If you’re interested in legal training in a particular area of study without having earned a JD degree, a master’s degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Law could be the route for you.
Our flexible master’s programs enable you to earn an advanced degree in the field you want with both full- and part-time options. Plus, you’ll learn alongside JD students with courses taught by our nationally ranked faculty.
You can pursue a legal education in our following programs without having a JD—and, no graduate exam is required to apply:
- Master of Compliance and Risk Management: This program is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who understand the complex web laws and regulations that govern modern organizations' day-to-day operations.
- Master of Patent Practice: Designed for students with STEM backgrounds and interest in patent law, this program will prepare you to excel as a registered patent agent.
- Master of Law: Offered in a flexible format, this program offers legal education and insights to support you in your career as a non-attorney or to become a more competitive JD-applicant .
Admission Details
Master of Compliance and Risk Management Admissions
To be considered for fall enrollment into the Master of Compliance and Risk Management degree or certificate program, you must apply by Aug. 1. Or, if you seek spring enrollment, you must apply by Dec. 1 or April 1 if you plan to enroll in the summer. Please note no graduate exam is required to apply.
If your desired term deadline has passed, contact complianceprograms@case.edu to request permission to file a late application. Limited waivers may be granted.
For more information about the compliance programs, contact our admissions team at 216.368.8700 or complianceprograms@case.edu.
Master of Patent Practice Admissions
The Master of Patent Practice program is designed for candidates with backgrounds in engineering, computer science, the physical or biological sciences, or some types of design. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from a fully accredited college or university and have a strong academic record.
Applications for the Master of Patent Practice program are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. To be considered for the fall semester, the deadline is July 15 and the spring semester deadline is Dec. 1.
For questions or further assistance, contact us at 216.368.6348 or patentpractice@case.edu.
Master of Law Admissions
Applications for the Master of Law program are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. To be considered for the fall semester, the deadline is July 15 and the spring semester deadline is Dec. 1.
For questions or further assistance, contact lawadmissions@case.edu.
Application Requirements
To apply to any of these programs, please submit the following information with your electronic application:
- Personal statement (limit to one page explaining your interest in the program and provide a brief assessment of your eligibility to sit for the patent bar if applying to the program)
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Unofficial student transcripts (official transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions with notarized translations into English if applicable will be required prior to matriculation)
Financial Aid and Scholarships
All admitted applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships, which are awarded at the time of admission—no separate application is required. These scholarships reduce the cost of tuition and fees across programs.
To help cover educational and living expenses, federal and private student loans are also available, which must be repaid. Some offer low or reduced interest rates or deferred repayment until after graduation. Eligibility may be based on financial need, and most loan programs require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
To be considered for loans, complete the financial aid application process as early as possible—ideally before the end of June—to ensure funds are available for the fall semester. This process can take up to three months.