MSL Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Calendar
The MSL program operates on the semester system with a Summer option. Each semester consists of two 7-week and two 1-week sessions (known as "Power Weeks"). The Law School reserves the right to make changes in this calendar. A detailed current calendar can be found at https://www.law.northwestern.edu/academics/degree-programs/msl/academic-calendar/.
Fall 2025
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2025 | |
| 11-22 | Online Cohort Orientation |
| 11-17 | Residential Cohort Orientation (online) |
| 18-22 | Residential Cohort Orientation (in Chicago) |
| 25 | Fall 1 Seven-Week Session Begins |
| September 2025 | |
| 1 | Labor Day Holiday - University Closed |
| October 2025 | |
| 9-10 | Fall Break - no classes |
| 11 | Fall 1 Seven-Week Session Ends |
| 12-19 | Fall 1 Power Week Session |
| 20 | Fall 2 Seven-Week Session Begins |
| November 2025 | |
| 27-28 | Thanksgiving Holiday - University closed |
| December 2025 | |
| 6 | Fall 2 Seven-Week Session Ends |
| 7-14 | Fall 2 Power Week Session |
| 15-Jan 11 | Spring Online Cohort Orientation |
Spring 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | |
| 11 | Spring Cohort Orientation ends |
| 5-11 | Intersession |
| 12 | Spring 1 Seven-Week Session Begins |
| 19 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - University Closed |
| February 2026 | |
| 28 | Spring 1 Seven-Week Session Ends |
| March 2026 | |
| 1-8 | Spring 1 Power Week Session |
| 9 | Spring 2 Seven-Week Session Begins |
| 23-30 | Spring Break - no classes |
| April 2026 | |
| May 2026 | |
| 2 | Spring 2 Seven-Week Session Ends |
| 3-10 | Spring 2 Power Week Session |
| 11-15 | Graduation Week |
| 15 | Law School Convocation Ceremony |
| 26 | Memorial Day - University Closed |