Business Law and Compliance track

Sixty-nine percent of small businesses say they spend more per employee to comply with regulations than larger competitors.

— 2024 Q4 MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index survey

In today’s increasingly complex, heavily regulated business environment, professionals across industries must understand how to navigate the law to minimize and mitigate risk in order to avoid costly compliance issues. Organizations are looking to experts who can identify risk issues, manage them, and develop solutions to avoid them in the future.

Wake Forest University School of Law’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Business Law and Compliance track gives professionals the knowledge and skills to help their organizations avoid costly noncompliance penalties. Students learn how to identify legal risks early, take proactive measures to mitigate them, protect data and privacy, and ultimately enhance their organization’s reputation and trustworthiness.

Courses in this degree cover topics that include labor law, business compliance, cybersecurity and privacy, and more.

The business acumen that I’ve already picked up in one semester of the program has allowed me to stand out. Ultimately, that’s what’s going to get me to the next level in my career.

– Brooks Padgett

Master of Legal Studies Alum

Course Structure

The 30-credit MLS in Business Law and Compliance includes:

13.5 credits in our required core curriculum
10.5+ credits in Business Law and Compliance track courses
Up to 6 credits from any other electives across tracks

Who Is This Track For?

The Business Law and Compliance track is well-suited for professionals in business, compliance, and finance roles, including:

Financial professionals
Compliance and risk officers
Insurance professionals
Purchasing agents
Business owners and principals
Nonprofit leaders and board members
Operations managers
Auditors
Insurance analysts

Request Information

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To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Master of Legal Studies at the 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.

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Industry Market Insights

When you learn to navigate business law, you demonstrate your value as a compliance expert.

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Compliance training was a top priority for 41% of teams in 2024.

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Managing regulatory and political change remained a key hurdle for compliance professionals in 2024.

Source: “State of compliance trends report 2024,” North Row

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with a Master of Legal Studies in Business Law and Compliance?

A Master of Legal Studies in Business Law and Compliance prepares professionals for specialized roles in corporate legal departments, compliance offices, and regulatory affairs. These professionals use their legal expertise to help organizations navigate complex regulations and maintain ethical business practices.

This degree, commonly known as a Master of Legal Studies, can benefit a number of roles, including compliance officers, legal analysts, contract managers, or regulatory specialists in industries like finance, health care, technology, and manufacturing.

How does an MLS in Business Law compare to an MBA?

An MLS (Master of Legal Studies) in Business Law focuses specifically on legal principles, regulations, and compliance issues that affect business operations, while an MBA (Master of Business Administration) provides broad training in general management, strategy, finance, marketing, and operations.

The MLS is designed for non-lawyers who need deep legal knowledge to excel in compliance, risk management, or regulatory roles, whereas the MBA prepares graduates for senior management positions across various business functions.

While both degrees can enhance career prospects in the business world, the MLS offers specialized legal expertise that’s particularly valuable in heavily regulated industries, while the MBA provides the versatile leadership and strategic thinking skills needed for executive roles.

Ready to learn more?

Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions, and FAQ pages.