Degree: Law Degrees

Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) –
Cyber and Data Security Law Concentration

The Cyber and Data Security Law concentration is just one of your options. See the main Master of Legal Studies page for details about the overall program and other available options.

M.L.S. in Cyber and Data Security Law

As the lines between law and technology blur, legal practitioners must continuously update their skillsets to remain effective and relevant. The onus is on colleges and institutions to ensure that their curricula evolve in tandem with the ever-changing needs of employers.

Why choose a legal graduate degree in Cybersecurity?

Stay ahead of the curve: Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, navigate and shape the future of cybersecurity within the legal domain.

In-demand expertise: With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, professionals with cybersecurity expertise are in high demand. Secure your position as a sought-after expert in the field.

Career advancement: Elevate your career prospects by specializing in an area that is critical for organizations across industries. Cybersecurity experts are essential in today’s data-driven world.

Dynamic curriculum: Our program is designed to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology and the legal landscape. You’ll receive the latest insights, tools and strategies to excel in your role.

Networking opportunities: Connect with a network of legal and cybersecurity professionals, ensuring that you’re always in touch with the latest industry trends and opportunities.

The old adage “It’s never too late to get an education” has played a pivotal role in my education. I started my education late in life and after earning my Bachelor of Arts degree, I wanted to advance my legal opportunities without going to law school. The Masters of Jurisprudence degree seemingly fell right into my lap saying, “I am the degree for you.” The St. Mary’s Law M.Jur. put me on a trajectory to achieving that goal. The program has been phenomenal! I have been able to grow as an individual while expanding my career opportunities and legal education. This program enabled me to achieve concentrations in Cyber Data and Security Law, Criminal Justice, Education Law and Compliance Business Law and Risk. The Cyber Data and Security Law concentration was by far the most riveting and challenging concentration I encountered but the most beneficial and rewarding. I will forever be humbly grateful for the opportunities and doors the School of Law’s Masters of Jurisprudence Program and degree has opened up for me.

– Jeffrey Humphries (B.A. ’19) (M.Jur. ’23)

Professional advancement

In the ever-evolving world of law and technology, the pace of change is nothing short of astonishing. Technological advancements are driving transformation within existing legal roles, making it imperative for legal professionals to adapt, evolve and stay at the forefront of their field. The key to success in this dynamic landscape? A graduate legal masters degree in cybersecurity.

Embracing Change in the Professional Landscape

The traditional roles within the legal sector are undergoing a profound transformation. Rapid technological change means that professionals are guardians of digital security, data protection and privacy. In today’s world, cybersecurity is not just an option; it’s an essential component of best practice. Don’t let the rapid pace of technological change leave you behind. Elevate your career, defend digital assets and safeguard sensitive data. Enroll today and be the professional who shapes the future of cybersecurity in your sector. Your journey begins here, and your impact knows no bounds.

Ernesto Ballesteros (J.D. ’15) serves as the Cybersecurity Advisor for the Capitol Region of Texas, for the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency. He teaches Fundamentals of Information Systems for the School of Law.

View Bio

Required Courses

Core courses
Fundamentals of the American Legal System
Legal Research and Writing
Choose two from the following:
Criminal Law
Constitutional Law
Contracts
Property Law
Torts

Concentration Emphasis Courses

Course NameCourse Numbers
Administrative LawLW 5302, 73374
ComplianceLW 5307, 8217
Fundamentals of Information SystemsLW 5410
Cyber LawLW 5313
TortsLW 5402, 6478
Employment LawLW 5308, 8791
Business StructuresLW 5305, 7310
Business Law and EthicsLW 5508
HIPAA Privacy LawLW 5607
Digital Evidence and RecordsLW 5612
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Request Information

Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.

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Applying to the M.L.S.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Apply Today

Contact

Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) –
Criminal Justice Concentration

The Criminal Justice Concentration is just one of your options. See the main Master of Legal Studies page for details about the overall program and other available options.

M.L.S. Criminal Justice Concentration

There is increasing demand for criminal justice professionals who can shape policies that promote fairness, equality and justice within the criminal justice system. It’s important to note that criminal justice reform is an evolving and complex field, and new approaches and ideas continue to emerge. The cutting edge of reform is often driven by ongoing research, advocacy, community engagement and the collaboration of various stakeholders, including policymakers, legal experts, grassroots organizations and affected communities. You can be a part of this change. The St. Mary’s University School of Law M.L.S. Program provides advanced education and specialized knowledge in various aspects of the criminal justice system. Pursuing the M.L.S. graduate degree in criminal justice, law and policy can enhance your knowledge and skills by providing you with the tools to tackle complex issues and make a meaningful impact on public safety, law enforcement and policy development.

I graduated in 1996 as a Law Enforcement Graduate from the Del Rio Police Academy. Since then I’ve worked for seven years with the Maverick County Sheriff Department Investigator and 18 years with the Eagle Pass Independent School District as a K-9 Officer, DARE Officer. I went back to school to earn my M.Jur.  from St. Mary’s School of Law once I started working with the District Attorney’s office as an investigator and have found that the courses help me immensely in my line of work. I have a busy schedule between trials and investigations but am able to keep up with my online coursework and make progress towards my degree.

– Michael Torralba (M.Jur. ’24)

Trusted data proving professional advancement

Texas has a significant demand for a diverse population of criminal justice professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of professionals in the field of criminal justice is projected to grow nationally 5% from 2019 to 2029. Specifically, within the fields of detectives and forensic scientists the growth will be 3% and 11% respectively. This growth is driven by an increasing focus on public safety and the need for professionals who can address issues related to crime prevention, law enforcement, corrections and community support. In the San Antonio metroplex and the I-35 corridor, there are opportunities for individuals interested in criminal justice, law and policy.
Networking, gaining practical experience through internships or relevant work, and staying updated with industry trends and policies can further enhance career opportunities for M.L.S. graduates in the field of criminal justice, law and policy.

In our Criminal Justice concentration, we firmly believe that advocating for change in the criminal justice system is not just a choice, but a responsibility. As the legal architects of tomorrow, our students delve into the complexities of law and society, learning not only the intricacies of the criminal legal system but also cultivating the passion and insight necessary to champion reform. Just as education and business are the cornerstones of a thriving society, a just and equitable criminal justice system forms the bedrock upon which true democracy stands, urging our students to advocate for transformation, fostering a safer, fairer tomorrow for all.

– Sigrid Vendrell-Polanco, J.D.
Assistant Professor of Law

View Bio

Required Courses

Core courses
Fundamentals of the American Legal System
Legal Research and Writing
Choose two from the following:
Criminal Law
Constitutional Law
Contracts
Property Law
Torts

Concentration Emphasis Courses

Course NameCourse Numbers
Constitutional Criminal Procedure *LW 5710, 7375
Texas Criminal ProcedureLW 8350
Advanced Criminal ProcedureLW 7245
Civil RightsLW 6600
Comparative Criminal ProcedureLW 7317
EvidenceLW 6434
Digital Evidence and RecordsLW5612
Police LiabilityLW 5611
Wrongful ConvictionsLW XXXX
Immigration LawLW 8688
Mental Health and the LawLW 5610,6600
Cyber LawLW 5313, 6200
Criminal Justice & Due ProcessLW 5613
Death Penalty/Capital PunishmentLW 7229

Courses marked with an * are required electives. Two additional courses from the list must be chosen.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Request Information

Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.

Request Info Form

Applying to the M.L.S.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Apply Today

Contact

Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) – Compliance, Business Law and Risk Concentration

The Compliance, Business Law and Risk Concentration is just one of your options. See the main Master of Legal Studies page for details about the overall program and other available options.

M.L.S. Compliance, Business Law and Risk Concentration (available online)

The field of legal compliance and risk management is a growing and in-demand field with strong career prospects, both nationally and in Texas. Pursuing the Master of Legal Studies program in this field can help professionals advance their careers and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape by preparing students for careers in regulatory compliance, risk assessment and corporate governance.

Thank you, St. Mary’s Law, for everything you have done for me! I hope to come back soon to pursue the JD program. I cannot express enough my gratitude and how blessed I am to be an alumni of this school!

– Catherine Cruz (M.Jur. ’22, B.A. ’21 )
Recipient of the St. Jude Public Service Award

Professional advancement

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of compliance officers, including those in the field of legal compliance and risk management, is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing complexity of regulations and laws governing industries, such as healthcare, finance and environmental protection. Additionally, the need for organizations to maintain ethical practices and prevent fraud and abuse is increasing the demand for compliance professionals. In Texas, the BLS reports that employment of compliance officers is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the national average. Texas has a diverse economy, with a large number of industries, including energy, healthcare, finance, and technology, all of which require compliance and risk management professionals.

In the realm of law, where compliance meets professionalism, legal research and writing become the keys to unlocking a world of clarity and precision.

-Mike Martinez Jr. (J.D. ’00), M.S.I.S.
Director of the Sarita Kenedy East Law Library and Professor of Law
St. Mary’s University School of Law

View Bio

Required Courses

Core courses
Fundamentals of the American Legal System
Legal Research and Writing
Choose two from the following:
Criminal Law
Constitutional Law
Contracts
Property Law
Torts

Concentration Emphasis Courses

Course NameCourse Numbers
ComplianceLW 5307, 8217
Administrative LawLW5302, 7374
Business StructuresLW 5305, 7310
Business Law and EthicsLW 5508
HIPAA Privacy LawLW 5607
AntitrustLW 8389
Creditor’s Rights & BankruptcyLW 5306, 8268
Criminal LawLW 5303,6341
Employment LawLW 5308,8268
Insurance LawLW 7397
Mortgages and Real EstateLW 8318
Commercial Law & ContractingLW 5405
Special Education LawLW 5608, 7234
Digital Evidence and RecordsLW 5612

Courses marked with an * are required electives. Two additional courses from the list must be chosen.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Request Information

Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.

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Applying to the M.L.S.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Apply Today

Contact

Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) –
Commercial Law Concentration

The Commercial Law Concentration is just one of your options. See the main Master of Legal Studies page for details about the overall program and other available options.

M.L.S. Commercial Law Concentration (available online)

The M.L.S. in Commercial Law is available both as an online distance learning program and in a traditional classroom environment.

Commercial law is a dramatically growing field and one of the fastest-changing areas of law.

The St. Mary’s 30-credit-hour M.L.S. concentration provides a comprehensive overview of commercial law, which is relevant to most commercial and government fields as a result of the regulatory changes prompted by the 2008 global financial crisis.

The potential job market for this concentration is high because commercial law covers a broad range of industries.

Commercial law and business law often overlap. Commercial law focuses on the sale and distribution of products, while business law governs other aspects of business management, such as starting, buying, managing, selling and closing a business.

You can use your degree in Commercial Law in a wide variety of business arenas. It really trains you to think analytically, with a problem solving approach.

– Ramona Lampley

Required Courses

Course NameCredit Hours
Fundamentals of the American Legal System (offered online)2
Legal Research and Writing (offered online)2
Contracts (offered online)4
Second First-year Course (or Property, offered online)4
COURSE LISTINGS

Additional Concentration Electives

Course NameCredit Hours
Administrative Law or Administrative Law & Regulatory Interpretation * (offered online)3
Business Associations or Business Structures & Statutory Compliance * (offered online)3
Negotiations * (offered online)3
Antitrust3
Creditor’s Rights & Bankruptcy (offered online)3
Deceptive Trade Practices
Employment Law or Employment Discrimination Law (offered online)3
Insurance Law3
Mortgages and Real Estate3
Secured Transactions3
Sales2
Sales/Secured Transactions or Commercial Law & Contracting (offered online)4
Federal Income Tax

Courses marked with an * are required electives. Two additional courses from the list must be chosen.

Request Information

Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.

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Applying to the M.L.S.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Apply Today

Contact

Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) –
Business Risk and Intelligence Concentration

The Business Risk and Intelligence Concentration is just one of your options. See the main Master of Legal Studies page for details about the overall program and other available options.

M.L.S. Business Risk and Intelligence Concentration (available online)

The M.L.S. in Business Risk and Intelligence is a hybrid concentration that partners the Compliance, Business Law and Risk certificate at the School of Law (CCB® accredited) with the Business Intelligence Certificate at the Greehey School of Business.

This concentration has been established to appeal to compliance professionals, governmental and private sector procurement and contracting professionals, accounting professionals, and analysts who want to use data to ask about the “why” not just the “how.”

This concentration has been curated for those already working at the intersection of compliance, business and data analytics looking to advance, pivot or reskill in emerging fields such as fintech, data analytics and procurement.

Consider this certificate if you are…

  • A decision-maker who uses data to aid in the decision-making process
  • A manager involved in producing reports and analyzing multiple data points to assess their relevance in business decision-making
  • A critical thinker who “connects the dots” to make better business decisions
  • An “outside the box” thinker who asks “what if?” questions using data
  • A proactive thinker who asks, “what else can we do with this data?”

Business Intelligence models have been used and proven effective in risk management and compliance for quite a while. This program provides students with curriculum and business intelligence tools in such a way as to give students insights that will help them identify risk and integrate compliance and assurance into a performance management system. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of regulatory requirements, risk mediation and proactive corporate governance.

– Ajaya Swain

What is Business Intelligence?

Business intelligence leverages your legal acumen with actionable systems insights to improve your ability to anticipate, predict, adapt and remediate. If you are a decision-maker ready to create value from big data this concentration is the means to this end.

Required Courses

Course NameCredit Hours
Fundamentals of the American Legal System (offered online)2
Legal Research and Writing (offered online)2
Contracts (offered online)4
COURSE LISTINGS

Additional Concentration Electives

Course NameCredit Hours
Administrative Law and Regulatory Interpretation * (offered online)3
Business Structures or Business Associations * (offered online)3
Compliance Ethics & Risk Management or Compliance Law* (offered online)3
Business Law and Ethics (offered online)1
HIPAA Privacy Law (offered online)2
Intro to Business Analytics (offered online)3
Visual Analytics & Management (offered online)3
Predictive Modeling (offered online)3
Using Data for Developing Business Intel (offered online)3

Courses marked with an * are required electives. Two additional courses from the list must be chosen.

Request Information

Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.

Request Info Form

Applying to the M.L.S.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Apply Today

Contact

Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) –
Business and Entrepreneurship Law Concentration

The Business and Entrepreneurship Law Concentration is just one of your options. See the main Master of Legal Studies page for details about the overall program and other available options.

M.L.S. Business and Entrepreneurship Law Concentration 

Are you considering a career transition or broadening your entrepreneurial horizon and wondering whether a legal master’s degree is the right path for you? Let’s break down the key factors of a Master of Legal Studies with a concentration in Business and Entrepreneurship at St. Mary’s Law to help you make an informed decision.

 Students of the law are renowned for their ability to deconstruct arguments and construct persuasive ones. Law school hones your critical thinking skills, making you adept at dissecting complex issues and presenting compelling cases. The M.L.S. at the School of Law is the perfect analytical compliment to your professional skill set. M.L.S. graduates are taught to excel in precise, detail-oriented communication and make successful entrepreneurs by combining their legal knowledge with their industry-specific toolbox.

If your goal is to practice law, a J.D. is a necessity. However, if you’re considering a broader career in business, an M.L.S. offers a diverse skill set and extensive career opportunities. Keep in mind that your success ultimately depends on how you leverage your education, contacts and knowledge. Choose the path that aligns with your long-term career goals and interests and be prepared to make the most of your chosen degree.

The matriculation ceremony was a bliss. The pledge was epic. It was an awakening gesture to start the journey of studying in law. I felt strongly committed and dedicated to the study by vowing the pledge and signing the paper. It was great to learn the history of St. Mary’s University and the vision of the School of Law. The dean and the faculty demonstrated their knowledge and the experience in practicing laws. They were also very accessible and willing to give advice in a professional field or in personal life. The facility does not just provide a good environment to study but also a venue to network with fellow colleagues. I felt comfortable to go to the law school buildings anytime for any reasons. thank you so much to hosting the ceremony and providing the outstanding experience.

-Joseph Liu (M.Jur. ’21)

Proven results and professional advancement

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs within the legal occupation sector (non-lawyer) are expected to increase 8% over the average for all occupations from 2022-23. To decide whether or not this is a career worth pursing, you’ll need to ask yourself: Is a career that continually adapts to changing business relationships of interest to you? Do you genuinely enjoy coming to terms with an understanding complex legal issues? Are you willing to analyze a constant stream of statistical information and data? Most importantly, if you can see yourself playing a key role within corporate meeting rooms and answered yes to any of these questions, you’re likely to enjoy working in the dynamic field of business law.

Our concentration in Business and Entrepreneurship Law both imparts the legal knowledge needed in the business world today and gives our students the tools they need to utilize that knowledge to succeed in business and in their community.

-Chad J. Pomeroy, J.D.
Professor of Law,
Co-Director of the Institute on World Legal Programs in Innsbruck, Austria
and James N. Castleberry, Jr. Chair of Oil and Gas Law

View Bio

Required Courses

Core courses
Fundamentals of the American Legal System
Legal Research and Writing
Choose two from the following:
Criminal Law
Constitutional Law
Contracts
Property Law
Torts

Concentration Emphasis Courses

Course NameCourse Numbers
Business StructuresLW 5305, 7310
NegotiationsLW 5310, 8761
Employment LawLW 5308, 8791
AccountingACCT or various
TaxVarious
SalesLW 7694
Secured TransactionsLW 7395
Sales/Secured TransactionsLW 7494 OR
Commercial Law and ContractingLW 5405
Business TortsLW 7312
Intellectual PropertyLW 6200
TrademarkLW 8685
CopyrightLW 8649
HIPAA Privacy LawLW 5607
Cyber LawLW 5313, 6200

Courses marked with an * are required electives. Two additional courses from the list must be chosen.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Request Information

Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.

Request Info Form

Applying to the M.L.S.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Apply Today

Contact

Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

Master of Legal Studies
(Formerly known as Master of Jurisprudence)

The Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree is a 30-credit-hour, fully online program designed for those who do not wish to practice law but are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the American legal system. Students may complete the 30-credit M.L.S. degree in as little as one year through accelerated full-time study, with flexible full-time and part-time pathways available. Students have up to three years from matriculation to complete the degree.

The M.L.S. is designed primarily for professionals practicing in areas that intersect with the law such as human relations, criminal and juvenile justice, the court system (including magistrates and probation officers), journalism, social work, regulatory agencies, county and municipal government, health care, intellectual property, technology and business.

Interested in practicing law? Learn about J.D.

Already a lawyer? Learn about LL.M.

Conventional thinking would have us believe that imposing punishment alone on justice-involved offenders changes criminal behavior. Therapeutic jurisprudence, however, is smart justice in that it addresses the core issues that lead to symptomatic criminal behavior, and in turn, provides a healing transformative and restorative effect for both the offender and the offended, their families, and our communities.

-Roberto Ruiz (M.Jur. ’17)

Proven results and professional advancement

Ruiz’s journey is a testament to the diverse backgrounds and experiences that our program embraces. A native of El Paso, he brings a unique perspective to his work. He holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Legal Studies from St. Mary’s University School of Law and a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the same institution. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, using his research to develop tools that enhance the effectiveness of the judiciary and create pathways for non-U.S. lawyers with foreign law degrees.

Join us on a transformative journey towards a graduate law degree that leverages your professional expertise to reshape the justice system and increase access to law for all. Like Ruiz, you can become a driving force for change in the legal landscape, fostering a more holistic and compassionate approach to justice. Your future in law begins here.

Learn more about the M.L.S.

Please submit your request for additional information here.

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M.L.S. Courses

All M.L.S. students take four required courses:

  • Fundamentals of the American Legal System (a 2-hour course designed specifically for the M.L.S. program, always taken in the first semester)
  • Legal Research and Writing (a 2-hour methods course designed specifically for the M.L.S. program, always taken in the first semester)
  • Two first-year law courses (Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, or Torts)

These courses provide a broader legal context and help you to understand how lawyers and judges think about and use law.

The M.L.S. degree requires the successful completion of 30 credit hours. Depending upon concentration choice, curricular requirements may vary.

Course selection is completed in consultation with the program director, who will assist you in tailoring a program to your professional goals. Students can choose to take a variety of courses or develop a specific track with an emphasis in a particular area.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Master of Legal Studies Concentrations (Fully Online Programs)

Accreditation

All of our Master of Legal Studies degrees are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College and have obtained acquiescence from the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.

The Master of Legal Studies concentrations in Compliance, Business Law and Risk, and Health Care Compliance are the only two programs accredited in Texas by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB)®. This prestigious designation is held by programs hosted at 14 law schools nationwide and 17 schools globally. J.D., M.L.S. and LL.M. students who complete the requirements are eligible to sit for any of the CCB’s certification exams for up to a year after graduation, without any additional continuing education or professional work experience requirements.

More About the M.L.S.

The M.L.S. provides practical knowledge about the law in less time than a J.D. program and more comprehensively than on-the-job training.

Credits earned through the M.L.S. program will not count toward the completion of a J.D. degree, and the M.L.S. degree does not satisfy the requirements to sit for any state bar exam. Instead, a Master of Legal Studies degree provides graduates with tools to help them better understand legal issues in their field.

Study Abroad

Students may be interested in taking additional courses at the Institute on World Legal Problems in Innsbruck, Austria. 

Classes are taught in English, and students earn six credit hours in classes like:

  • Class Actions in a Global Context
  • International Insolvency
  • International Business Transactions
  • Lawyering Abroad: Basic Concepts of European Legal Systems
  • European and International Conflict of Laws

Certificate of Public Service

M.L.S. students may earn a Certificate of Public Service upon completion of their degree requirements and 50 hours of service to the community. Eligible service may include documented non-profit board service, community volunteering, church service or participation in advocacy and outreach opportunities sponsored by St. Mary’s School of Law and/or St. Mary’s University.

PRO BONO AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

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Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.

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Applying to the M.L.S.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Apply Today

Contact

Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

Health Care Compliance Certificate

Familiarize yourself with the major issues concerning the health care industry, including fraud prevention, an expansion of telemedicine and credentialing, antitrust enforcement and health care privacy regulation.

As the health care industry continues to grow, professionals in the field will be expected to manage a diversity of functions.

The 16-hour certificate in healthcare compliance is ideal for those already working in the health care sector or are looking to pivot into the health field.

Health Care Compliance Courses

CoursesCredit Hours
Fundamentals of the American Legal System2
Legal Research and Writing2
Compliance, Ethics and Risk Management3
Health Care Law3
Administrative Law & Regulatory Interpretation3
Business Law and Ethics1
HIPAA Privacy Law2

Accreditation

All of our compliance certificates are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College and have obtained acquiescence from the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.

St. Mary’s School of Law is the only law school in Texas that is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB)®. J.D., M.L.S. and LL.M. students who complete the requirements are eligible to sit for any of the CCB’s certification exams for up to a year after graduation, without any additional continuing education or professional work experience requirements.

Request Information

Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.

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Applying to the M.L.S.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

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Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

Legal Studies Certificate

The legal studies certificate will give professionals a deeper understanding of the American legal system, and is ideal for those who work in areas that frequently intersect with the law, such as human relations, the court system, journalism, social work, technology and business.

In addition to a broader understanding of the law, students can choose a field of law to specialize in, and add a concentration to their certificate.

Legal Studies Certificate Courses

All students who wish to earn their Legal Studies Certificate must complete the Fundamentals of the American Legal System course.

This course will help lay the foundation for your knowledge of the law. Depending upon concentration choice, curricular requirements may vary.

Course selection is completed in consultation with the program director, who will assist you in tailoring a program to your professional goals. Students can choose to take a variety of courses, or develop a specific track with an emphasis in a particular area.

Legal Studies Concentrations

  • Administrative Law
  • Business Risk and Intelligence
  • Cyber Law and Data Security
  • Employment and Human Resources Law
  • Special Education Advocacy
  • Trauma-Informed Advocacy

Request Information

Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.

Request Info Form

Applying to the M.L.S.

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Apply Today

Contact

Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

Compliance, Business Law and Risk Certificate

The field of compliance law has experienced significant growth and rapid evolution within the past few years. The 15-hour compliance, business law and risk certificate will provide a comprehensive overview of compliance, which is applicable to a majority of commercial fields and government organizations, especially in light of the regulatory changes prompted by the 2008 global financial crisis.

Compliance, Business Law and Risk Courses

CoursesCredit Hours
Fundamentals of the American Legal System2
Contracts4
Administrative Law & Regulatory Interpretation3
Compliance, Ethics and Risk Management3
HIPAA Privacy Law2
Business Law & Ethics1

Accreditation

All of our compliance certificates are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College and have obtained acquiescence from the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.

St. Mary’s School of Law is the only law school in Texas that is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB)®. J.D., M.Jur. and LL.M. students who complete the requirements are eligible to sit for any of the CCB’s certification exams for up to a year after graduation, without any additional continuing education or professional work experience requirements.

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Curious which Law Certificate is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you’re ready.

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Applying to the Law Certificate Program

See details about admission requirements and how to apply:

Apply for Fall 2024
Apply for Spring 2025

Contact

Shannon Sevier, Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs

Armando Prado, Director of Graduate Law Admissions and Enrollment Management

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