In the last decade, the global economy has undergone a fundamental shift. Data is no longer just a byproduct of business; it is the most valuable asset on the balance sheet. However, with great value comes immense risk. As artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data redefine how we work, communicate, and govern, the legal frameworks designed to protect us are struggling to keep pace. For professionals in the technology, healthcare, finance, and defense sectors, the challenge is clear: navigating this landscape requires more than just technical skill—it requires deep legal fluency.
The George Washington University Law School (GW Law) has met this challenge head-on with its Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Privacy, Data Security, and Technology Law. This program is not for lawyers; it is designed specifically for high-achieving non-lawyer professionals who want to lead at the intersection of law and innovation. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, and offered in a flexible online format, this program represents the gold standard for anyone looking to claim their "law-adjacent advantage" in the DMV region and beyond.
The Power of Location: The DMV Advantage
For those working in privacy and technology, geography is more than a logistical detail—it is a strategic asset. The District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) metro region is the undisputed epicenter of global policy and regulatory oversight. GW Law’s campus in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood is situated just blocks from the institutions that shape the digital world.
Students in the program benefit from proximity to:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The primary enforcer of data privacy and consumer protection in the U.S.
- The U.S. Department of State: Which leads international efforts on cross-border data sharing and cyber diplomacy.
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank: Both of which are essential to the global financial technology landscape.
- National Security Hubs: Proximity to the Pentagon, DHS, and the NSA provides a direct line to the latest developments in cybersecurity policy.
While the program is available 100% online, this "DC DNA" is woven into the curriculum. GW Law draws on the practitioners who are actively drafting the next generation of privacy statutes and AI regulations. Whether you are a project manager at a Northern Virginia tech firm or a compliance lead for a Maryland healthcare provider, this program connects you to the heart of the nation’s policy landscape.
Learning from the Architects: World-Class Faculty Expertise
The true hallmark of a GW Law education is the faculty. While many institutions offer theoretical glimpses into technology law, GW Law provides direct access to the practitioners who are shaping it. Only 4% of law schools nationwide offer a single advanced course in privacy or data security law; GW Law offers over a dozen, taught by some of the most influential minds in the field.
Daniel J. Solove: The Visionary of Privacy Law
Professor Daniel J. Solove is widely regarded as one of the world's leading experts in information privacy law. A graduate of Yale Law School and former editor of the Yale Law Journal, Professor Solove has literally written the books that define the field. With over one million followers on LinkedIn and a massive presence in both scholarly and public discourse, his influence is unparalleled.
His recent work, including his seminal article "Artificial Intelligence and Privacy," highlights the urgent need for a new regulatory direction. He argues that while AI "remixes and amplifies" existing problems, our current legal frameworks fall "woefully short." For MSL students, learning from Professor Solove means gaining the ability to conceptualize privacy not just as a compliance checkbox, but as a dynamic strategic challenge. His insights into how AI exposes the shortcomings of existing laws prepare students to lead organizations through the next era of technological upheaval.
Jonathan G. Cedarbaum: The Executive Perspective
Professor Jonathan G. Cedarbaum brings a level of executive branch experience that is rare even in Washington, DC. Before joining the GW Law faculty as a Professor of Practice, he served as Deputy Counsel to the President and National Security Council Legal Advisor. He also served as the Acting Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC)—the office that provides authoritative legal advice to the President and all Executive Branch Departments.
Professor Cedarbaum’s role as one of the first statutorily designated amici for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) gives him unique insights into the legalities of surveillance and cybersecurity. His expertise allows MSL students to understand how laws are drafted and interpreted at the highest levels of government, providing a perspective that is essential for those working in national security or highly regulated tech sectors.
Doug Pepe: The Blockchain and Litigation Strategist
Professor Douglas J. Pepe represents the cutting edge of practical tech law. As a co-founding partner at a leading New York firm, he specializes in complex commercial litigation and the legal implications of emerging tech. Beyond his legal practice, he is the co-founder of a company that provides tools for tokenizing real-world assets and is the developer of a patent-pending blockchain voting system.
Students in his Blockchain Law and Policy course gain more than just theory; they learn from a practitioner who is actively building the technology he teaches. His ability to bridge the gap between "code" and "law" is exactly the kind of specialized knowledge that MSL students need to navigate the world of decentralized finance and digital assets.
Christopher Savage: The Regulatory Pro
Professor Christopher Savage is a distinguished practitioner with a focus on assisting companies in communications- and data-centric industries. A Harvard Law graduate and an expert with CIPP/US and CIPT certifications, he has spent his career helping companies navigate federal court litigation and administrative agency proceedings.
His scholarly work, such as "Managing the Ambient Trust Commons: The Economics of Online Consumer Privacy," explores the fundamental economic drivers behind privacy policy. For a non-lawyer, Professor Savage’s expertise in Internet Law and data breach response provides a roadmap for protecting a corporation's bottom line while ensuring regulatory compliance.
A Curriculum Built for Action
The MSL program requires 24 credits of coursework, designed to be completed in one to two years. Unlike a JD, which requires three years of study and preparation for the bar exam, the MSL is a "surgical" degree. It gives you the "discipline and rigor" of a law school education without the fluff.
Key courses include:
- Information Privacy Law: Understanding the foundations of data protection.
- Cybersecurity Law and Policy: Navigating the legal requirements for securing digital infrastructure.
- AI Law and Policy: Exploring the emerging ethics and statutes governing artificial intelligence.
- Blockchain Law and Policy: A deep dive into the legalities of decentralized tech.
As MSL '21 alumnus Roberto Macoto noted, this education cements the ability to work through a decision-making process that is "fact-based and logical... meeting the spirit of the law."
Career Outcomes and ROI: The Professional Lift
The return on investment for an MSL in Privacy, Data Security, and Technology is clear. The demand for non-lawyers who can bridge the gap between legal counsel and operational teams is skyrocketing. Roles in law-adjacent sectors are projected to grow by 20.8% through 2032.
Graduates of the program find themselves in high-impact, high-earning roles, including:
- Privacy Officer: Managing corporate data policies (Avg salary: $100,000+).
- Compliance Officer: Ensuring organizations meet complex global standards like the GDPR (Avg salary: $98,949).
- Regulatory Analyst: Translating new technology laws into actionable business strategies.
- Cybersecurity Policy Advisor: Leading national security and risk management efforts.
By gaining "legal fluency," you make yourself indispensable. You become the person who can anticipate a legal hurdle before it becomes an expensive lawsuit, providing an ROI that far exceeds the cost of tuition.
Affordability, Flexibility, and Aid
GW Law is committed to making this program accessible to established professionals.
- No Standardized Tests: The LSAT and GRE are not required for MSL admission, recognizing that your professional experience (typically 3+ years) is the best indicator of your potential.
- Tuition: For the 2025-2026 academic year, the tuition rate is $2,650 per credit.
- Flexibility: With 100% online options and the ability to maintain half-time status with only 5–8 credits per semester, you can earn your degree without stepping away from your career.
Conclusion: Lead the Conversation
The digital world is governed by a complex and ever-changing set of rules. You can either watch the future of technology law unfold from the sidelines, or you can lead it. With an MSL from GW Law, you gain more than just a credential; you gain the access, expertise, and authority of the world’s leading legal minds.
Join a network of "first-hand knowledge professionals" and claim your law-adjacent advantage. The transition from being a professional who uses technology to a leader who governs it begins here.
Ready to Claim Your Advantage?
The application process is streamlined for professionals. Apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) today.
For more information on the Privacy, Data Security, and Technology Law specialization, contact MSL Admissions at msladmissions
law [dot] gwu [dot] edu or call 202.994.7242. Visit us online or at our campus in the heart of Washington, DC.