The MLS will set you apart. I got hired into a different role within the company, and they hired me as a direct result of going to school and taking these classes.
– Tim Ellerbe
Master of Legal Studies Alum
From technological innovation to constant policy change, the healthcare sector is rapidly growing and changing. The increase in regulatory oversight and the demand for healthcare reform are impacting the delivery of services and the healthcare economy.
Wake Forest University School of Law’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Health Law and Policy gives professionals the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the legal framework of this evolving industry, explore the policies behind health services delivery, comply with complex regulations like HIPAA, and understand the legal implications of medical decisions.
With a master’s in health law, healthcare professionals can support their organizations as they navigate complicated challenges associated with health law and policy.
This degree was created for working health sciences and healthcare professionals. The MLS degree in Health Law and Policy includes courses on topics like medical ethics and legal issues, healthcare regulations, telehealth services, and other specialized areas that support decision-making in the industry.
I feel like I’m really adding value as a result of the MLS program. Just from my first semester, I’m more advanced and confident when it comes to contractual negotiations. I’ve been able to hit the ground running with a lot of the concepts I’ve learned directly in class.
– Brooks Padgett
Master of Legal Studies Alum
Course Structure
The 30-credit MLS in Health Law and Policy includes:
- 13.5 credits in our required core curriculum
- 10.5+ credits in Health Law and Policy track courses
- Up to 6 credits from any other electives across tracks
Who Is This Track For?
The Health Law and Policy track supports a variety of healthcare, insurance, and compliance professionals, including:
- Clinicians like nurses, physicians, and physician assistants
- Compliance and risk officers
- Hospital and healthcare administrators
- Direct care providers
- Health policy analysts
- Pharmaceutical industry professionals
- Insurance and managed care professionals
- Medical device manufacturers
- Public health officials and NGO leaders
- Bioethics professionals and researchers
Request Information
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.
Industry Market Insights
As the healthcare sector grows and evolves, professionals with legal expertise are uniquely positioned to make an impact.
The 2024 median pay for medical and health services managers is $117,960 per year.1
Overall employment of healthcare positions is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2033.2
The healthcare industry employed over 17 million people in 2023, making it the largest employment sector in the United States.3
Sources: 1 Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a Master of Legal Studies in Health Law and Policy?
A Master of Legal Studies in Health Law and Policy prepares graduates for highly regulated healthcare careers, including roles as healthcare compliance officers, policy analysts for government agencies or healthcare organizations, and consultants advising on regulatory matters.
Graduates can work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, insurance firms, or government bodies like the FDA or CDC, helping navigate complex healthcare regulations and developing policies that balance patient care with legal requirements.
The degree also provides a strong foundation for those seeking to advance into healthcare administration, bioethics consulting, or specialized legal support in roles that do not require attorney licensure.
How does an MLS in Health Law and Policy differ from an MBA in Healthcare Administration?
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Health Law and Policy focuses specifically on the complex legal and regulatory landscape governing healthcare, including medical malpractice, HIPAA compliance, healthcare fraud prevention, bioethics, and health policy development. An MBA in Healthcare Administration emphasizes business management skills like strategic planning, financial management, operations, and leadership within healthcare organizations.
An MLS prepares graduates for specialized roles in healthcare compliance, legal affairs, policy analysis, and regulatory consulting, while an MBA targets executive and administrative positions such as hospital administration, healthcare operations consulting, and health system management.
While both degrees serve the healthcare industry, the MLS provides deep expertise in navigating healthcare’s intricate legal requirements and policy frameworks. The MBA offers the broad business acumen needed to effectively manage and lead healthcare organizations.
Ready to learn more?
Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions, and FAQ pages.