MSL - Application Process
Starting October 1, 2024, we will be accepting applications for the Master of Studies in Law program to be considered for admission to start the program in the fall of 2025. Applicants must complete the and submit all supporting materials by July 1, 2025. The following supporting materials need to be submitted:
- Transcripts from all prior academic institutions - Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions of higher education that were attended, regardless of whether a degree was obtained. Applicants who have received undergraduate or graduate degrees from foreign institutions must have their transcript(s) evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or another transcript evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and have that evaluation sent to our office by WES.
- Letters of recommendation - no fewer than two and no more than three letters of recommendation must be sent directly from the recommender to LawMSL@colorado.edu.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae - must include details about educational background, honor societies, scholarships, work history, military service, extracurricular activities, public/community service, honors and awards, publications, and any other significant achievements and involvements. As to work, must include a complete and chronological list of positions.
- Personal statement – no longer than 1,200 words - double-spaced and typed - must include information about your distinctive qualities, talents, achievements, and life experiences as well as an explanation of your professional aspirations as they relate to the MSL program.
- English proficiency without a foreign law degree - applicants whose native language is not English must take the (we will also accept an official score from the IELTS) since a thorough and excellent command of written and spoken English is crucial to success for all students in the MSL program. The minimum TOEFL score requirement is 100 iBT / 250 CBT / 600 PBT.
English proficiency with a foreign law degree - applicants with a foreign law degree must demonstrate English proficiency by taking a language test. Applicants are exempt from this requirement if they hold a first degree in law from a school in: Australia, Belize, Botswana, Canada (outside Quebec), Commonwealth Caribbean, Ghana, Great Britain, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, or Zimbabwe.- An applicant whose first degree in law was taught in English in a country not listed above may apply for an exemption from this requirement by submitting an official letter from their law school/university verifying that English was the medium of instruction. Students who request and are granted an exemption are expected to be fully competent English speakers and will not be eligible for extended time on their final exams.
- If you are required to demonstrate English proficiency, we accept official score reports from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). We require a minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the internet-based test or a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS.
- To receive in-state tuition at Colorado Law, you must establish Colorado residency and be approved for in-state tuition classification by the university. You will be charged out-of-state tuition unless you submit the online In-State Tuition Classification Application to the Office of Admissions by August 1, 2025. Link to the residency application is .
Who should apply? All applicants who have been living in Colorado for at least one year prior to the first day of class or who consider themselves a Colorado resident. CU students, regardless of your current tuition classification. Applicants who are honorably discharged veterans, active-duty military, or dependents and spouses of active-duty military stationed in Colorado. Applicants who are under the age of 23 AND have parents residing in Colorado. Applicants who are under the age of 22 years and are married, or are emancipated from their parents, grandparents, and/or friends. Learn more about eligibility .
You must submit the In-State Tuition Classification Application separately so that you may be considered for Colorado residency and in-state tuition. Submission of the application for admission to the MSL program alone does not qualify you for in-state tuition.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to any of our MSL faculty members with questions. Our director of admissions, Alan Schieve, is also available to answer any questions and can be reached at Alan.Schieve@Colorado.edu.
