Curriculum Structure
- 6 units of foundational courses
- 5 to 7 units of additional degree requirements
- 11 to 13 units of electives or specialization courses
Our Learning Modalities
You can choose your MLS format based on the specialization and electives you’re interested in, and the level of flexibility you need in your schedule. Whether you want fully online, hybrid, or on-campus learning, UC Law SF offers options that work for your career and personal life. Plus, you can change modality as you wish for maximum flexibility.
Fully Online
- Asynchronous courses: Learn on your own schedule with recorded lectures, readings, and assignments.
- Synchronous sessions: Join live, online classes for real-time discussion and faculty interaction.
Hybrid
- Combine on-campus and online learning. Attend some classes in person in San Francisco and complete others online.
Whichever format you choose, you’ll work through the same curriculum, engage with the same distinguished faculty, and earn the same UC Law SF degree.
Foundational Curriculum
Your MLS begins with courses that cover the essentials. The courses include:
- Introduction to Law (3 units)
- Legal Research & Writing for Master’s Students (2 units)
- Legal Research for Non-Lawyers (1 units)
In addition, you must:
- Take a foundational course in your area of interest or a first-year J.D. class (3 to 4 units)
- Write a research paper in connection with a seminar or an independent study aligned with your professional goals (2 to 3 units)
Important Notes:
- A minimum of five units per semester is required to qualify for federal loans.
- All students must attend New Student Orientation, held two weeks before the start of their first semester.
- An optional, 1-credit course (Introduction to U.S. Legal Systems) is offered during orientation and is highly recommended.
Specialize Your Learning
Once you’ve built your legal foundation, it’s time to focus on what matters most to your career and interests.
UC Law SF offers 15 optional specializations designed to help you align your legal education with your industry, interests, and long-term goals.
- Business
- Compliance
- Criminal Justice
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment
- Environmental Law
- Government
- Health Law
- Immigration
- Intellectual Property
- International Law
- Litigation and Legal Process
- Social Justice
- Start-Ups and Entrepreneurship
- Tax
You can also build your own specialization with a faculty advisor if your work spans multiple fields or doesn’t fit neatly into one category, or choose a general path to explore a wide range of courses across disciplines without committing to a single specialization.
Request Information
To learn more about the Master of Legal Studies program offered by UC Law SF and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also talk one-on-one with an enrollment specialist by calling (415) 849-9748.