Hero Background Image

Certificate Tracks

Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Degree - Online

Certificate Tracks

Each of the certificates requires 12 units of study, which can be completed as part of the Online MSL degree at no additional cost. The specific requirements for earning the MSL and a certificate are outlined below:

MSL Degree and Business Law Certificate

The rise of global commerce is swiftly making U.S. law the international language of business. Earning this certificate can increase a student's marketability with top multinational employers looking for this unique specialization.

  • Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, 2 units
  • Legal Research, 1 unit
  • Business Organizations, 4 units
  • Select 8 additional units in Business Law courses
  • Select 6 additional units in other courses
MSL Degree and Compliance Certificate

The Compliance certificate dives deeply into health care, human resources and regulatory compliance, but offers expertise that can be useful in all areas of business, law and government. The program is designed to promote expertise in compliance-relevant regulations, laws and legal issues, and to prepare graduates to implement compliance protocols in a professional setting.

  • Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, 2 units
  • Legal Research, 1 unit
  • Business Organizations, 4 units
  • Contract Drafting and Strategy, 2 units
  • Health Care Compliance, 2 units
  • Human Resource Compliance, 2 units
  • Regulatory Compliance, 2 units
  • Select 6 additional units in other courses
MSL Degree and Entertainment Law and Industry Certificate

Behind the bright lights of show business are expert legal minds with an advanced understanding of contracts and intellectual property. This certificate program prepares graduates to be major players in film, television and media with expertise in copyright and trademark law.

  • Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, 2 units
  • Legal Research, 1 unit
  • Entertainment Law and Industry, 2 units
  • Intellectual Property: Copyright, 2 units
  • Intellectual Property: Trademark, 2 units
  • Select 6 additional units in Entertainment Law and Industry courses
  • Select 5 additional units in other courses
MSL Degree and Financial Compliance Certificate

A legal career in the financial industry requires knowledge of the concepts of compliance and principles of finance law. This certificate can help students understand both - and prepare them to monitor compliance programs for financial institutions worldwide.

  • Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, 2 units
  • Legal Research, 1 unit
  • Business Organizations, 4 units
  • Regulatory Compliance, 2 units
  • Select 6 additional units in Financial Compliance courses
  • Select 6 additional units in other courses
MSL Degree and Health Care Compliance Certificate

With this certificate, students can learn the fundamentals of compliance and law as it relates to the health care industry, which can qualify them for director-level roles in risk management, regulatory affairs or medical research.

  • Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, 2 units
  • Legal Research, 1 unit
  • Health Care Compliance, 2 units
  • Regulatory Compliance, 2 units
  • Select 8 additional units in Health Care Compliance courses
  • Select 6 additional units in other courses
MSL Degree and Human Resources Law and Compliance Certificate

The certificate can guide current or aspiring human resource professionals through the composition, legal principles and intricacies of HR departments, so they can pursue careers in employment law and compliance management.

  • Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, 2 units
  • Legal Research, 1 unit
  • Human Resource Compliance, 2 units
  • Regulatory Compliance, 2 units
  • Select 8 additional units in Human Resources Law and Compliance courses
  • Select 6 additional units in other courses
MSL Degree and Law and Government Certificate

This online certificate is designed for students who want to focus on the intersection of legislation, regulation, policy, and the law.

  • Introduction to the US Legal System, 2 units
  • Legal Research, 1 unit
  • Administrative Law and Policy, 3 units
  • Select 7 additional units in Law and Government courses
  • Select 8 additional units in other courses
MSL Degree and Privacy Law and Cybersecurity

With so much sensitive information transferred and stored electronically, having laws in place to protect this data is crucial. Equally important are lawyers who understand the current regulations designed to help companies and individuals reduce potential issues.

USC's online Privacy Law and Cybersecurity Certificate can help you develop an understanding of the risks and safeguards associated with the way organizations collect and leverage important data. Explore legal framework concerning information privacy in the U.S. and common legal issues and emerging laws in the areas of privacy and cybersecurity.

  • Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, 2 units
  • Legal Research, 1 unit
  • Cybersecurity and Cyber Crimes, 2 units
  • Global Regulatory Compliance, 2 units
  • Information Management and Risk, 2 units
  • Information Privacy Law, 2 units
  • Patient Privacy Law, 2 units
  • Regulatory Compliance, 2 units
  • Select 6 additional units in other courses
MSL Degree and Social Work Administration Certificate

USC's Gould School of Law and Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offer the Social Work Administration certificate online which provides you with an introduction to the U.S. legal system and deepens your knowledge by offering a working understanding of the law and social work administration. The certificate is geared towards those who work in administrative and leadership positions in the field of social work and within social service agencies, in particular.

  • Introduction to the Legal System, 2 units
  • Legal Research, 1 unit
  • Select 3 additional units in Gould Social Work Administration-related courses
  • Select 6 additional units in Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work courses
  • Select 9 additional units in other Gould courses
MSL Degree and Technology and Entrepreneurship Law Certificate

The online Technology and Entrepreneurship Law certificate prepares students for practice at the intersection of intellectual property and business law.

  • Introduction to the US Legal System, 2 units
  • Legal Research, 1 unit
  • Business Organizations, 4 units
  • Intellectual Property: Copyright, 2 units
  • Intellectual Property: Trademark, 2 units
  • Select 4 additional units in Technology and Entrepreneurship Law
  • Select 6 additional units in other courses

Next Steps

Apply Now
Start the online application process.
Visit USC Gould
Come experience life at USC Gould.
Upcoming Events
Join an upcoming event
Contact Us
Still have questions? Let us help.