The anytime online MSL in Labor and Employment Law is designed exclusively for non-lawyers who work in HR, compliance, operations, or management. Created by Cardozo School of Law, this program helps you build fluency in legal language and processes by learning directly from experienced legal scholars and practitioners. Whether you're aiming to elevate your HR skill set or navigate complex employment laws in your leadership role, the degree is built to serve your needs on your terms.
Admissions Requirements and Deadlines
The first cohort for this MSL Online program will begin on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 — the first day of classes for the spring semester.
- Where to apply: we accept applications via the Online Application
- Deadlines: We will continue to accept applications after the priority deadline as space permits.
- September 15: Deadline for up to 10% scholarship
- December 15: Priority for spring admission -
What to include in your application:
An application is considered complete and ready for review by the admissions committee when all items on the application checklist have been received.
- Online application
- Resume/CV: The resume/CV should be current at the time of application and include information about education (including dates of attendance at universities and dates of degrees received) and work experience (including employer names and locations, position titles, dates of employment, and description of responsibilities for the position held).
- Personal Statement: One (1) to two (2) typed, double-spaced pages. The statement should describe your reasons for pursuing the MSL degree, what you hope to get out of it, and include any information you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee in making its decision.
- One (1) Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation is required and can be submitted via the application portal or via email to msl@yu.edu. The letter should be addressed to "Cardozo School of Law" and may be written by professors, employers or colleagues whose supervisory positions permit informed evaluations of your qualifications. If you do not use the automated system within the application portal, the recommender must email an original letter of recommendation on letterhead to the MSL Admissions Office at msl@yu.edu.
- Official Transcript of bachelor’s degree: You will need to submit official transcripts from your bachelor’s degree-granting institution, and any other universities attended. The transcript should be an official record from the academic institution, clearly indicating the dates of attendance, the courses taken, the grades received, and the degree conferred. Transcripts should be submitted electronically directly to Cardozo via email to msl@yu.edu from the schools you have attended.
- Official Transcript(s) of any other degrees earned from any college, university, graduate, school or professional school
- TOEFL or IELTS score (if applicable)
- Supplemental materials may be uploaded directly in the application portal. Official transcripts should be emailed to msl@yu.edu