From its first day of class in 1891, when classes were held at Detroit’s Y.M.C.A. to becoming a Big Ten law school as a fully integrated college of Michigan State University in East Lansing, MSU College of Law continues to embrace its historic values: diversity and inclusion, dedication, and immersion in the profession. We welcome students whose values are parallel to ours: those who advocate for justice, who forge their own path to success and who contribute diverse perspectives to our learning community.
MSU Law continues the commitment to diversity and inclusion began by Detroit College of Law when it opened its doors in late 19th century with an enlightened admissions policy: “The college opens its doors to all classes, without regard to sex, color or citizenship.” Its first incoming class included a Black man and a Japanese man; its first graduating class a year later included a woman. These three helped open doors to diverse populations of future lawyers.
With these values as our compass, Michigan State University College of Law's admissions process is holistic, giving attention to a number of factors beyond the applicant's undergraduate academic record and the highest score on the Law School Admission Test. The application review process is designed to identify individuals who have the potential to excel in their legal studies, contribute to a diverse physical and cognitive learning environment and positively impact the profession of law.
To apply, an applicant will need to set-up an account through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
Though not required, the Admissions Committee allows applicants to submit supplemental statement(s) that address extenuating circumstances affecting college performance and/or performance on standardized exams, or other contextual information that might relate to an applicant's potential for success in law school. Character & Fitness Disclosures »
If your first language is not English and you have not earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a U.S. educational institution, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required. Additionally, if your postsecondary work was completed outside of the U.S. or Canada, you are required to use the LSAC JD Credential Assembly Service for evaluation of your university transcript.
You must submit the required application fee of $60. If you are unable to provide this fee, a fee waiver request may be directed to the MSU Law Office of Admissions at to admiss@law.msu.edu prior to submission of your application through LSAC.
Your application file will not be reviewed until all required materials are received by the Office of Admissions. You are encouraged to monitor the status of your application.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
It is the policy and practice of Michigan State University College of Law to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state and local requirements regarding students and applicants with disabilities. Under these laws, no qualified individual with a disability will be denied access to or participation in services, programs and activities of Michigan State University College of Law. Students requesting accommodation should contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
The MSU College of Law prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, age, disability status, marital status, height, political persuasion, and weight.
