Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who enrolls in the program?
The program is designed for professionals that need to learn more about the law and how it intersects with their profession.
2. Does the Master of Science in Law degree program prepare students to practice law or to take a bar examination?
No, the Master of Science in Law degree program does not prepare students to practice law or sit for a bar examination.
3. What are the admissions requirements?
The program is open to students who hold a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school. Admissions to our Employment and Health Law programs recommend a minimum of two years professional experience in the field.
4. Do I have to take the GRE or the LSAT?
No, you need not take a standardized test to be admitted to the Master of Science in Law programs.
5. What are the names of the Master of Science in Law programs?
We offer four degree programs, with concentrations in each program: MS in Education Law, MS in Employment Law, MS in Health Law, and MS in Law and Policy.
6. Is the College of Law accredited?
Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate's, baccalaureate, master's, educational specialist, doctoral, and professional degrees. Nova Southeastern University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nova Southeastern University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
The Shepard Broad College of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738. The American Bar Association's approval of a law school extends only to the first professional degree in law (J.D.) offered by a law school. It does not provide accreditation to degree programs other than the J.D.
Since NSU is accredited, students may be eligible for Federal Student Aid, Military and Veteran Financial Aid, Scholarships, or Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.
7. Who is Nova Southeastern University?
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is the largest, private/independent university in Florida. NSU has provided traditional and distance educational options at bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels to over 63,000 students since 1964.
8. How long will it take me to get my degree?
The Master of Science in Law degree programs can be completed in 1 or 2 years. The 1 year fast-track program is open to all new MS in Law students.
9. Can I work while I earn my degree?
Yes, our programs are designed for working professionals.
10. Does that mean I am totally free to check into and out of my courses at any time?
It means that you are free to determine the times of day at which you wish to do your class work. The program is not, however, a free-form program permitting you to check in with each class infrequently. Rather, the courses provide a great deal of interactivity, requiring you to check into threaded discussion boards virtually each day.
Each class will have a minimum of 5 live class sessions using GoToTraining over the 10-week term. These are not required but strongly recommended and students should watch the recording and submit evidence of watching the recording if they cannot attend. The live sessions are offered in the evenings and the day/time is available during class registration.
11. Where will I take classes?
All courses are offered via the Internet. Students use email, chat rooms, streaming audio and video, and bulletin boards to communicate with other students and faculty members in a system called Canvas.
12. So how does each class work?
Each course will require you to work, along with your classmates on a series of modules. All students must proceed through the modules together. Within each module (which roughly represents about a week of course time), each student must complete a reading assignment, click into audio or video clips constructed by the professor, respond to problems on a threaded discussion board and submit an assignment (often in the form of a quiz). Classes are taught by full-time faculty members from NSU's Shepard Broad College of Law, as well as adjunct professors from all over the country.
13. What type of technical support is offered to students?
Technical support is available through the NSU's Help Desk.
14. What types of courses will be taught?
Every student enrolled in the Master of Science in Law programs must complete 4 core classes and 4 program core classes along with 12-14 credits of electives and a 4 credit capstone project. There is also an optional Honors Thesis.
15. How will my diploma read?
"Master of Science." Your diploma will be issued by Nova Southeastern University. Your diploma and final transcript will not show that the degree earned was via an online program. Graduates with no holds on their accounts will receive their diplomas and final official transcripts within thirty to sixty days after successfully completing the Individual Research Seminar and all required classes.
16. How much will this cost?
Current program cost is available on the Tuition and Fees page. Financial aid is available for this program to the extent that it is available for any graduate-level educational program.
17. When does the program start?
The program starts four times per year: Winter (January), Spring (April), Summer (July), and Fall (September).
18. How do I get help checking out items from the library?
Contact the main library at NSU, Alvin Sherman Library, 954-262-4613, for a library loan.