MSL Application Process
To be considered for admission to the UC Hastings MSL program, candidates must have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Candidates who have earned a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent at a university outside of the United States or Canada are also welcome to apply (see additional information under International Applicants). In addition to a Bachelor’s degree, candidates must satisfy one of the following conditions:
- Have substantial professional experience in a scientific or health-related field or;
- Have earned a graduate degree in the health sciences, natural sciences, or social sciences or;
- Be currently enrolled, and in good academic standing, in a graduate-level program in the health sciences, natural sciences, or social sciences.
Application Checklist
The MSL application process is self-managed, which means that the applicant is responsible for assembling the various pieces of the application file and mailing them together as a single, complete package to UC Hastings. Official transcripts and recommendation letters should be mailed directly to the applicant in sealed envelopes and then the unopened envelopes should be placed together with the other components of the application.
The priority deadline for MSL applications is March 1. After March 1, applications will be considered on a space available basis. Please call (415) 581-8905 if you would like to inquire about applying after March 1.
A complete application for the MSL program must include all of the following documents:
- A completed UC Hastings MSL application form.
- Submit a $75.00 non-refundable application fee made payable to UC Hastings College of the Law either by check or online payment via credit card.
- Official undergraduate and/or graduate school transcripts (Transcripts must be received in an official, sealed envelope.)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Personal statement of 700 to 1,500 words explaining your interest in the MSL program. Please ensure that your first and last names appear on each page. The statement should be typed and double-spaced.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic or professional background.
- Students applying for financial assistance should also submit the FAFSA and the 2012-13 UC Hastings Financial Aid Supplement.
Standardized test scores are not required for the MSL application if you have completed a graduate degree. If you have not completed a graduate degree (i.e. undergraduate only or currently enrolled in a graduate program), then an official score report from one of the following tests is required:
- GRE (use code 4342 to have a score report sent directly from the GRE testing agency to UC Hastings)
- LSAT (send a copy of your official LSAT score report directly to UC Hastings)
- MCAT (send a copy of your official MCAT score report directly to UC Hastings)
All documents should be assembled by the applicant and sent as a single package to:
MSL Admission
Admissions Office
UC Hastings College of the Law
200 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
If you have questions about the MSL application process, please call (415) 581-8905 during normal business hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday) or email msl@uchastings.edu.
International Applicants
Students applying for the MSL program who did not earn their Bachelors’ degrees (or the equivalent) in an English-medium undergraduate program should submit an official TOEFL score report or an official IELTS score report. The UC Hastings code for TOEFL score reports is 4342. The scores should be less than five years old.
Students who have received their undergraduate degree from a country other than the U.S. or Canada must have their transcripts evaluated by an approved foreign credential agency. Well-known agencies in the USA include:
ACREVS, Inc. www.acrevs.com
Josef Sliny & Associates www.jsliny.com
Foreign Academic Credentials Service (FACS) www.facusa.com
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) www.ece.org
World Education Services (WES) www.wes.org