Business Law Concentration: Master of Legal Studies

Cara Foos Pierce

“SMU Dedman Law offers a rich business curriculum that allows students to develop in-depth knowledge of business law and essential practical business skills through courses taught by nationally and internationally recognized faculty.”

– Cara Foos Pierce, Director of the Master of Legal Studies program and Assistant Clinical Professor of Law

Whether you work in business, finance, tech, real estate or consulting, a practical understanding of the law and how it impacts your business is key. Business leaders are frequently required to sign contracts, support legal teams, participate in negotiations and weigh in on employment law issues. An M.L.S. from SMU will provide you with a strong business law foundation.

The online M.L.S. with a concentration in business law provides students with a deeper understanding of U.S. law as it specifically applies to business. An M.L.S. in business law is a particularly good option for current and aspiring managers, as it provides practical legal knowledge that will enable managers to navigate real world issues.

An M.L.S. in business law includes coursework in corporate compliance, employment law, negotiations, business associations and business regulation.

Who is this program for?

This concentration can benefit corporate managers and other professionals working in finance, insurance, marketing and real estate. An M.L.S. in business law is a particularly good option for current and aspiring managers, as it provides practical legal knowledge that will enable them to navigate real world issues.

This program is not suitable for professionals looking to become licensed attorneys, and no prior legal education is required to enroll.

Group of colleagues

Business law concentration course structure

Students will choose either Business Associations or Negotiation and Effective Communication. If you’d like to take both courses, one may count toward your elective requirement.

  • Business Associations
  • Negotiation and Effective Communication

  • Corporate Compliance Structure, Governance and Oversight
  • Labor and Employment Law
  • Employment Discrimination and Workers’ Rights
  • White Collar Crime and Internal Investigation
  • Sports Law
  • Regulatory Law
  • Trademark, Copyright and Licensing
  • Collegiate and Professional Sports Law and Compliance

Learn more about course options for the business law concentration.

Learning outcomes

After completing this concentration, students will be able to:

  • Perform detailed legal analysis and apply business law principles to real-world scenarios, ensuring regulatory compliance and strategic decision-making.
  • Navigate regulatory frameworks and their application in business environments, enabling effective resolutions to legal challenges and risk management issues.
  • Clearly communicate complex legal concepts to diverse stakeholders, including business leaders, regulators and clients.

Why SMU?

SMU offers more than just a degree — it’s your gateway to a thriving legal and business ecosystem in the heart of Dallas–Fort Worth, the No. 1 fastest-growing city in the U.S. Whether you’re interested in working with Fortune 500 companies or startups, SMU provides a launchpad for career opportunities in business and law.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

A Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree prepares professionals in a variety of industries to work in law-related roles or on law-adjacent tasks. It is especially useful for those seeking management roles. However, this degree program is not for people seeking to be licensed attorneys.

A Master in Legal Studies with a concentration in business law helps students prepare for roles such as:

  • Contract compliance specialist ($69,900 average salary)
  • Contracts manager ($112,500 average salary)
  • Business development manager ($109,400 average salary)

Salary data sourced from Lightcast.

Both the business and compliance law concentrations offer valuable skills applicable across a range of industries. Choosing a concentration depends on your specific career goals and professional interests.

The compliance law concentration is ideal for professionals working in highly regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and energy, as well as those in ethics and compliance roles across industries.

The business law concentration is well-suited for current and aspiring managers. It provides a broad foundation in legal concepts that are critical to business leadership, including employment law, intellectual property, negotiations, and internal investigations.

Ready to learn more? Download our brochure, and explore our curriculum, admission and FAQ pages.

Request information

To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Master of Legal Studies offered by Southern Methodist University, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 469-871-6018.

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