Legal Skills for Highly Regulated Industries: Earn Your Online MSL
Online Master of Studies in Law
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To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Master of Studies in Law offered by Wake Forest University School of Law, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 336.863.8438.
Program Benefits
The Master of Studies in Law (MSL)—also known as a Master of Legal Studies or MLS degree—is grounded in Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate (For Humanity) philosophy, meaning that students cultivate both legal expertise and ethical leadership in order to improve the lives of others. Wake Forest Law MSL graduates serve their organizations and communities with impact and integrity.
Master of Studies in Law Overview
This online MSL program was designed for professionals who need advanced knowledge of US law in order to confidently navigate regulations and compliance in their industry.
This 100% online, part-time program can be completed in as little as 21 months and features engaging coursework designed to reflect real-world challenges and opportunities. Students can also participate in engaging residential intensives. These optional experiences allow students to interact in person with their peers and faculty.
Customize Your Learning with a Career-Focused Track
The Master of Studies in Law offers four industry-specific tracks to meet your needs: Business Law and Compliance, Health Law and Policy, Human Resources, and Financial Services.
Business Law and Compliance
The Business Law and Compliance track teaches you to meet regulatory requirements, identify and mitigate potential legal risks, protect data and privacy, and ultimately enhance the reputation and trustworthiness of your organization. Topics may include cybersecurity and privacy, sustainable corporations, and employment law for managers.
Health Law and Policy
The Health Law and Policy track provides you with the skills and knowledge to navigate the legal framework of the evolving healthcare sector. You’ll explore the policies behind health services delivery, understand complex regulations like HIPAA, and unpack the legal implications of medical decisions. Topics may include healthcare compliance, the business of health policy, and telemedicine.
Human Resources
The Human Resources track gives you the tools to handle employee situations fairly and consistently. You’ll become the intermediary between your organization and its employees—protecting your organization’s reputation while making informed, strategic decisions about critical personnel issues. Topics may include labor law, compensation and benefits, and wage and hour law.
Financial Services
Whether you work in compliance, risk management, operations, or financial advising, the Financial Services track supports you in numerous areas of the highly regulated finance industry. You’ll learn how to make more informed decisions, reduce legal exposure, and engage more effectively with attorneys and regulators. Topics may include international compliance, contracts, and banking law.
Download our program brochure
It’s easy to apply to the Master of Studies in Law at Wake Forest University School of Law. No GRE or GMAT are required, and there is no application fee. Download our program brochure to see the full list of admissions requirements.
“A student who graduates with the Wake Forest Law MSL degree will not only have an understanding of legal issues, but even be equipped to take a first pass at a legal contract or document. The language of the law can be intimidating, but our degree helps students view the problem, address it, and find solutions.”
– Adam Landreth
Assistant Dean for Online Programs at Wake Forest University School of Law
Learning Outcomes
An MSL (also called MLS) can save you time and money compared to a JD, while still providing you with legal knowledge that is applicable to your career.
Graduates of the Master of Studies in Law program will:
- Examine the legal issues relevant to their workplace
- Analyze the legal and regulatory framework applicable to their industry and workplace
- Evaluate the impact of the legal and regulatory framework on the business goals of their industry and workplace
- Recognize the relevant practice limitations on non-lawyer professionals concerning legal issues
- Demonstrate the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively regarding legal issues and decisions and how they impact their workplace
About Wake Forest Law
What began in 1894 as a fledgling department within Wake Forest College has grown into the prominent and highly-ranked Wake Forest University School of Law, one of the top law schools in the country.
At Wake Forest Law, we aspire to advance the cause of justice by providing students with the knowledge they need to support global legal needs with confidence, character, and creativity. No matter their professional or personal backgrounds, our students share respect for the law, devotion to the ideal of service, and commitment to strong professional values. We educate students from across the US and around the world in a richly diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.
Wake Forest Law graduates will be prepared to create and manage change in increasingly complex environments. Our alumni can communicate across differences to bring about lasting, meaningful solutions that are supported by the rule of law.