Become a legal-savvy professional

With University of the Pacific’s all online master’s degree in business law, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to navigate complex legal challenges facing modern workplaces and get ahead in your career no matter your field. Designed for working professionals, this 26-unit graduate program allows you to learn from expert McGeorge School of Law faculty members online at your own pace.

Law for non-lawyers

This program is specially designed for professionals who encounter legal issues that impact their work, including business executives, social workers, compliance specialists, health care professionals and human resources professionals. Entrepreneurs also will benefit from having knowledge of the law to help them negotiate the process of creating new businesses. 

Gain a professional edge

As an MSL student, you will sharpen your critical thinking skills related to law and policy. You’ll gain vital communication training in areas such as effective listening, critical reading, legal writing and the ability to verbally convey legal and policy concepts. You will demonstrate judgment, ethics and professionalism as a non-lawyer working within a legal framework, combining theory and practical skills. 

Fully online asynchronous program

Expert faculty and peer interactions

Submit your application through the online application portal. Application requirements are as follows:

  • Transcripts from all universities and colleges attended.
    • Applicants must submit transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate school attended.
    • Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded for admission review purposes.
    • Please note an official transcript is required to be submitted either through the GradCAS system.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement — Statements should address the following:
    • Relevant professional experience
    • Reason for application to the MSL program<
    • Any additional significant information
  • Writing Sample
    • Please submit a professional or academic writing sample (written solely by the applicant) that showcases writing ability.
  • Letters of recommendation (1-2)
    • Letters of recommendation should be from academic or professional sources.

Documents should be uploaded via the online system. If you are experiencing any troubles with the GradCAS system, please send an email to gradautelaw@dhnpsf.com.

  • Priority deadline for Spring: Oct. 31
  • Priority deadline for Fall: May 31

After the priority deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Having a complete application submitted on or before the priority deadline will guarantee you a decision within two weeks. After the priority deadline, decisions may take longer to process.

First Semester Required Courses:
  • Introduction to Legal Analysis – 2 units
  • Analytical Skills – 4 units
Second Semester Required Courses:
  • Business Organizations - 3 units
  • Negotiations – 3 units
Summer Session Required Courses:
  • Leadership in Organizations – 1 unit
  • Persuasive Public Speaking – 1 unit
Upper Division Course Electives for the Second Year

Students would choose from a variety of upper-division courses for their remaining twelve units, including the following:

  • Legislatures and Lawmaking – 3 units
  • The Executive Branch and the Administrative State – 3 units
  • Employment Law - 3 units
  • Contract Drafting - 3 units
  • Tax – 3 units
  • Survey of Intellectual Property Law - 3 unit
  • Capstone MBA Course in Business Strategy from Eberhardt - 3 units

Business Organizations — 3 Units: In this course students will learn about the laws governing business organizations, their formation, and strategic concerns related to the variety of ownership structures.

Employment Law — 3 units: In this course students will learn employment law topics including testing, privacy, FLSA, benefits, rights to compensation, workplace emotional injuries, termination and employer risk management strategies.

Contract Drafting — 3 units: In this course students will learn the fundamental contract concepts underlying the drafting process and will learn how to draft contracts that effectively deliver the parties’ expectations, manage their risks intentionally, as well as their remedies.

State and Federal Taxation — 3 units: In this course students will learn about the fundamentals of personal, business, and trust & estate income tax law and tax compliance, including basis, tax consequences of property sales, alternative minimum tax, passive activity and at-risk rules, charitable contributions and deductions, tax reduction techniques, and the tax implications of special circumstances.

Survey of Intellectual Property Law — 3 units: In this course students will learn about the laws and policy rationales related to intellectual property law, with a focus on patents, copyrights, and trademarks.

Jeff Proske, Professor of Lawyering Skills
Faculty
Professor Jeff Proske

Professor Proske brings 20 years of experience to the MSL Business Law Concentration as a California attorney advising business clients from Fortune 500 NYSE-listed corporations to sole proprietorships. His mission in the MSL Business Law Concentration is to give non-lawyers the skills and insights into areas of the law that impact entrepreneurs and businesspeople on a day-to-day basis.

Networking opportunities in person or online

Network with business leaders and business lawyers in person in the world-class city of San Francisco throughout the program to establish career connections.  

Career Resource Center CRC, handshake
student studying on a laptop
Why choose the Pacific McGeorge business law MSL degree?
  • Learn from top legal experts and business leaders
  • Study in an individualized and collegial learning environment
  • Gain practical legal skills
  • Develop legal skills in knowledge via a flexible schedule through online asynchronous learning
  • Network with peers, legal experts, and businesspeople in person and online
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