For many transitioning service members and veterans, the shift from active duty to the civilian workforce feels less like a step and more like a leap across a widening chasm. In the military, you understand the operational "how" of security—how to secure a perimeter, how to execute a mission, and how to manage risk under pressure. However, in the rapidly evolving sectors of National Security and Cybersecurity, the "how" is increasingly dictated by the "legal."
As the battlefield shifts toward digital infrastructure and data sovereignty, the demand for professionals who can navigate the complex legal frameworks of the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has never been higher. Yet, for those who do not wish to spend three years becoming a practicing attorney, a traditional Juris Doctor (JD) may not be the right fit. This is where the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) at GW Law serves as the definitive bridge.
The National Security and Cybersecurity Law concentration is designed to take the "operational discipline" of a veteran and forge it into "legal literacy," creating a leader who can navigate the intersection of law, policy, and technology.
The Gap: Operational Experience vs. Legal Strategy
In modern warfare and domestic defense, technology moves faster than the law. Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data are no longer just buzzwords; they are the tools of statecraft and sabotage. Veterans entering the civilian sector might have years of experience with signal intelligence or system security, but they often lack the formal training to interpret the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), understand the nuances of Congressional oversight, or manage classified information within a civilian legal context.
The MSL program at GW Law is specifically engineered for this "law-adjacent" professional—those who are not interested in earning a law degree or practicing law, but work in jobs where knowledge of the law is critical. It provides the "discipline and rigor" of a legal education without the requirement to sit for the bar exam. For a veteran, this means you can take your existing security clearance and technical background and add a layer of legal expertise that makes you indispensable to organizations like the DoD, DHS, or major defense contractors.
A Curriculum Built for the Modern Defender
The National Security and Cybersecurity Law concentration isn't just a collection of theoretical lectures. It is a rigorous 24-credit deep dive into the urgent policy challenges of the 21st century. Students are trained to address challenges by offering:
- Training to confront vulnerabilities: Analyze physical and cyber threats that can destabilize societies and compromise essential services.
- Exploration of emerging tech: Dive into the legal guardrails of cybersecurity, AI, and big data.
- Expertise in safeguarding critical infrastructure: Master the laws of counterterrorism, homeland security, and crisis management.
As John McKnight, MSL '25, noted regarding his experience: "I have used the skills learned at GW almost immediately. I can't believe how applicable this education has been to my day-to-day job supporting federal procurement". This immediate applicability is a hallmark of the program.
Learning from the Architects of Policy: World-Class Faculty Expertise
The true value of an MSL lies in the expertise of its faculty. At GW Law, you aren't just learning from academics; you are learning from "first-hand knowledge professionals" who have shaped national policy.
Laura A. Dickinson: A Voice on the Global Stage
Professor Laura A. Dickinson, the Lyle T. Alverson Professor of Law, is a renowned expert in national security, human rights, and the law of armed conflict. Her scholarship on the privatization of foreign affairs, including her prizewinning book Outsourcing War and Peace, provides vital context for veterans navigating the modern defense industry. Professor Dickinson is a frequent voice in national policy debates, with her insights recently featured in major news outlets:
- Just Security: She co-signed an open letter with over 100 experts warning that U.S. strikes on Iran could violate the UN Charter and raise concerns about international humanitarian law.
- The Wall Street Journal: She was quoted regarding the legal implications of invoking the Insurrection Act, a critical topic for those in homeland security.
- The Washington Post: She discussed the potential impact of lawsuits on national security strategy.
Associate Dean Lisa M. Schenck: A Pioneer in Military Justice
Associate Dean Lisa M. Schenck brings unparalleled military and judicial experience to the MSL program. A retired U.S. Army colonel, she served as a military judge and was the first woman appointed as a Senior Judge on the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals. Currently, the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Military Commission Review, she is a leading authority on military justice. Her books, including Modern Military Justice, are essential reading for any veteran seeking to understand how the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) intersects with civilian legal standards.
Jonathan G. Cedarbaum: Legal Strategist to the Executive Branch
Professor Jonathan G. Cedarbaum offers students a rare look into the legal operations of the White House. He previously served as Deputy Counsel to the President and National Security Council Legal Advisor. His career includes serving as the Acting Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), which provides authoritative legal advice to the President and all Executive Branch Departments. As one of the first statutorily designated amici for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), his expertise is a critical asset for students focusing on cybersecurity and high-level national policy.
The "Living Classroom" of the DMV Area
For anyone in the national security space, location is a strategic asset, whether you take your classes online, on-campus, or a mix of both. GW Law is situated in the heart of Washington, DC, across the street from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. This location offers an unparalleled "living classroom":
- Proximity to Power: Students are just two blocks from the internationally known law firms of K Street, three blocks from the U.S. Department of State, and a short ride from the Pentagon and DHS Headquarters.
- Networking in the "Heart of the Nation": Students routinely interact with high-level practitioners and policymakers from nearby institutions through lectures, programs, and volunteer opportunities.
- Accessibility for Professionals: Whether you are based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia or the NSA in Maryland, the program’s flexibility—offering online, on-campus, and hybrid options—ensures you can balance your current duties while preparing for your next mission.
Career Outcomes: A Financial and Professional ROI
The program prepares students for roles that are both high-impact and high-earning in both the public and private sectors. In-demand roles include:
- Cybersecurity Policy Advisor: Crafts cyber policy and guides high-level security decision-making.
- Regulatory Analyst: Translates complex new regulations into actionable compliance strategies.
- National Security Risk Officer: Identifies vulnerabilities and recommends protective safeguards.
- Public Sector Compliance Lead: Oversees daily practices to ensure legal and regulatory standards are met.
From a financial standpoint, the career growth is significant. Salary data for law-adjacent roles in this sector is compelling, with positions like International or Foreign Policy Analyst earning an average of $100,949 and Compliance Officers within agencies like the DHS earning $98,949. For a veteran, this mentorship and education are vital for translating military service into high-impact civilian leadership.
Affordability and Investing in Your Future
GW Law has structured its financial aid and tuition to ensure the MSL is an accessible investment. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the tuition rate is $2,740 per credit. For the 24-credit MSL program, this represents a focused, efficient investment compared to the time and financial commitment of a three-year JD.
To help bridge the financial gap, GW supports active-duty and former military students and helps them leverage their government tuition assistance benefits. Indeed, we have an office dedicated to assisting students in the military and veterans and helping them navigate the scholarships available. The "Law-Adjacent" Advantage
The most effective leaders are those who understand the legal guardrails of their environment. As Roberto Macoto, MSL '21 and a Department of Defense professional, put it: "This degree will absolutely cement my ability to work through the decision-making process that is fact-based and logical... meeting the spirit of the law".
The "law-adjacent advantage" isn't about knowing how to litigate a case in front of a jury; it’s about having the legal literacy to ensure your organization is compliant, secure, and strategically positioned. For the military veteran, the MSL provides the "discipline and rigor" to lead in a complex, regulated world.
Ready to Claim Your Advantage?
Whether you are looking to rise through the ranks at the DoD, secure a leadership role at DHS, or transition into the lucrative private cybersecurity sector, the GW Law MSL is your roadmap.
Application Overview for Professionals:
- LSAC: Candidates should apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
- Experience: The program values applicants with professional experience, typically 3+ years in a relevant field.
- Standardized Tests: Standardized tests are not required for MSL admission.
- Language Proficiency: For international applicants whose initial degree was from a non-U.S. school where English is not the language of instruction, a TOEFL score in the 100-point range or an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher is required.
Don’t just watch the future of cybersecurity policy unfold—lead it. Bridge the gap with a Master of Studies in Law from GW Law.
Ready to apply?
Begin your journey today by applying through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).