MSL in Fashion Law

For current and future fashion industry pros: A flexible master’s degree to give you the inside edge.

Fashion law started here — and at Fordham Law we believe that legal knowledge in the global fashion industry can no longer be left to lawyers alone.

Fashion industry professionals and entrepreneurs who enroll in the MSL in Fashion Law will develop their legal literacy while studying with the most distinguished faculty in the discipline, including both academics and industry insiders—in New York City, a capital of the world’s fashion industry. Whether you’re currently working in fashion or aspire to a career as a designer, production manager, licensing director, human resources coordinator, or C-suite executive, this program will prepare you to succeed.

You’ll learn aspects of the law that arise throughout the life of a garment, starting with the designer’s original idea and continuing all the way to the consumer’s closet.

You’ll explore what we’ve defined as the four pillars of fashion law:

• intellectual property
• business and finance, including areas such as investment, employment law, and real estate
• international trade and government regulation, including sustainability, privacy, and issues related to wearable technology
• consumer culture and civil rights

You’ll also gain direct access to events and networking opportunities available through the nonprofit Fashion Law Institute. Established with the assistance of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, it’s the world’s first center dedicated to the law and business of fashion—and it’s based at Fordham Law.

WHO TEACHES THE CLASSES?

Courses are taught by a mix of Fordham Law's full-time faculty, practitioners, and industry professionals.

WHO MAY APPLY?

Anyone who has earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited university may apply. Individuals who have earned a JD, LLB, or similar law degree are not eligible for MSL admission. Instead, they should apply for admission to the LLM in Fashion Law.

IS THE PROGRAM FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME?

Both options are available. The full-time program can be completed in one year (two semesters). Students enrolled in the part-time program may complete the program in as few three semesters or extend their studies to fit their busy schedules.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE TO COMPLETE?

The full-time program can be completed in one year (two semesters). Students enrolled in the part-time program may complete the program in as few three semesters or extend their studies to fit their busy schedules.

IS THE PROGRAM AVAILABLE ONLINE?

No, at this time, we do not offer an online option.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

Yes. A limited number of partial, merit-based scholarships are available. Review the deadlines for scholarship consideration.

COULD MY CREDITS COUNT TOWARD A JD DEGREE?

American Bar Association rules prohibit the Law School from counting credits earned in the MSL program toward the JD degree.