MSL Calendar
2026-2027 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 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2026 | |
| 10-21 | Online Cohort Orientation |
| 10-16 | Residential Cohort Orientation (online) |
| 17-21 | Residential Cohort Orientation (in Chicago) |
| 24 | Fall 1 Seven-Week Session Begins |
| September 2026 | |
| 7 | Labor Day Holiday - University Closed |
| October 2026 | |
| 9 | Fall Break - no classes |
| 10 | Fall 1 Seven-Week Session Ends |
| 11-18 | Fall 1 Power Week Session |
| 19 | Fall 2 Seven-Week Session Begins |
| November 2026 | |
| 3 | Day of Civic Service- no classes |
| 26-27 | Thanksgiving Holiday - University closed |
| December 2026 | |
| 5 | Fall 2 Seven-Week Session Ends |
| 6-13 | Fall 2 Power Week Session |
| 14-Jan 8 | Spring Online Cohort Orientation |
Spring 2027
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2027 | |
| 8 | Spring Cohort Orientation ends |
| 4-10 | Intersession |
| 11 | Spring 1 Seven-Week Session Begins |
| 18 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - University Closed |
| February 2027 | |
| 27 | Spring 1 Seven-Week Session Ends |
| 28-Mar 7 | Spring 1 Power Week Session |
| March 2027 | |
| 8 | Spring 2 Seven-Week Session Begins |
| 22-29 | Spring Break - no classes |
| May 2027 | |
| 1 | Spring 2 Seven-Week Session Ends |
| 2-9 | Spring 2 Power Week Session |
| 10-14 | Graduation Week |
| 14 | Law School Convocation Ceremony |
| 31 | Memorial Day - University Closed |