Online Managerial Law Degrees: Program Overviews

Though rare, online study programs covering managerial law are sometimes available as part of a Master of Science in Law degree program. This type of program is designed to help business professionals and managers to think analytically and act confidently within the legal scope of their profession, prevent litigation and work effectively with legal counsel when necessary.

Overview of an Online Master of Science in Law

An online Master of Science in Law (MSL) program is designed to provide business professionals who are not lawyers with a fundamental understanding of legal topics relevant to conducting domestic and international business transactions. Students gain knowledge and skills in legal areas, such as information policy, contracts, legal analysis, litigation, regulatory law and liability. This type of program does not prepare individuals to practice law as licensed attorneys and instead prepares graduates to use their legal understanding in other professions, such as human resources, healthcare, sales or manufacturing. Some online MSL programs provide the opportunity for students to choose a concentration area, including managerial law.

Program Information

An online master's degree in law usually requires approximately 36-42 credit hours. Students can expect to complete this type of degree program in about two years. Coursework can typically be completed entirely through distance learning. Online courses are conducted through asynchronous activities, including online discussion boards, written papers, reading assignments and work-place oriented assignments. High-speed Internet and reliable access to e-mail are required in order to access course material and complete assignments.

Common Online Coursework for an Online Master of Science in Law

Online courses for this type of law degree help business professionals gain a working knowledge of the law in order to work confidently with lawyers and legal issues they may face in their business activities. The curriculum usually provides specialized courses that focus on intellectual property, health care, employee law and management. Common courses that focus on managerial law are outlined below.

Administrative Law Course

Study topics explore the role of administrative law in areas of business and managerial practice. Students examine the effects and implications of the various types of law that can affect daily business activities, such as court decisions, administrative agency regulations, constitutional provisions and other governmental regulations. Topics include right to notice and hearing, judicial review, the Administrative Act Procedure, agency powers and operation.

Business Associations Course

This course introduces the principles of business organizations, including limited liability companies, corporations, sole proprietorship and partnerships. Legal issues surrounding formation, financing and control of business organizations are discussed. Other topics include the authority and responsibility between shareholders, directors, creditors and officers.

Employment Law Course

Students learn about state and federal laws governing the hiring, management and firing of personnel. Topics covered may include anti-discrimination acts, regulations on employment contracts, workers' compensation requirements and mandated unemployment benefits.

Career and Certification Information

Graduates of an online MSL program are ready to use their legal knowledge and skills to enhance their careers and work more effectively within the law. Professionals graduating from this type of degree program are typically managers and strategists from varied fields, including policy makers and advocates, human resource workers, health professionals or paralegals. Due to the wide array of employment opportunities and career paths for those with a Master of Science in Law, job growth and salary information can vary.
As an example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected employment opportunities for medical and health services managers to grow by 16% during the 2008-2018 decade. (www.bls.gov). As of May 2009, the BLS reported the median average salary for medical and health services managers in the U.S. was $81,850. Employment of human resources managers was projected by the BLS to increase at a much faster rate of 22% during the same time frame. The BLS also reported in May 2009 that human resource managers were earning an annual average salary of $96,550.