The Master in Law (ML) degree is for graduate students and accomplished professionals who are neither law students nor lawyers but wish to enrich their studies or careers in other disciplines with a legal education at the Law School.
Applications will be evaluated on the basis of merit including academic record, recommendations, professional standing, and experience.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or beyond in order to be accepted into the ML program. The admissions committee will not review an incomplete application package. Applicants may be invited to participate in an Admissions Interview.
Applications are accepted at any time and are considered on a rolling basis.
For Fall admission, we recommend the submission of your completed application by June 1.
For Spring admission, we recommend the submission of your completed application by October 1.
For Summer admission, we recommend the submission of your completed application by April 1.
Please follow the below application instructions.
Create an account through the online application portal if you do not have one already. The application then will instruct and prompt you through each section. An application can be worked on and information may be saved and returned to later. Once an application is submitted, you will not be able to change your completed application. Note for Penn Dental Students: The application process adheres to the specific process and requirements of the School of Dental Medicine. Within the online application portal choose the application titled “Master in Law / Dental School, ML”.
The following items are needed for the Master in Law application:
Transcripts from all institutions attended: Unofficial copies of transcripts can be submitted. Official transcripts are required to be ordered and provided to the Master in Law Program upon acceptance of admissions offer.
Personal statement (one - two pages):Describing your interest in the ML program and what you would like to accomplish by earning this degree.
Resume or CV
Names and email addresses of two or three references: References will be asked via the application platform to submit a letter of recommendation that speaks to your writing skills and ability to succeed in Penn Carey Law’s rigorous academic environment. We encourage applicants to submit at least one academic reference.
Standardized Test Results: ML applicants can submit any number of graduate standardized test score from within the past five years. We accept DAT, MCAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. Use code 2926, the common Penn graduate code, for sending scores to the program. In some circumstances, a waiver of this requirement may be granted. Contact the program at master@law.upenn.edu for details.
Application Fee (Non-Refundable): The application fee is $75.00. Please use a credit card to pay the application fee.
Admissions Interview: ML degree applicants may be contacted for an admissions interview as the final step of the application process
For application questions or assistance completing your ML application, contact us at master@law.upenn.edu.
The Certificate in Law is only available to members of the Penn community. Students must check with their home schools and/or programs to determine their eligibility to pursue the Certificate in Law.
Applications will be evaluated on the basis of merit including professional standing and experience, the strength of their personal statement, and academic record.
Applications are accepted at any time and are considered on a rolling basis.
For Fall admission, we recommend the submission of your completed application by June 1.
For Spring admission, we recommend the submission of your completed application by October 1.
For Summer admission, we recommend the submission of your completed application by March 1.
Create an account through the online application portal if you do not have one already. The application then will instruct and prompt you through each section.
An application can be worked on and information may be saved and returned to later. Once an application is submitted, you will not be able to change your completed application.
The following items are needed to complete the Certificate in Law application:
Personal statement (one page): Describing your interest in studying at Penn Carey Law, including relevant courses and/or topics.
Resume or CV
Transcripts from all institutions attended (optional). Strongly recommended, but not required at this time. Unofficial or official transcripts are acceptable.
Advisor Approval Form: Required for all undergraduates, and for graduate students enrolled in programs that require such approval. View form.
Application Fee (Non-Refundable): The application fee is $25.00. Please use a credit card to pay the application fee.
For application questions or assistance completing your CL application, contact us atmaster@law.upenn.edu.
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Franklin Building, Suite 421, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205; or (215) 898-6993.
The University’s annual security and fire safety report is available at http://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/. The University of Pennsylvania must reserve the right to make changes affecting policies, fees, and curricula.
