Already a leader in traditional legal education, Hamline University is pleased to announce a new degree program—a Master in the Study of Law—designed specifically for working professionals who desire a sophisticated understanding of law and conflict resolution but who are not seeking a traditional Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

The Master in the Study of Law (MSL) is offered in two areas of specialty:  Conflict Resolution and Healthcare Compliance, led by two of Hamline School of Law’s nationally-renowned centers of excellence—the Dispute Resolution Institute and the Health Law Institute. Students in the MSL program will take courses from law school professors, alongside full-time law students. The program includes an immersion in the culture of law, insight into how the legal process works, law-related research experience, perspective on the legal implications of workplace decision-making, and mastery of conflict resolution theory, with practical skills set building in the areas of negotiation and creative problem-solving.

“With national recognition for our leadership and expertise in the evolution of conflict resolution and health law education, and with our long history of developing and growing strong programs focused on legal education in our College of Liberal Arts and School of Law, Hamline University is well-positioned to offer this unique new program,” said Dr. Linda Hanson, president of Hamline University. “The Master in the Study of Law offers a rigorous, integrated approach to legal education for working professionals who seek a significant understanding of the law without the desire to practice law.”

The MSL program is geared for individuals whose work or future career involves law or who routinely seeks the advice of legal counsel. This includes a wide range of professionals, such as:  human resources professionals, risk managers, educators, business executives, journalists, financial planners, health care administrators, compliance officers, and privacy officers. It can be completed in 12 months for those attending full-time or in 18-24 months for those taking part-time day, evening, and weekend classes. Study abroad and summer or J-term classes are also available.

"Non-lawyer professionals are confronted everyday with decisions on the job that have legal implications or require interaction with lawyers,” said Donald Lewis, dean of the Hamline University School of Law. “Many would benefit from a master’s program designed for those who do not aspire to practice law, but want to learn how lawyers think and problem-solve in their industry."

Hamline also offers traditional American Bar Association-approved JD and LLM programs through its School of Law, as well as certificates in paralegal studies, conflict engagement for health professionals, healthcare compliance, international business negotiation, global arbitration law and practice, and dispute resolution. The Master in the Study of Law is pending ABA acquiescence. Learn more about the MSL program.