MSL in First Amendment Speech and Free Expression
Overview
Location: On-campus only
The MSL in First Amendment: Speech and Expression is a 24-credit program that consists of four mandatory courses, advanced coursework in constitutional law related to speech and expression, and the option to take a limited number of electives in other areas of law. Designed for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of constitutional protections of speech and the press, this program is an excellent option for journalists, media professionals, and graduates of GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs.
How Much Does This Degree Cost?
GW Law ensures that this gold-standard education is accessible to working adults. The 24-credit program can be completed in just one to two years and is available in 100% online, on-campus, or hybrid formats.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the tuition rate is highly competitive at $2,740 per credit hour, bringing the total approximate tuition to $65,760 (plus applicable fees). This is far lower than the three-year tuition required for a JD. Need-based grants and federal loans are also available, and many students successfully utilize employer tuition assistance programs or veterans’ benefits to fund their studies.
Curriculum Highlights
| Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Courses – 12 credits | |
| Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Writing for MSL Students (6950) | 3 credits |
| Constitutional Law I (6214) | 3 credits |
| Constitutional Law II (6380) | 3 credits |
| First Amendment: Speech and Press Clauses (6382) | 3 credits |
| 8 Required Credits from the Following Options | |
| First Amendment: Religion Clauses (6393) | 3 credits |
| Constitutional Law Seminar (Cyber, Privacy, and Speech) (6399) | 2 credits |
| Constitutional Law Seminar (Religion and the Law) (6399) | 2 credits |
| Selected Topics in Constitutional Law (Congressional Procedure) (6401) | 1 credit |
| Selected Topics in Constitutional Law (Law, Critique, and Social Change) (6401) | 3 credits |
| Selected Topics in Constitutional Law (Section 1983 Civil Rights Litigation) (6401) | 3 credits |
| Law in Cyberspace (6485) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Information Privacy Law (6486) | 3 credits |
| Intellectual Property (6470) (for general exposure, not a practice-based course) | 3 credits |
| Internet Law (6493) | 1, 2, or 3 credits |
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both Law in Cyberspace (6485) and Internet Law (6493).
Electives – up to 5 credits permitted
Admission Requirements
There are two ways to apply to the MSL program:
- Apply via LSAC
- Apply directly through GW Law
Learn More About Applying to the MSL Program