MSL in International and Comparative Law
Overview
Location: On-campus only
The MSL concentration in International and Comparative Law builds foundational expertise in international law, comparative legal systems, and the global frameworks that shape cross‑border governance. Students explore treaties, international organizations, and how different countries approach public and private law. This concentration prepares professionals to navigate global regulatory environments and apply legal principles across diverse jurisdictions and international contexts.
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
Complete a total of 24 credit hours, including coursework that satisfies the writing requirement.
A minimum of 12 credits from the ICL course offerings below, including 2 credits graded on the basis of a research paper. The research paper must be at least 8,000 words, and U.S. graduates must earn a minimum grade of B+. For students who choose to write a thesis, Thesis (6690-91) and a minimum of 12 credits from the following courses are required.
All students must take Fundamental Issues in US Law (6694) and Legal Research & Writing for International LLM & MSL Students I (6692).
| Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| International Taxation (6312) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Immigration Criminal Enforcement (6367) | 2 credits |
| Trade and Sustainable Development (6435) | 2 credits |
| International Environmental Law (6454) | 2 or 3 credits |
| International Climate Change Law (6455) | 2 or 3 credits |
| International Copyright Law (6473) | 1 or 2 credits |
| Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in the US International Trade Commission (6489) | 2 credits |
| International and Comparative Patent Law (6490) | 2 credits |
| International Intellectual Property (6491) | 1, 2, or 3 credits |
| Comparative Public Procurement (6508) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Procurement in International Development (6516) | 2 credits |
| International Law (6520) | 3 or 4 credits |
| International Money Laundering, Corruption, and Terrorism (6521) | 3 credits |
| International Business Transactions (6522) | 3 credits |
| International Commercial Law (6524) | |
| Advanced International Trade Law (6527) | 2 or 3 credits |
| International Litigation (6528) | 1, 2, or 3 credits |
| International Organizations (6530) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Comparative Law (6532) | 2 or 3 credits |
| International Family Law (6533) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Law of the European Union (6534) | 2, 3, or 4 credits |
| Islamic Law (6535) | 1 or 2 credits |
| Immigration Law I (6538) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Immigration Law II (6539) | 2 credits |
| Refugee and Asylum Law (6540) | 2 credits |
| International Finance (6541) | |
| International Banking and Investment Law (6542) | 2 credits |
| Chinese Law and Legal Institutions (6543) | 2 or 3 credits |
| International Investment Law and Arbitration (6544) | 1, 2, or 3 credits |
| International Project Finance (6545) | 2 credits |
| International Law of Human Rights (6546) | 2, 3, or 4 credits |
| Regional Protection of Human Rights (6547) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Space Law (6548) | 2 credits |
| Chinese Business Law (6549) | 2 credits |
| Law of the Sea (6550) | 2 credits |
| Law of War (6552) | 2 credits |
| U.S. Export Control Law and Regulation (6553) | 2 or 3 credits |
| International Criminal Law (6554) | 2 credits |
| Comparative Constitutional Law (6555) | 2 or 3 credits |
| International Arbitration (6556) | 1, 2, or 3 credits |
| Introduction to Transactional Islamic Law (6557) | 1 or 2 credits |
| International Negotiations (6558) | 2 credits |
| Nation Building and the Rule of Law (6559) | 2 credits |
| Public International Law Seminar (6562) | 2 credits |
| International Business Transactions Seminar (6564) | 2 credits |
| Human Trafficking Law (6572) | 2 credits |
| Comparative Law Seminar (6565) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Human Rights Lawyering (6568) | 2 or 3 credits |
| International Human Rights of Women (6570) | 2 credits |
| Field Placement (6668)** | 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits |
| International Dispute Resolution (6682) | 3 credits |
| U.S. Foreign Relations Law (6871) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Counterterrorism Law (6875) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Nuclear Nonproliferation Law and Policy (6877) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Conflict of Laws (6234) | 3 credits |
| Human Rights and Environmental Protection (6571) | 2 or 3 credits |
* With the permission of the program director
** Note: Oxford Program courses also count towards meeting the requirements for an MSL in International and Comparative Law.
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