Our MSL Graduate Certificates are distinctive because we provide transferable, academic credit for all coursework. Additionally, courses completed toward our MSL Graduate Certificate may be applied toward the MSL Master’s Degree requirements.
Admissions requirements for the MSL Graduate Certificates are the same as for the MSL Master’s Degree.
Graduate Certificate course offerings are detailed below.
Selected course offerings within a given certificate may be substituted to meet a student’s workplace needs with prior director approval.
Are you a professional who needs to navigate legal issues in the workplace? Earn your Master’s Degree in as few as 21 months (or up to 5 years). We offer 3 dedicated professional tracks.
Develop a broad yet focused foundation in the law and its relevance in the workplace, with an emphasis on the law governing businesses that provide goods and services.
This course will familiarize you with the basics of business law and the vocabulary of business. Specifically, you will learn about the law applicable to (1) agency relationships, (2) for-profit business firms, (3) securities offerings, and (4) stock trading. Of necessity, we will sample topics in each area (such as operating a business through agents, formation of business firms, liabilities in business firms, duties within the firm, investment basics, financing the firm, disclosures in stock markets, and insider trading liability). On all of these topics, you will acquire greater "business literacy."
An overview of the United States legal system in the context of today’s business environment - including general business, HR and healthcare issues - focusing on the judicial system, federal-state relationship, law-making processes, and the role of lawyers. Specific attention to real world-centered examples, including writing and drafting assignments in various business settings to provide insight into the legal context of decision-making and risk management.
Most non-criminal law concerns rights and duties between persons: the legal obligations of people to each other in carrying on their day-to-day personal and business lives. This everyday law is called private law and includes an always increasing, wide range of legal subtopics and specialties. Almost all of these private law subtopics, however, derive from and are variants of three, foundational, meta-legal areas of law: tort, contract, and property. This course introduces these three areas; explores their relationships in business and the economy; and considers how they enable free enterprise.
Introduction to federal, state, and local government systems that govern the relationship between the individual and the state. This class examines the constitutional structure of American government, the processes by which statutes and regulations are made, the methods agencies use to enforce the law, and the role of the judicial system. Topics covered will include civil rights, criminal procedure, environmental law, zoning and land use regulation, health and safety regulation, health care regulation, and financial regulation.
Navigate the web of administrative oversight in today’s increasingly regulated business environment.
An overview of the United States legal system in the context of today’s business environment - including general business, HR and healthcare issues - focusing on the judicial system, federal-state relationship, law-making processes, and the role of lawyers. Specific attention to real world-centered examples, including writing and drafting assignments in various business settings to provide insight into the legal context of decision-making and risk management.
Choose 9 additional credits from the courses below (maximum 1 elective course):
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
The legal landscape governing employee pay and benefits, broadly defined with a focus on ERISA governed plans, including life, health and disability insurance, retirement plans, educational programs, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, and other forms of compensation. Students explore employee leave policies, health care reform, and executive compensation.
An overview of cyber risks, along with the laws and regulations that apply to the rapidly changing threat landscape of cybersecurity. We will explore the impacts of data breaches, data privacy challenges, cyber-criminal motives, and common strategies used to combat cyber warfare. After studying the strategies and challenges of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and protected health information (PHI), you will develop a cybersecurity risk mitigation strategy for your workplace or personal data.
An introduction to the detection of wrongdoing in the workplace, with an emphasis on the following key methods: investigations, monitoring, and auditing. Coverage includes essential investigation components and pitfalls, as well as the use of auditing and monitoring to detect and prevent misconduct.
An analysis of the relevant laws that regulate hiring, classification, evaluation, development, and discharge of employees. Covers the law prohibiting workplace discrimination on any basis under state and federal statutes and regulations, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Students will also explore the EEOC administrative process.
This course provides a broad introduction to the regulation of financial institutions in the United States by addressing the history of the banking industry in the United States, the fundamental rationales for regulating banks, the restrictions imposed upon banks and other financial institutions, the causes and consequences of bank failures, and the rise of the shadow banking system. A sampling of subjects covered include: (i) the role of banking regulators, such as the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and state banking regulators; (ii) panics, retail and wholesale “runs” on banks and the role of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (iii) the regulation of bank holding companies; (iv) the regulation of non-US banks operating in the US; (v) the regulatory impact of the Dodd-Frank Act; and (vi) retail (i.e., consumer) banking.
This course will provide in-depth coverage of health care compliance programs and laws, progressing from the basics of a compliance program to specific issues facing the health care industry. The course is structured to include both a "compliance" and "legal" component for each module. The compliance portion of the course will focus on the seven elements of an effective compliance program, while the legal portion will cover selected laws impacting health care compliance, including HIPAA, the Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the federal False Claims Act.
An overview of risk-based compliance strategies, policies, and procedures relevant to domestic businesses operating outside of the United States. This course will cover economic sanctions, import issues and export controls, anti-bribery (under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)), foreign investment, and anti-boycott regulations, with a focus on addressing the necessary diligence required for international transactions. Coverage will include the relevant government agencies regulating international business transactions.
An introduction to U.S. labor history and federal legislation, administrative decisions and court rulings that shaped U.S. labor relations and collective bargaining in the private and public sectors. The course covers legal rights and obligations of employers, employees, and unions under the National Labor Relations Act, along with Union/Management relations topics including: collective bargaining, grievance administration and arbitration, and union organizing and representation. Also covered are recent shifts in legal precedent and emerging issues, and an overview of international labor relations issues, practices, and trends.
Today's employees must understand public policy and how it impacts their constituents. This is particularly true when navigating the state and federal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. This course will study the development and implementation of public policy with a focus on pandemic relief legislation.
This course will introduce students to a variety of sources commonly used in legal research (statutes, cases, administrative regulations, etc.). Students will learn how to perform efficient searches in a variety of free and subscription services available via the Wake Forest Law Library's website. Topics that will be covered include: statutory research, both state and federal; federal and state case law; administrative codes and regulations, state and federal; municipal codes and ordinances; legislative history, primarily at the federal level; secondary sources.
The changing landscape of how we pay for health care, consisting of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and health insurance reform. This course will examine the current fee-for-service system and its alternatives, as well as the policies behind these models.
This course is designed to provide a general understanding of health theory and policy. This includes exploration of economic and political philosophies, and their impact on health policy development; consideration of the impact of cost, access, and quality; policy-development theories; legislative processes; as well as frameworks for health policy analysis and advocacy.
An exploration of the federal and state wage and hour laws that impact today's business operations, including laws impacting timekeeping, overtime, wages, and equal pay, and how laws around meal/rest breaks, leaves, and scheduling impact an employer's obligations to pay wages. Students analyze how failure to comply with these laws increase risks around litigation, agency charges, and internal compliance audits. Throughout, students consider how to address the day-to-day scenarios HR professionals face in the workplace.
Throughout history, women in male-dominated fields or positions of authority have often been perceived as violating well-established (albeit socially constructed) sex and gender norms, which at times, has resulted in sex discrimination. This interdisciplinary, asynchronous course holistically explores the intersection of women, law, leadership, and character, illuminating the barriers faced and progress made by and for women. First, it examines what character is, why it matters, and how it is taught. Next, it explores how leadership is defined, theories and strategies for effective leadership, and how leadership skills can be developed. Then the course moves into a basic exploration of anti-discrimination frameworks that aim to prohibit discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. It also explores unconscious sex bias, privilege, and sex stereotyping, which are concurrently both the cause and effect of discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. After providing this foundation, the course then takes a weekly deep dive into specific hypermasculine spheres. Each unit will highlight specific character traits and leadership attributes necessary to overcome the barriers women face when navigating male-dominated fields.
This course will familiarize you with the basics of business law and the vocabulary of business. Specifically, you will learn about the law applicable to (1) agency relationships, (2) for-profit business firms, (3) securities offerings, and (4) stock trading. Of necessity, we will sample topics in each area (such as operating a business through agents, formation of business firms, liabilities in business firms, duties within the firm, investment basics, financing the firm, disclosures in stock markets, and insider trading liability). On all of these topics, you will acquire greater "business literacy."
Most non-criminal law concerns rights and duties between persons: the legal obligations of people to each other in carrying on their day-to-day personal and business lives. This everyday law is called private law and includes an always increasing, wide range of legal subtopics and specialties. Almost all of these private law subtopics, however, derive from and are variants of three, foundational, meta-legal areas of law: tort, contract, and property. This course introduces these three areas; explores their relationships in business and the economy; and considers how they enable free enterprise.
Introduction to federal, state, and local government systems that govern the relationship between the individual and the state. This class examines the constitutional structure of American government, the processes by which statutes and regulations are made, the methods agencies use to enforce the law, and the role of the judicial system. Topics covered will include civil rights, criminal procedure, environmental law, zoning and land use regulation, health and safety regulation, health care regulation, and financial regulation.
The dramatic changes in the legal profession since the 2008 market crash, from the increase in virtual law practice to the rise of DIY services to clients’ increasing demand for efficiencies, have led to a recognition that nonlawyers have an increasingly critical role in the delivery of legal services. While most regulatory bars are not yet sure exactly: (a) what this role should be; or (b) how, if at all, it should be regulated, that a change is coming is certain. This course explores the extent to which people with legal training, but no license to practice, can use the law, as a social and economic variable, to better manage risk without fear of prosecution or civil liability.
Explore the policies behind the delivery of health services and navigate the legal framework of this quickly-changing industry.
An overview of the United States legal system in the context of today’s business environment - including general business, HR and healthcare issues - focusing on the judicial system, federal-state relationship, law-making processes, and the role of lawyers. Specific attention to real world-centered examples, including writing and drafting assignments in various business settings to provide insight into the legal context of decision-making and risk management.
Choose 9 additional credits from the courses below (maximum 1 elective course):
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
This course will survey bioethics issues prominent in health care delivery, including "aid in dying," genetic therapies and research, the treatment relationship, informed consent, clinical research, organ transplantation and advances in biotechnology. In this course, you will apply principles of bioethics to legal, medical, scientific and business scenarios to determine how ethical principles should affect decision-making and strategy in the business, clinical, litigation and legislative processes.
An overview of cyber risks, along with the laws and regulations that apply to the rapidly changing threat landscape of cybersecurity. We will explore the impacts of data breaches, data privacy challenges, cyber-criminal motives, and common strategies used to combat cyber warfare. After studying the strategies and challenges of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and protected health information (PHI), you will develop a cybersecurity risk mitigation strategy for your workplace or personal data.
An introduction to the detection of wrongdoing in the workplace, with an emphasis on the following key methods: investigations, monitoring, and auditing. Coverage includes essential investigation components and pitfalls, as well as the use of auditing and monitoring to detect and prevent misconduct.
This course will provide in-depth coverage of health care compliance programs and laws, progressing from the basics of a compliance program to specific issues facing the health care industry. The course is structured to include both a "compliance" and "legal" component for each module. The compliance portion of the course will focus on the seven elements of an effective compliance program, while the legal portion will cover selected laws impacting health care compliance, including HIPAA, the Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the federal False Claims Act.
Today's employees must understand public policy and how it impacts their constituents. This is particularly true when navigating the state and federal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. This course will study the development and implementation of public policy with a focus on pandemic relief legislation.
This course will introduce students to a variety of sources commonly used in legal research (statutes, cases, administrative regulations, etc.). Students will learn how to perform efficient searches in a variety of free and subscription services available via the Wake Forest Law Library's website. Topics that will be covered include: statutory research, both state and federal; federal and state case law; administrative codes and regulations, state and federal; municipal codes and ordinances; legislative history, primarily at the federal level; secondary sources.
The changing landscape of how we pay for health care, consisting of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and health insurance reform. This course will examine the current fee-for-service system and its alternatives, as well as the policies behind these models.
This course is an introduction to the legal landscape governing the use of digital information and telecommunication technologies in patient care delivery. Coverage will include licensing and credentialing, technology, business models, contracts and governance issues impacting the rapidly growing global digital health industry.
This course is designed to provide a general understanding of health theory and policy. This includes exploration of economic and political philosophies, and their impact on health policy development; consideration of the impact of cost, access, and quality; policy-development theories; legislative processes; as well as frameworks for health policy analysis and advocacy.
Throughout history, women in male-dominated fields or positions of authority have often been perceived as violating well-established (albeit socially constructed) sex and gender norms, which at times, has resulted in sex discrimination. This interdisciplinary, asynchronous course holistically explores the intersection of women, law, leadership, and character, illuminating the barriers faced and progress made by and for women. First, it examines what character is, why it matters, and how it is taught. Next, it explores how leadership is defined, theories and strategies for effective leadership, and how leadership skills can be developed. Then the course moves into a basic exploration of anti-discrimination frameworks that aim to prohibit discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. It also explores unconscious sex bias, privilege, and sex stereotyping, which are concurrently both the cause and effect of discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. After providing this foundation, the course then takes a weekly deep dive into specific hypermasculine spheres. Each unit will highlight specific character traits and leadership attributes necessary to overcome the barriers women face when navigating male-dominated fields.
This course will familiarize you with the basics of business law and the vocabulary of business. Specifically, you will learn about the law applicable to (1) agency relationships, (2) for-profit business firms, (3) securities offerings, and (4) stock trading. Of necessity, we will sample topics in each area (such as operating a business through agents, formation of business firms, liabilities in business firms, duties within the firm, investment basics, financing the firm, disclosures in stock markets, and insider trading liability). On all of these topics, you will acquire greater "business literacy."
This course provides a broad introduction to the regulation of financial institutions in the United States by addressing the history of the banking industry in the United States, the fundamental rationales for regulating banks, the restrictions imposed upon banks and other financial institutions, the causes and consequences of bank failures, and the rise of the shadow banking system. A sampling of subjects covered include: (i) the role of banking regulators, such as the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and state banking regulators; (ii) panics, retail and wholesale “runs” on banks and the role of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (iii) the regulation of bank holding companies; (iv) the regulation of non-US banks operating in the US; (v) the regulatory impact of the Dodd-Frank Act; and (vi) retail (i.e., consumer) banking.
Most non-criminal law concerns rights and duties between persons: the legal obligations of people to each other in carrying on their day-to-day personal and business lives. This everyday law is called private law and includes an always increasing, wide range of legal subtopics and specialties. Almost all of these private law subtopics, however, derive from and are variants of three, foundational, meta-legal areas of law: tort, contract, and property. This course introduces these three areas; explores their relationships in business and the economy; and considers how they enable free enterprise.
Introduction to federal, state, and local government systems that govern the relationship between the individual and the state. This class examines the constitutional structure of American government, the processes by which statutes and regulations are made, the methods agencies use to enforce the law, and the role of the judicial system. Topics covered will include civil rights, criminal procedure, environmental law, zoning and land use regulation, health and safety regulation, health care regulation, and financial regulation.
The dramatic changes in the legal profession since the 2008 market crash, from the increase in virtual law practice to the rise of DIY services to clients’ increasing demand for efficiencies, have led to a recognition that nonlawyers have an increasingly critical role in the delivery of legal services. While most regulatory bars are not yet sure exactly: (a) what this role should be; or (b) how, if at all, it should be regulated, that a change is coming is certain. This course explores the extent to which people with legal training, but no license to practice, can use the law, as a social and economic variable, to better manage risk without fear of prosecution or civil liability.
Ask the right questions and reach the right business decisions with an in-depth understanding of labor and employment law.
An overview of the United States legal system in the context of today’s business environment - including general business, HR and healthcare issues - focusing on the judicial system, federal-state relationship, law-making processes, and the role of lawyers. Specific attention to real world-centered examples, including writing and drafting assignments in various business settings to provide insight into the legal context of decision-making and risk management.
Choose 9 additional credits from the courses below (maximum 1 elective course):
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
The legal landscape governing employee pay and benefits, broadly defined with a focus on ERISA governed plans, including life, health and disability insurance, retirement plans, educational programs, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, and other forms of compensation. Students explore employee leave policies, health care reform, and executive compensation.
An overview of cyber risks, along with the laws and regulations that apply to the rapidly changing threat landscape of cybersecurity. We will explore the impacts of data breaches, data privacy challenges, cyber-criminal motives, and common strategies used to combat cyber warfare. After studying the strategies and challenges of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and protected health information (PHI), you will develop a cybersecurity risk mitigation strategy for your workplace or personal data.
An introduction to the detection of wrongdoing in the workplace, with an emphasis on the following key methods: investigations, monitoring, and auditing. Coverage includes essential investigation components and pitfalls, as well as the use of auditing and monitoring to detect and prevent misconduct.
An analysis of the relevant laws that regulate hiring, classification, evaluation, development, and discharge of employees. Covers the law prohibiting workplace discrimination on any basis under state and federal statutes and regulations, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Students will also explore the EEOC administrative process.
An introduction to U.S. labor history and federal legislation, administrative decisions and court rulings that shaped U.S. labor relations and collective bargaining in the private and public sectors. The course covers legal rights and obligations of employers, employees, and unions under the National Labor Relations Act, along with Union/Management relations topics including: collective bargaining, grievance administration and arbitration, and union organizing and representation. Also covered are recent shifts in legal precedent and emerging issues, and an overview of international labor relations issues, practices, and trends.
Today's employees must understand public policy and how it impacts their constituents. This is particularly true when navigating the state and federal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. This course will study the development and implementation of public policy with a focus on pandemic relief legislation.
This course will introduce students to a variety of sources commonly used in legal research (statutes, cases, administrative regulations, etc.). Students will learn how to perform efficient searches in a variety of free and subscription services available via the Wake Forest Law Library's website. Topics that will be covered include: statutory research, both state and federal; federal and state case law; administrative codes and regulations, state and federal; municipal codes and ordinances; legislative history, primarily at the federal level; secondary sources.
The changing landscape of how we pay for health care, consisting of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and health insurance reform. This course will examine the current fee-for-service system and its alternatives, as well as the policies behind these models.
This course is an introduction to the legal landscape governing the use of digital information and telecommunication technologies in patient care delivery. Coverage will include licensing and credentialing, technology, business models, contracts and governance issues impacting the rapidly growing global digital health industry.
An exploration of the federal and state wage and hour laws that impact today's business operations, including laws impacting timekeeping, overtime, wages, and equal pay, and how laws around meal/rest breaks, leaves, and scheduling impact an employer's obligations to pay wages. Students analyze how failure to comply with these laws increase risks around litigation, agency charges, and internal compliance audits. Throughout, students consider how to address the day-to-day scenarios HR professionals face in the workplace.
Throughout history, women in male-dominated fields or positions of authority have often been perceived as violating well-established (albeit socially constructed) sex and gender norms, which at times, has resulted in sex discrimination. This interdisciplinary, asynchronous course holistically explores the intersection of women, law, leadership, and character, illuminating the barriers faced and progress made by and for women. First, it examines what character is, why it matters, and how it is taught. Next, it explores how leadership is defined, theories and strategies for effective leadership, and how leadership skills can be developed. Then the course moves into a basic exploration of anti-discrimination frameworks that aim to prohibit discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. It also explores unconscious sex bias, privilege, and sex stereotyping, which are concurrently both the cause and effect of discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. After providing this foundation, the course then takes a weekly deep dive into specific hypermasculine spheres. Each unit will highlight specific character traits and leadership attributes necessary to overcome the barriers women face when navigating male-dominated fields.
This course will familiarize you with the basics of business law and the vocabulary of business. Specifically, you will learn about the law applicable to (1) agency relationships, (2) for-profit business firms, (3) securities offerings, and (4) stock trading. Of necessity, we will sample topics in each area (such as operating a business through agents, formation of business firms, liabilities in business firms, duties within the firm, investment basics, financing the firm, disclosures in stock markets, and insider trading liability). On all of these topics, you will acquire greater "business literacy."
This course provides a broad introduction to the regulation of financial institutions in the United States by addressing the history of the banking industry in the United States, the fundamental rationales for regulating banks, the restrictions imposed upon banks and other financial institutions, the causes and consequences of bank failures, and the rise of the shadow banking system. A sampling of subjects covered include: (i) the role of banking regulators, such as the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and state banking regulators; (ii) panics, retail and wholesale “runs” on banks and the role of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (iii) the regulation of bank holding companies; (iv) the regulation of non-US banks operating in the US; (v) the regulatory impact of the Dodd-Frank Act; and (vi) retail (i.e., consumer) banking.
Most non-criminal law concerns rights and duties between persons: the legal obligations of people to each other in carrying on their day-to-day personal and business lives. This everyday law is called private law and includes an always increasing, wide range of legal subtopics and specialties. Almost all of these private law subtopics, however, derive from and are variants of three, foundational, meta-legal areas of law: tort, contract, and property. This course introduces these three areas; explores their relationships in business and the economy; and considers how they enable free enterprise.
Introduction to federal, state, and local government systems that govern the relationship between the individual and the state. This class examines the constitutional structure of American government, the processes by which statutes and regulations are made, the methods agencies use to enforce the law, and the role of the judicial system. Topics covered will include civil rights, criminal procedure, environmental law, zoning and land use regulation, health and safety regulation, health care regulation, and financial regulation.
The dramatic changes in the legal profession since the 2008 market crash, from the increase in virtual law practice to the rise of DIY services to clients’ increasing demand for efficiencies, have led to a recognition that nonlawyers have an increasingly critical role in the delivery of legal services. While most regulatory bars are not yet sure exactly: (a) what this role should be; or (b) how, if at all, it should be regulated, that a change is coming is certain. This course explores the extent to which people with legal training, but no license to practice, can use the law, as a social and economic variable, to better manage risk without fear of prosecution or civil liability.
Our 100% online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program embraces the Wake Forest University School of Law culture of community and collaboration. Our MSL experience enhances skills, advances careers, and brings immediate relevance and value to the workplace — and beyond.
Wake Forest School of Law faculty teach the MSL core curriculum and in many of the professional track electives, which are otherwise taught by industry legal experts.
The MSL courses are taught asynchronously through the Canvas learning management system, allowing you to schedule your coursework independent of time and place.
Learn how our market-driven curriculum can add value to your business »
