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Online Master of Legal Studies in Compliance and Risk Management

The online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Compliance & Risk Management at Seattle University School of Law is designed for working professionals who want to strengthen their ability to navigate regulatory complexity and align their education with long-term career goals. Offered fully online and part-time, the program allows you to build practical legal knowledge while balancing career and personal commitments. Graduate prepared to advance or transition into compliance and risk leadership roles across sectors.

Advance Your Career in Compliance & Risk Management

Danielle Schafer-Gardner, Privacy & Data Ethics Professional

“The MLS allowed me to align my career with the regulatory and technical changes happening in privacy and data ethics. It gave me the legal foundation I needed to transition into privacy program management and contribute meaningfully alongside attorneys.”

Why Earn Your MLS at Seattle University School of Law

Career Growth & Community

Join a connected professional network that supports your career growth. Students and alumni share opportunities, mentorship, and industry insight beyond graduation.

Faculty Who Lead

Learn from professionals in compliance, healthcare, finance, corporate, and regulatory environments who challenge you to think critically and lead with integrity.

A Legal Education

Earn a Master of Legal Studies from a respected law school without pursuing a JD. Develop rigorous legal analysis and regulatory insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a graduate degree designed for professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of law as it relates to compliance and risk management without becoming a practicing attorney.

A Juris Doctor (JD) prepares graduates to practice law and sit for the bar exam. The MLS is designed for professionals who want advanced legal knowledge to support their careers in compliance, governance, and regulatory roles without pursuing licensure as an attorney.

This program is designed for working professionals in compliance, finance, healthcare, corporate governance, auditing, and related fields who want to deepen their understanding of regulatory frameworks and legal risk.

Yes. The program is delivered 100% online with no required residency. Most students complete the degree part-time in approximately 24 months. A full-time option is also available and may be completed in as few as 12 months.

Students may begin the program in the Fall or Spring term. Our admissions team can provide current start dates and upcoming deadlines.

Yes. Merit-based scholarships are available and considered as part of the admissions review process. No separate scholarship application is required. Financial aid options may also be available.

Submit the form to receive detailed tuition and scholarship information.

206-398-4268

Application Deadline - December 8, 2026

Start Date - January 19, 2027

Scholarships Deadline - November 2, 2026

Where this degree can take you

Graduates advance into roles that strengthen organizations, support ethical decision-making, and ensure regulatory compliance. Whether you’re seeking advancement or a career pivot, this program prepares you with practical legal and analytical skills valued across industries.

Skills You’ll Develop:

Analyze laws and regulations relevant to compliance and risk management
Apply legal reasoning to real-world governance and organizational challenges
Strengthen professional writing, research, and communication skills
Understand how legal frameworks shape policy and business decisions
Identify, assess, and respond to regulatory and operational risk

Career Paths Include:

Compliance Manager or Compliance Officer
Risk Management Consultant
Healthcare Compliance Leader
Athletics Compliance Officer
Sports Compliance Manager
Corporate Ethics & Compliance Specialist
Financial Compliance Analyst
Cybersecurity & Privacy Compliance Professional
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Advisor

Career paths include:

Compliance Manager or Compliance Officer
Risk Management Consultant
Healthcare Compliance Leader
Athletics Compliance Officer
Sports Compliance Manager
Corporate Ethics & Compliance Specialist
Financial Compliance Analyst
Cybersecurity & Privacy Compliance Professional
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Advisor

MSL – Master of Studies in Law

ELIGIBILITY

Bachelor’s degree required. No JD, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT required.

PROGRAM FORMAT

100% online, part-time, 14-week terms, three terms per year.

CREDIT HOURS

30 total credits. Students may pursue a specialized concentration or complete a general MLS in Compliance & Risk Management.

TIME TO COMPLETE

Approximately 2 years.

Program Structure & Eligibility

Introduction to the American Legal System

Introduces the structure of U.S. law, including government institutions, sources of law, judicial processes, and core legal principles.

Legal Analysis, Research, and Writing

Teaches legal research, issue analysis, and professional writing skills for interpreting and communicating legal concepts.

Foundations of Regulatory Compliance

Examines compliance law frameworks and how organizations interpret and apply statutes, regulations, and agency guidance.

Risk Management and Auditing

Focuses on risk assessment, compliance auditing, and monitoring strategies to support lawful and effective operations.

Contract Review and Policy Drafting

Provides practical training in contract analysis and drafting clear, effective organizational policies.

Organizational Investigations

Develops skills for planning and conducting internal investigations while addressing legal and compliance obligations.

The MLS in Compliance & Risk Management provides a strong foundation in legal analysis, regulatory frameworks, and risk assessment. Students may select one of five concentrations aligned with their career goals.

Curriculum

Healthcare Compliance

Focus on healthcare regulations, HIPAA, the Affordable Care Act, and ethical compliance leadership.

Corporate Compliance

Prepare to address complex regulatory challenges in corporate and business environments.

Financial Compliance

Develop expertise in fraud prevention, data privacy, and financial regulatory compliance.

Cybersecurity Compliance

Navigate privacy law, data breach response, and information security compliance.

Sports Law Compliance

Apply compliance principles within the evolving sports and athletics industry.