MSL in Health Law and Policy
Overview
Location: On-campus only
The MSL in Health Law and Policy is a 24-credit program that consists of three mandatory courses, advanced coursework in Health Law and Policy and related areas, and the option to take a limited number of courses in other areas of the law. The Health Law and Policy concentration builds core expertise in healthcare regulation, compliance, and public health law. Students examine how federal agencies, policy frameworks, and legal requirements shape healthcare delivery, patient rights, and organizational operations. This concentration prepares professionals to navigate complex health‑care regulatory environments and apply legal principles across the evolving health policy landscape.
How Much Does This Degree Cost?
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 – 9-10 credits | |
| Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Writing for MSL Students (6950) | 3 credits |
| Administrative Law (6400) | 3 credits |
| Health Law and Policy (6410) | 3 or 4 credits |
| Courses from the following options - 10 credits required | |
| Constitutional I or II (6214 or 6380) | 3 credits each |
| Insurance (6298) | 2 credits |
| Public Health Law and Ethics (6407) | 3 credits |
| Elder Law (6353) | 2 credits |
| Food and Drug Law (6408) | 2 credits |
| Selected Topics in Health Care Law (6409)* | 2 credits |
| Health Care Law Seminar (6411)** | 2 credits |
| Law and Psychiatry (6614) | 2 credits |
| Genetics and the Law (6616) | 2 credits |
| Law and Medicine (6617) | 3 credits |
| Climate Change Law and Justice (6455) | 2 or 3 credits |
Other Law Electives – up to 5 credits permitted. Students may take up to 5 credits in any other generally available course at the law school that is open to MSL students.
*May include Legal and Other Nonmedical Approaches to Health Reform, Vaccines and Preventive Services Law, and other topics.
**May include Fraud and Abuse, Managed Care Law and Policy, Medical Devices, Reproductive Justice, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other topics.
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