The Master of Science in Law: Life Sciences (MSLL) degree offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that leverages the research, law, and industry expertise of faculty from Suffolk University Law School, Suffolk’s Sawyer Business School, and Suffolk’s College of Arts & Sciences, with a focus on:
- Scientific and statistical principles relevant to biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors
- Drug development process and administrative regulation
- Regulatory compliance
- Biotechnology business and the law
The JD/MSLL dual degree can be pursued full-time or part-time, as students are able to choose the schedule that best fits their needs. Part-time students should plan to have MSLL-related classes at least two days a week. Full-time students should plan to be in MSLL-related classes 3-4 days a week.
Most MSLL-related courses will be held at 4:30PM or later, although some courses may be offered during the day.
About the JD/MSLL Dual Degree
The JD/MSLL dual degree requires 15 credits in selected STEM courses, and 15 credits that must be taken from specific JD/MSLL law courses.
MSLL STEM Courses:
- Introduction to Molecular Biology for Professionals
- Applied Genetics
- Statistical Analysis for Clinical Research
- Pharmaceutical Development
- Therapies
JD/MSLL Law Courses:
- Biotechnology Business and the Law
- Clinical Research and the Law
- Compliance in Life Sciences
- Intellectual Property Survey
- Privacy/Data Security
By counting the 15 credits of JD/MSLL law courses toward both the JD degree and MSLL degree, full-time students are able to complete both degrees in approximately 3.5 years (or 3 years with summer school) and part-time students are able to complete both degrees in approximately 4.5 years (or between 3.5 years and 4 years with summer school). At graduation, successful students will receive both a JD and MSLL degree.
If conditionally accepted into the JD/MSLL program, full-time students will take foundational 1L law courses in the fall semester. If these students achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA in the fall semester, in the spring semester, these students will take the foundational MSLL science course, Introduction to Molecular Biology for Professionals, instead of Constitutional Law, and then take Constitutional Law in their second year. Part-time students will complete their first year of the part-time JD program in its entirety, and if they achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of their 1LE year, they will take the foundational science course, Introduction to Molecular Biology for Professionals in the fall of their second year of the part-time JD program. All students will need to achieve a grade of at least a “B” in the Introduction to Molecular Biology for Professionals course to continue in the program and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
How to Apply
Students applying to this program must meet the admission requirements for both the JD and the MSLL programs.
New applicants for the JD/MSLL should apply to the Law School through LSAC. Our application checklist has more details.
Current Suffolk JD students who are interested in this dual degree program should apply to the MSLL portion of the JD/MSLL dual degree through the Office of Academic Services, using the JD/MSLL application form.
Required Documentation
- Statement of not more than 500 words describing your reasons for applying to the JD/MSLL program, as well as personal experiences, relevant skills, or any other matters indicating why your application should be favorably considered
- A letter of recommendation
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary education
- Unofficial copy of law school grade transcript (for current JD students only)
- $60 non-refundable application fee (not required for current JD students)
"There's a lot to do in law as a scientist that is not a patent attorney: regulatory and business development and HR so that you can understand what a biotech actually needs in a person, in a hire, a recruiter, a recruitment option."