Programs for Non-Lawyers

Pitt Law offers a number of advanced degrees and certifications for non-lawyers who seek an alternative to the traditional three-year Juris Doctor. These programs are designed for graduates and professionals seeking to broaden their knowledge and understanding of legal systems and how they interact with their studies or professional field. 

To learn more contact the program director at msl@pitt.edu.

HR Law Online

The University of Pittsburgh School of Law developed Human Resources Law Online (HR Law Online) by working with experts in human resources, law, and online education. Our advanced, accelerated program will support you as you take on more advanced human resource roles.

International Business Law and Dispute Resolution Online

Pitt Law's newest online offering, the Online Graduate Certificate in International Business Law and Dispute Resolution, welcomes students who already work in or who wish to begin a career in International Commercial Law. Students will advance and enhance their careers by expanding their knowledge, skills, and professional understanding of international business law.

Health Care Compliance Online

Health Care Compliance Online at Pitt Law is a fully online, accelerated 10-month graduate certificate program designed for working professionals. This program has been developed by working with experts in compliance, law, and online education. The program's advanced, accelerated program will support students as they take on more strategic compliance roles in their careers.

Master of Studies in Law Degree

Pitt Law's Master of Studies in Law Degree (MSL) provides education about law to people who use law -- or will use law -- in their careers and who want to learn more about legal studies, but who do not want to become lawyers. This advanced degree is designed for graduates and mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their careers with a versatile alternative to the traditional three-year Juris Doctor degree. The MSL degree can be earned in one academic year (August to May) full-time or two to four years in a flexible part-time schedule. This is not an online program.

NEW: MSL + Online Certificate Combine Program

Students who successfully complete a Pitt Law Online Certificate—in Health Care Compliance OnlineHuman Resources Law Online, and International Business Law and Dispute Resolution Online—may apply the 15 credits earned in the online program to the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree. This option allows students to earn both the certificate and the MSL in 30 credit hours, at an accelerated rate, and with reduced tuition costs.