In the program, students will attend a new class for a three, four or five-day period every few months and can expect to earn their degree, requiring 24 total credits, within at least two years.

The fast-paced schedule allows students to earn their degree without living away from home for an extended period, Michael Lawrence, professor and associate dean for graduate and international programs at MSU’s College of Law, said.

As the first professor traveling to Dubai in the fall to teach a class, Lawrence said the academics will not be much different from teaching in the United States, but there will be a difference from a cultural perspective.

“We’re teaching the American legal system, so it’s the classes we have here,” Lawrence said. “Being able to give comparisons (will be) different.”

Lawrence said students in the program will come from around the world, but he doesn’t expect U.S. students to enroll.

Law student Andrew Gardner said he wouldn’t want to earn his degree in Dubai because of the schedule and location.

“It doesn’t seem like you would be in a stable environment, (and) that wouldn’t help you learn as much,” Gardner said. “I don’t plan on practicing law in Dubai, (and) it doesn’t seem like someplace I would visit in the future.”

Both programs have a focus on international and business law, but students who already have a degree in law will pursue an LL.M. degree, while others will pursue the M.J. degree.

Gardner said it makes sense to teach students in other parts of the world about the U.S. legal system.

“The U.S. has a lot of impact in world law,” Gardner said. “Our system and culture tend to be a model for upcoming and developing countries … They may look to us as to how to construct (their) constitution.”

According to a press release on the MSU College of Law’s website, Dr. Ayoub Kazim, managing director of Dubai International Academic City, said they are supportive of the programs and the high reputation the degrees carry.

“With Dubai quickly becoming a key global business hub, it is important for academic institutions to equip students and business professionals with the knowledge required to meet the challenges that accompany this growth,” Kazim said.

Lawrence said he is excited to teach in Dubai and reach a new group of students who can benefit from a master’s degree in law.

“It’s a different kind of experience,” Lawrence said. “This will be a great advantage for students over there who want to learn about the U.S. legal system, (and it will) give them an advantage in the working environment.”