Program Overview

Introduction to the Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Corporate Compliance

The online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Corporate Compliance from Fordham Law provides non-lawyers with the opportunity to earn a non-bar eligible degree from a Top 40 law school. This program allows students to advance their knowledge of compliance while studying at a time and location that works best for them.

Program Details

• No GRE, GMAT, or LSAT required: Showcase your diverse and wide-ranging experiences rather than focusing on test scores.
• Scholarships Available for Cohort: Qualified applicants are eligible for a scholarship to the online Master of Studies in Law.
• 12-Month Track: Complete your degree at your own pace and finish the program in as few as 12 months.

Curriculum

The curriculum will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how the law impacts the way corporations operate and the potential implications of unethical business practices. Students will complete introductory coursework on U.S. law and legal institutions, and then have the option to specialize their degree with one of four flexible program tracks.

Choose a Specialization

Students can choose from the following specializations:

• General Track: Explore how laws and regulations impact organizational operations, and learn how to develop processes and protocols that protect your business from legal risk.
  • Courses include:
    • Crisis Management
    • Compliance Risk Assessment
    • Privacy and Cybersecurity
• Human Resources Track: Learn how to navigate complex employment laws, and build a culture of compliance within your organization through effective ethics and compliance training programs.
  • Courses include:
    • Human Rights Compliance
    • Internal Investigations
    • Employment Law
• Financial Services Track: Understand financial regulations and the institutions that create them. Prepare to help your organization remain compliant with evolving trading and market-making rules.
  • Courses include:
    • Anti-Money Laundering
    • Economic Sanctions Compliance
    • Investment Management Regulations
• Healthcare Track: Study the healthcare industry and its compliance risks: protecting patient safety, privacy of patient information, and proper documentation and billing practices.
  • Courses include:
    • Healthcare Compliance
    • Antitrust Law
    • Privacy and Cybersecurity

Why Study Online at Fordham Law School?

Located in the heart of New York City—one of the corporate capitals of the world—Fordham Law School is a Top 40 law school committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to advance in their compliance-related careers.

Flexible Class Times

Organize your classes around your personal and professional obligations—not the other way around. Fordham Law offers live sessions in the morning and evening to accommodate your busy schedule.

Distinguished Faculty

Learn from and cultivate relationships with top compliance experts in the field. You will come face to face with Fordham Law faculty in weekly, live online classes.

Intuitive Study Tools

Customize your learning experience with features like dark mode, searchable video transcripts, and streaming. You can take assignments anywhere—and even make progress offline—using the mobile app.

A Powerful Network

Leverage Fordham's New York City connections and global alumni network—build your compliance network at events, often hosted in partnership with Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business.

In-Person Colloquium

Interact with classmates, faculty, and top compliance professionals during an in-person colloquium at Fordham Law's New York City Lincoln Center campus.

Class Profile

Hailing from 13 states and Washington, D.C., and from overseas, online students are experienced, driven professionals who bring a range of professional, educational, and cultural backgrounds and experiences to the classroom.

• 6–10 Years: Work Experience
• 28–42 Years: Age Range
• 54%: Historically Underrepresented
• 31%: Male
• 69%: Female

Application Requirements

All applications to the online Master of Studies in Law in Corporate Compliance program should include the following:

• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• Official transcripts
• Application fee of $70

Applicants with compliance-related work experience are preferred.

FAQs About Fordham's Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Corporate Compliance

• Is This Program a JD or a Law Degree for Attorneys?: No. The MSL in Corporate Compliance is not a JD program. It is designed for professionals who want to deepen their legal knowledge in compliance and risk, but do not plan to practice law.
• Will This Degree Make Me Eligible to Sit for the Bar Exam?: No. This program is not bar-eligible and does not lead to attorney licensure.
• Who Should Apply?: Professionals in finance, health care, human resources, corporate compliance, government, and related industries who need legal fluency in compliance and regulation, without pursuing a JD.
• Is a Master's in Compliance Worth It?: Yes, pursuing a master's degree in compliance provides significant professional value, particularly for those aiming for leadership roles in highly regulated sectors like finance, health care, or government.