Master of Legal Studies

Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a specialization in healthcare compliance

Are you a working professional interested in regulatory compliance and risk management in the healthcare industry? Gain the skills you need to make your next career move with a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a specialization in healthcare compliance from Western State College of Law at Westcliff University.

Western State College of Law is launching a new Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program in the Fall of 2025. This program is designed to meet the ever-increasing professional demand for people with knowledge in understanding, synthesizing, and communicating to team members the complex state, federal, and international laws and regulations that are applicable to healthcare enterprises.

Cutting-Edge MLS Program

Students in Western State College of Law’s unique program in healthcare compliance will explore a range of topics:

1. Regulatory Landscape: Navigating the ever-changing world of regulations and ensuring your healthcare organization’s operations align with the legal framework.
2. Ethical Decision-making: Developing a strong ethical compass and making responsible choices that uphold the values of your healthcare organization.
3. Risk Assessment: Learning to identify potential healthcare related risks, evaluating their impact, and devising strategies to minimize them.
4. Compliance Strategies: Understanding different healthcare compliance frameworks and designing strategies to ensure adherence.
5. Crisis Preparedness: Equipping yourself to manage unexpected crises that can impact a healthcare organization’s reputation and stability.
6. Innovation and Risk: Balancing the drive for innovation in healthcare with the need to manage associated risks effectively.

This program isn’t just about gaining theoretical knowledge; it’s about acquiring practical skills that will set you apart in your future careers. You will become the architects of ethical business practices and risk resilience and the guardians of compliance.

Learn more about unique aspects of the programs.

Specialized MLS Student Experience

Western State’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a specialization in healthcare compliance program is catered to working professionals. Course weeks open on Sunday and close on Saturday, making it Ideal for working professionals with full-time jobs and families. The program is starting off as part-time online, so enrolled students will only be taking one class at a time. Most students are expected to complete this part-time program within 24-months of starting the program

Core Knowledge and Active, Practical Application

A graduate certificate in healthcare compliance focuses on a specific area of law, making it ideal for individuals already working in the field who wish to enhance the legal aspect of their expertise. However, due to its limited scope, it does not offer the broad legal foundation necessary for long-term career advancement.

In contrast, the MLS provides a more comprehensive education, covering a wider range of topics within healthcare, such as regulations, ethical decision-making, and legal risk assessment. MLS programs are also more consistent across schools so that employers know what skills employees have to offer. Graduates gain a more holistic understanding of compliance, preparing them for more advanced positions in healthcare.

Careers in Healthcare Compliance

Compliance and risk management might sound like buzzwords, but they lie at the heart of every successful and responsible healthcare organization. In a world where business environments in healthcare are constantly changing, and healthcare regulations are becoming more stringent, understanding and effectively managing compliance and risk is not just an option, but a necessity.

What is Healthcare Compliance?

Compliance refers to the adherence of a healthcare organization to the laws, regulations, and industry standards that govern its operations. It’s about conducting business in an ethical and legal manner, ensuring transparency, and maintaining trust with stakeholders. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and even legal consequences. As healthcare compliance professionals, your role will be pivotal in upholding the integrity and reputation of your organizations.

Expanding Job Opportunities with a Master’s Degree

A graduate certificate can be advantageous for professionals who want to enhance their current role or gain specialized knowledge quickly. However, it might not be enough to qualify for advanced positions in compliance, risk management, or regulatory affairs.

An MLS degree strengthens your credentials and carries more weight with employers, offering more opportunities for upward mobility. Professionals with master’s degrees are currently in high demand. Many senior compliance and regulatory affairs director roles require a master’s degree rather than a certificate. The MLS equips graduates with the legal expertise needed to address complex compliance challenges, making them more competitive in the job market.

While the MLS and graduate certificates improve career prospects, a master’s degree is in high demand and consistently results in higher salaries and better job security. Employers value the depth of education and commitment necessary to complete a master’s program, making MLS graduates more likely candidates for promotions and higher positions.

Time Commitment vs. Long-Term Value

A graduate certificate requires fewer credits and can be completed in less time. This may seem like a good option for professionals seeking a quick educational boost. However, because it lacks the depth of a master’s program, the long-term career benefits are limited.

While it requires more coursework, the MLS program provides a greater return on investment. This additional time commitment leads to a comprehensive education and, consequently, a higher level of expertise. As a result, it significantly broadens career opportunities and enables individuals to pursue more advanced and higher-paying roles in healthcare compliance.

How Many Credit Hours to Complete the MLS?

The MLS is expected to take 24 months for students to complete, with the requirement of 30 credit hours of course credits. The program culminates with a 3-credit hour capstone project that weaves in all concepts students have acquired over the entire program.

Tuition and Financial Aid and Scholarships

The cost of tuition for the MLS program is $1,067 per credit hour. Additionally, opportunities for financial aid and scholarships will be made available to students who are eligible. We encourage students to contact financial aid for more details.

What are the Requirements for Admission?

Prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree completed prior to enrollment and submit both a program application and a personal statement detailing their goals and interest in the program.

Personal Statement

A student’s personal statement should be focused and a reflection of who they are. This often includes not only an applicant’s motivators (accomplishments, skills, experiences, or personal motivators) but also career goals, outside interests, and anything else they believe relevant to their success within the program and who they are as an individual. The statement should also be double-spaced and no longer than 5 pages in length.

Transcripts

To streamline applications, we accept unofficial transcripts for initial evaluation. Should you be admitted, official transcripts will be required prior to enrollment.

Letter(s) of Recommendation

One letter of recommendation is required, additional letters may be requested in certain circumstances.

GRE/LSAT Scores

While GRE or LSAT scores are optional, they may be submitted to strengthen an application.

Addenda

Additional items may be requested in certain circumstances.

For More Information

For additional information, please visit the program’s FAQs, required courses, and course descriptions.

To learn more, contact Sarah Eggleston, Program Director, Master of Legal Studies, at mlsinfo@wsulaw.edu.