Master of Science in Patent Law (Online)

Throughout the degree, students complete substantial practice-based work designed to simulate patent practice. Each student drafts a patent application, prepares responses to Office Actions, and writes a patent appeal brief. Students also conduct patentability and landscape searches and develop written analyses addressing infringement and validity.

In a required capstone course, students analyze a selected technology, present patent strategy, and identify opportunities for innovation and licensing. By graduation, students have a substantial portfolio of completed work demonstrating applied proficiency in patent analysis, drafting, and strategy.

Students study the foundations of U.S. patent law, including patentable subject matter, novelty, non-obviousness, and the written description and enablement requirements. Coursework also addresses claim construction and infringement, along with the core doctrines governing patent validity.

In addition to patent doctrine, students study patent prosecution practice, ethics for patent agents, portfolio management, and intellectual property transactions.

The Online Master of Science in Patent Law prepares students for roles in patent prosecution and intellectual property practice.

Common entry-level titles include:

• Patent Engineer.
• Technical Specialist.
• U.S. Patent Agent.

Patent professionals work primarily in law firms and in corporate intellectual property departments across technology sectors including electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, chemistry, and life sciences.

The University’s in-person Master of Science in Patent Law program has prepared graduates for these roles since 2014.

Upon completion of the Online Master of Science in Patent Law, graduates will be able to:

• Apply core doctrines of United States patent law to issues of patentability, validity, and infringement.
• Draft a patent application consistent with United States Patent and Trademark Office practice requirements.
• Analyze patent prosecution strategy, including preparation of responses to Office Actions.\
• Conduct and evaluate patentability and landscape research.
• Assess intellectual property portfolio strategy and commercialization considerations.
• Communicate patent and innovation strategies effectively in written and oral formats.
• Demonstrate professional responsibility and ethical awareness in patent practice contexts.

• Introduction to the American Legal System (LAW 5001, 2 credits, Core)
• Patents (LAW 5224, 3 credits, Core)
• IP Survey (LAW 5603, 2 credits, Elective)
• Total: 7 credits

• Patent Prosecution Practice I (LAW 5231, 2 credits, Core)
• Patent Research and Writing (LAW 5243, 2 credits, Core)
• Legal Research and Writing (LAW 5002, 1 credit, Core)
• Patent Portfolio Management (LAW 5250, 2 credits, Core)
• Total: 7 credits

• Patent Prosecution II (LAW 5232, 3 credits, Core)
• Intellectual Property Transactions (LAW 5707, 2 credits, Core)
• Intellectual Property in Practice (LAW 5026, 1 credit, Core)
• Ethics for Patent Agents (LAW 5075, 1 credit, Core)
• Patent Competition Team: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (LAW 5127-B, 1 credit, Elective)
• Total: 8 credits

• Patent Law in Practice (LAW 5025, 1 credit, Core)
• Patent Drafting and Oral Advocacy Competition Team (LAW 5127-A, 1 credit, Elective)
• Patent Law Capstone: Innovation (LAW 5290, 2 credits, Core)
• Patent Practicum (LAW 5492, 3 credits, Elective)
• International IP (New, 1 credit, Elective)
• Total: 8 credits

All application materials must be submitted electronically through the University’s online application system.

Required materials include:

• Personal Statement (1–3 pages)
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• At least one Letter of Recommendation
• Unofficial Transcripts from each institution attended
• Application Fee

Applicants whose native language is not English must satisfy the University’s English language proficiency requirements.

Complete instructions are available within the application portal.

The Online Master of Science in Patent Law requires 30 credits. Total tuition for the program is equivalent to one year of full-time J.D. tuition at the University of Minnesota Law School.

For the 2025–2026 academic year:

Resident Tuition: $51,440
Non-Resident Tuition: $61,844

Tuition does not include University and Law School fees, health insurance (if applicable), books, or other educational expenses.

Tuition rates are set annually by the University and are subject to change.

Scholarships may be available to qualified applicants. All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarship awards; no separate application is required.

Prospective students should consult the Law School’s tuition and financial aid page for current rates and additional information.

Yes. The Master of Science in Patent Law is delivered fully online in an asynchronous format through Canvas.

The program is delivered in an asynchronous format with structured deadlines aligned with the academic calendar.

The degree is completed over four fall and spring semesters. Most students complete the program in two academic years.

The asynchronous format allows flexibility for working professionals, though students must meet established deadlines.

The program provides knowledge and preparation necessary to sit for the U.S. Patent Office Registration Examination (Patent Bar). Eligibility is determined by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Both may represent clients before the USPTO if they pass the Patent Bar. Patent attorneys also hold a J.D. and are licensed attorneys; patent agents are not licensed attorneys.

Total tuition is equivalent to one year of full-time J.D. tuition at the University of Minnesota Law School.

Applications are submitted electronically through the University’s centralized graduate application system.