Master the Law. Mitigate the Risk.
Master of Legal Studies in Cybersecurity, Risk and Governance
Master of Legal Studies in Cybersecurity, Risk, and Governance
As technology rapidly advances and business risks intensify, organizations urgently need interdisciplinary experts who understand the intricate legal and regulatory landscapes of cybersecurity, data privacy, and artificial intelligence.
Our Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Cybersecurity empowers non-lawyers with the essential legal, risk management, and technical expertise to protect private and public sector organizations. You'll learn to identify, assess, and mitigate cyber risks—ultimately developing cybersecurity strategies that safeguard business operations and sensitive data and position you as a critical asset in today's digital world.
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Learn more about the MLS
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Deep, Cross-Industry Expertise
Our program brings together BC Law's resources and cybersecurity leaders in government, business, and academia, preparing you to leverage new technologies in compliance with regulations including the SEC Cybersecurity Rules, FTC Safeguard Rules, NY DFS Cybersecurity Regulations - Part 500, CMMC 2.0, and the EU GDPR.
Meet the Program Director
Kevin R. Powers, J.D.
As founder and director, Kevin draws on his 25 years of law enforcement, military, cyber and national security, privacy law, business, higher education, and teaching experience to deliver a world-class program in Cybersecurity, Risk, and Governance.
“The Cybersecurity Program is helping me reduce the risk to our nation's critical infrastructure; the skills you learn have an immediate application in the real world.”
Advance in a High-Demand Field
207k+
Alumni network that is engaged, connected, and interdisplinary
Students are required to take all five of the following courses:
- Foundations of U.S. Law for Non-Attorneys: Legal Principles & Ethical Obligations*
- Cyber Ecosystem and Security
- Intersection of Cybersecurity Law, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Privacy
- Network Management and Infrastructure Security
- Cybersecurity Organizational Effectiveness: Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance
* Students with a J.D. will not be required to take Foundations of U.S. Law for Non-Attorneys. Instead, they will be able to fulfill this requirement via an elective course of their choosing.
Students will choose two of the following electives at minimum:
- Cyber Crime: Law, Policy, and Investigations
- National Security: Law, Policy & Government Investigations
- Cybersecurity Litigation & Strategy
- International Cybersecurity Law & Global Affairs
- Privacy Law & Data Protection
- Ethical Issues in Cybersecurity
Students will complete three of the following courses:
- Cybersecurity: Incident Planning, Response & Business Continuity
- CYBER Investigations & Digital Forensics
- Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency
- Cybersecurity: The Role of Intelligence & Enabling Proactive Security
- Cloud Security Governance: Strategy, Risk & Vendor Management
- Cybersecurity & Artificial Intelligence (AI): Designing Offensive and Defensive Capabilities
Where do our students and graduates work?
Supervisory Special Agent, Cyber Crimes, FBI
Associate General House Counsel, Thermo Fischer Scientific
Deputy Director IT Risk & Compliance, MBTA
Research Scientist, MIT
Director of Engineering - Data Center Operations, Fidelity
Lead Security Analyst, Converse (Nike)
Director Business Analysis, Fidelity Investments
Deputy CISO, Federal Reserve Bank
Information Security Trainer, The New York Times
Vice President & Cyber Risk Analyst, Morgan Stanley
Cyber Analyst, NSA
Risk Specialist, Amazon
Apply
PrintDeadlines
- Regular Decision.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application fee $60 (to be paid as part of the online application.) If you believe you qualify for a fee waiver, please contact cyberlawmls@bc.edu.
Résumé
To be uploaded to your online Application Form
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any pertinent licenses currently held and any research experience or publications.
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 500-750 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation.
Letters must be sent directly from the recommender either through the online application portal or directly to Boston College Law School. We will not accept recommendation letters unless they are emailed directly from the recommender or mailed directly from the recommender in a sealed envelope.
Please note: Letters of recommendations should be provided by Professional or Academic recommenders.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to your online Application Form for purposes of application review. However, official transcript(s) must also be submitted upon acceptance/matriculation. Both undergraduate and graduate transcripts are required.
Boston College Alumni and Current Students:
Your BC transcript must be formally requested from the Office of Student Services and submitted to the Boston College Law School. BC Law cannot request or access transcripts independently.
Transcripts should be mailed to:
Boston College Law School
Admissions Office
885 Centre Street
Newton Centre, MA, 02459
Applicants whose Native language is not English are required to demonstrate English language proficiency, for required scores, visit our International Student page.
FAQs
Visit our FAQ section.
Tuition
MLS tuition costs for the 2025-26 academic year are $2,150 per credit. All students admitted to the program will be automatically considered for scholarships and financial aid--no additional application is required.