Frequently asked questions
How do I apply?
The Application Instructions can be found here, and the Application itself can be found here. We recommend that you thoroughly review the instructions before filling out the application.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for all applicants to the M.S.L. is January 4th.
May I request an interview as part of the application process?
No. All applicants should submit all relevant information in writing with the application.
Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required?
For candidates who have not completed a law degree, a GRE score is required for admission.
Is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) required for admission to the M.S.L.?
No. However, if a candidate has taken the LSAT in the past and wishes to submit that score in lieu of a GRE score, he or she may do so. More details on the application process can be found here in the section entitled “How to Apply.”
Is Hebrew language proficiency required for admission to the M.S.L.?
No. Some advanced M.S.L. courses will require Hebrew language proficiency, however many will not. Those with and without Hebrew language proficiency will find a wide range of course to meet their interests and utilize their skills.
Is any assistance available to fund my M.S.L.?
Financial Aid: Applicants to the M.S.L. will be able to apply for financial aid in the same way as applicants to the LL.M. program, using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Scholarships: The M.S.L. program may award limited scholarship funds to a select group of extraordinarily talented M.S.L. candidates who have demonstrated academic promise and/or achievement in their respective field(s) of interest. Full or partial scholarships may be awarded. No scholarships are available for living expenses. Information on financial aid and scholarships will be included when you receive your offer of admission.
Practicing lawyers and others who will earn the degree on a part-time basis are ineligible for scholarships. It is envisioned that these students will pay for the degree on a course by course basis.
Where will I get my academic and career advising?
Each student of the M.S.L. will be assigned a faculty advisor to serve as a mentor for the duration of the program. A Student Advisor dedicated to the M.S.L. program will provide both academic and career advice to enrolled students.
What are my housing options?
NYU School of Law dorms are a convenient option for M.S.L. students as they are located in and around the NYU Law campus. Please visit this link, and fill out a housing application form if you would like to be considered for available NYU housing.
Some students may find NYU housing to be too expensive. These students may want to explore neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey that have many more affordable options, with easy transportation to the Law School.
Can I complete the M.S.L. on a part-time basis?
Yes. The M.S.L. is offered on both a full and part-time basis. It is envisioned that part-time students will pay for the degree course by course. Please note: NYU is able to sponsor a visa to enter the United States for foreign citizens admitted to and enrolling in a full-time program only.
How are courses tailored to the different interests and experience levels of practicing lawyers and those who have not earned a J.D.?
Uniquely, the M.S.L. offers students an opportunity to build and tailor an individual course of study, based on their experience and interests, with the advisors to the program, so those holding a law degree will have many advanced courses to choose from to reflect their level of expertise. Those who do not hold a law degree will also have a wide range of available courses commensurate with their experience.
Is this a professional degree?
No. The degree is recognized by New York State, but does not qualify graduates to practice law or sit for the bar. The M.S.L. caters to graduates who wish to pursue further study in law, Judaica, or other academic pursuits, as well as qualified law graduates wishing to expand upon and deepen their knowledge related to law and Judaica.
If I have already attended Yeshiva, what does the M.S.L. have to offer me?
You will certainly benefit from your Yeshiva education in your M.S.L. studies, but the M.S.L. has different aims and provides students with an entirely different experience. The M.S.L. will offer students a more intellectual and academic approach to the study of law and Jewish civilization. While many courses may touch upon concepts learned in Yeshiva, the M.S.L.’s objectives are quite different from those at a traditional Yeshiva.
Can courses taken at the Law School to complete my M.S.L. degree be applied toward a future J.D.?
No. Per the ABA rules, classes towards the JD cannot be counted prior to matriculation in the JD program.
See: http://www.abanet.org/legaled/standards/2009-2010%20StandardsWebContent/Chapter3.pdf
Interpretation 304-5:
Credit for a J.D. degree shall only be given for course work taken after the student has matriculated in a law school. A law school may not grant credit toward the J.D. degree for work taken in a pre-admission program.
Are there special requirements for foreign students?
Yes. The M.S.L. program welcomes non-U.S. applicants. NYU is able to sponsor a visa to enter the United States for foreign citizens admitted to and enrolling in a full-time program only.
Applicants whose undergraduate or prior legal education was not taught in English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants whose undergraduate or prior legal education was taught in English, but at a school located in a country where English is not the primary language, must also take the TOEFL.
Three-year Bologna-compliant baccalaureate degrees do not meet the standard of NYU Law School. Applicants from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh must typically show completion of both the baccalaureate and master’s examinations prior to registration in the Law School.
What is the minimum TOEFL score required?
A total score of at least 600 with minimum scores of 60 in each of the three sections (listening comprehension, structure and written expression, vocabulary and reading comprehension) is required for consideration. Applicants who take the computer-based TOEFL must achieve a minimum total score of at least 250 and minimum scores of 25 on each of the subsections. Applicants taking the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) are required to achieve a minimum total score of at least 100, a minimum score of 26 on the Reading and Listening subsections, and a minimum score of 22 on the Writing subsection. Because the Speaking subsection is unique to the iBT, we do not set a minimum score for this subsection. However, the Committee on Graduate Admissions will look for scores of at least 22. The Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL is also recommended. Applicants are advised to take the TOEFL as early as possible.
Will I be given visa information?
Yes. If you are admitted to a full-time Graduate program, your admission packet will include the AFCOE (certificate of financial support) form. This form is to be returned to the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) at the University. The OISS will help you apply for your visa.
If your question is not addressed here, please contact Tikvah@nyu.edu.
