30 credits
Fordham University MSL | OnlineFordham University MSL | OnlineFordham University MSL | Online
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. Advance your knowledge of compliance while studying at a time and location that works best for you.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. Advance your knowledge of compliance while studying at a time and location that works best for you.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. Advance your knowledge of compliance while studying at a time and location that works best for you.
Fordham Law School’s online Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.) in Corporate Compliance program will help you solve complex compliance challenges and manage risk across a range of organizational settings.
In as few as 12 months, you will develop advanced legal knowledge and practical skills required to assess and strengthen your organization’s compliance practices. The online master’s program includes four optional program tracks, so you can graduate with expertise in your chosen field: financial services compliance, human resources compliance, healthcare compliance, and general corporate compliance.
Fordham Law School also offers an M.S.L. in Corporate Compliance in an in-person format at the Lincoln Center campus, along with other M.S.L., LL.M., and J.D. degree programs. Visit the Fordham Law School website to learn more about in-person programs.
Prepare to Uphold Your Organization’s Integrity
In a time where business transgressions make regular news headlines, compliance experts have become necessities in protecting businesses from violating laws and regulations. As a student in the online master’s in compliance program, you will acquire the skills needed to assess your organization from a compliance perspective and confidently act with foresight.
Develop the Skills Needed to Advance in the Growing Compliance Field
Learn to promote better business practices through the online master’s in compliance.
A Customizable Compliance Curriculum
4 program tracks
1 colloquium in NYC
Our curriculum will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how the law impacts the way corporations operate and the potential implications of unethical business practices. You will complete introductory coursework on U.S. law and legal institutions, and then have the option to specialize your degree with one of four flexible program tracks that will help you develop industry-specific expertise.
Choose a Specialization
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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
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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
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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
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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
Set Yourself Apart with
Industry-Specific Knowledge
Earn a specialized M.S.L. in Corporate Compliance online in as few as 12 months.
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.1 In 2016, we became the first law school in the country to offer a compliance-focused master’s degree. With the introduction of our online version of this program in 2019, students can access the best of Fordham, from wherever they are.
Flexible Class Times
Organize your classes around your personal and professional obligations—not the other way around. We offer 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 our 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, our online students are experienced, driven professionals who bring a range of professional, educational, and cultural backgrounds and experiences to the classroom.2
31%
Male
69%
Female
Apply to the Online M.S.L. in Compliance Program
Submit your application by February 19, 2026 to start classes in April 2026.
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.
The online master’s in compliance program is designed for professionals who do not hold a degree in law. If you have earned a J.D., an LL.B., or any other law degree, explore Fordham Law School’s LL.M. in Compliance, which is offered both in person and online.
Accelerate Your Compliance Career
Become an integral asset to your organization with a Master of Studies in Law in Corporate Compliance online from Fordham Law.
FAQs About Fordham’s Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Corporate Compliance
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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.
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No. This program is not bar-eligible and does not lead to attorney licensure.
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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.
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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. The specialized knowledge in risk management and ethics gained at the master’s level positions graduates for job opportunities that require advanced expertise. Furthermore, this credential typically leads to a competitive salary. According to ERI, the average compliance officer earns six figures, making it a strong return on investment compared to bachelor’s-level positions.
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Admission to Fordham’s MSL program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The application holistically evaluates qualified applicants based on their academic record, professional experience, career aspirations, and two letters of recommendation. Required materials include official transcripts, a resume/CV, a 500-word personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Read more about the application requirements here.
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The online MSL program offers a flexible schedule that allows students to complete their degree at their own pace. You can finish the program in as few as 12 months through the 12-Month Track.
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No, the online MSL program does not require the LSAT, GRE, GMAT, or any other standardized tests. Fordham Law takes a holistic approach to the application process, allowing you to showcase your diverse and wide-ranging professional and academic experiences rather than focusing solely on test scores.
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Students can further specialize their learning in the MSL in Corporate Compliance program with four distinct concentration tracks to focus their degree: Financial Services, Health Care, Human Resources, and General Compliance. These options allow you to tailor your legal expertise to a specific, highly regulated industry.
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No, the online Master of Studies in Law program does not require any on-campus residencies or campus visits. The program is designed to be 100% remote and highly flexible, allowing working professionals to earn their master’s degree entirely online without disrupting their careers or travel schedules.
1 Best Law Schools U.S. News & World Report, retrieved in August 2024 arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2 According to self-reported data, approximately two-thirds of our enrolled students as of May 2020 fall within the reported years of work experience and age ranges. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
3 Historically Underrepresented: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference