Master's Degree in Health Law

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a lawyer/medical doctor. Why would I need a master's degree in health law?

I'm still not sure the program is right for me. Can I speak with a program advisor before applying to the program?

I don't meet all the requirements for admission. Can I still qualify? Should I still apply?

Do I need to take the GRE/GMAT/LSAT?
No, the GRE/GMAT/LSAT is not required for admission to the program.

I am a lawyer/medical doctor. Why would I need a Master's Degree in Health Law?
Health law is considered by many legal and medical experts to be one of the fastest growing areas. Practitioners are increasingly looking for ways to influence policy and decisions in healthcare as medical decisions have become more complex and far-reaching across disciplines. The joint master's degree program from UCSD and California Western School of Law focuses on educating healthcare and legal professionals who need to be better informed and more influential in the shaping of healthcare law and policy. The program is designed to bridge the differences beween the healthcare and law disciplines to establish a common understanding of the foundational principals guiding each profession and to discover productive, practical solutions to the challenges ahead.

What is a typical class size?
Class sizes in MAS degree programs range from 8-15 students. The relatively small class size and seminar-style of most of the classes allows for close interaction among students and professors as well as provides many valuable networking opportunities.

How do I apply to the program?
Prospective students in the Master's Degree in Health Law must apply for graduate admission to UCSD and to California Western School of Law. The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) at UCSD handles the graduate application process for the joint program. Only one application process (administered through UCSD) is required for joint admission to both institutions. Learn more about how to apply on-line and program admission requirements.

I'm still not sure the program is right for me. Can I speak with a program advisor before applying to the program?
Certainly. Just contact UCSD Extension's Office of Advanced Professional Education and Development to set up an appointment. Refer to Contact Us.

I don't have all the requirements for admission. Can I still qualify? Should I still apply?
Possibly. The admissions coordinator and eventually the admissions committee will review your entire application package, including the depth of your professional experience, the strength of your recommendations letters, and your complete academic background. These factors are all taken into consideration in determining whether or not an applicant qualifies for admission. In some instances, the committee will recommend a "conditional acceptance" and suggest that a candidate take a few courses through Concurrent Enrollment prior to the committee making the final admission decision. Administered through UCSD Extension, Concurrent Enrollment allows a non-matriculated graduate student to take degree courses. Academic credit earned through Concurrent Enrollment will be applied toward meeting the MAS degree requirements if the student is formally admitted to the program in a future quarter. Contact the admissions advisor in the department with your questions on whether or not you might qualify for admission to the program and are a candidate for Concurrent Enrollment.