
Spring 2025