Whether you work in human resources, compliance, or a related field, a strong understanding of employment law can be a valuable asset. At both the state and federal levels, numerous labor regulations and multi-jurisdictional laws protect workers — and employers must comply with these rules to avoid serious consequences.
If you are looking to deepen your knowledge of employment law as it applies to your HR or compliance role — or if you’re considering a law-adjacent career in these areas — a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree can help you gain the skills and legal insight needed to move forward.
Overview of an M.L.S. Degree and Its Relevance to Employment Law
If you already hold an undergraduate degree and want to advance your understanding of employment law in the United States, an M.L.S. program may be an excellent next step.
What Is a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.)?
An M.L.S. is a graduate-level degree designed for non-lawyers working in law-adjacent professions. It helps professionals develop a solid foundation in the legal system and the laws and regulations relevant to their industries. This program is especially valuable for those in human resources, compliance, and risk management — fields where legal fluency is essential to daily responsibilities.
Key Differences Between M.L.S., J.D., and LL.M. Degrees
A common question is how the M.L.S. compares to a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree.
J.D. and LL.M. programs are geared toward individuals who want to practice law. The J.D. is the primary professional degree that prepares graduates to sit for a state bar exam and become a licensed attorney in the United States. LL.M. degrees are for attorneys or law-school graduates who wish to qualify for, or deepen, legal practice. An LL.M. is typically pursued by lawyers (often J.D. holders or foreign-trained attorneys) who want to specialize in a specific area of law or meet bar-eligibility requirements in certain U.S. jurisdictions.
An M.L.S., however, is geared toward professionals who do not intend to become lawyers but need a working knowledge of the law. This degree is particularly useful for those in fields like workplace compliance or HR law, where understanding legal frameworks is critical for success.
Foundational Legal Knowledge Acquired in an M.L.S. Program
What can you expect to learn in an M.L.S. program, particularly as it relates to employment law? While curricula may vary by institution, most M.L.S. programs include core legal principles and foundational employment laws relevant to HR, workplace compliance, and related professions.
Core Legal Concepts Relevant to Employment Law
At its foundation, employment law governs the complex relationships between employers and employees. Key legal concepts that may be explored in an M.L.S. program include:
- Employment at-will, which allows either party to terminate the employment relationship at any time and for almost any reason, provided the termination does not violate anti-discrimination statutes, public-policy protections, or an existing employment contract.
- Statutory rights provided by federal and state governments, such as minimum wage protections and anti-discrimination laws.
- Contractual rights outlined in employment agreements, covering salary, benefits, job duties, and other employment terms.
Understanding the Structure of U.S. Employment Law
Students in an M.L.S. program may also explore how employment law functions across various levels of government. In the United States, employment laws are enforced not only at the federal level but also at the state and local levels. Some key federal laws that HR law and compliance professionals should understand include:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Additionally, many states and municipalities have their own employment laws. For example, local laws may set higher minimum wage standards or mandate additional employee protections.
Specialized Coursework on Employment Law Topics
Students pursuing an M.L.S. degree — especially those in HR or compliance-focused tracks — often take specialized courses on essential employment law topics.
Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Laws
M.L.S. coursework frequently includes a deep dive into laws designed to prevent discrimination in hiring and the workplace, including:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
These laws, enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, and other protected characteristics.
Wage, Hour, and Benefits Regulations
While the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, many states impose higher rates. For example, effective January 1, 2025, Washington state’s minimum wage rose to $16.66 per hour, with several cities (e.g., Seattle and SeaTac) setting even higher local rates.
M.L.S. programs often include coursework on:
- Minimum wage laws
- Overtime pay requirements
- Mandatory breaks
- Paid sick leave and other employee benefits
This specialized training helps professionals better interpret and apply labor regulations within their organizations.
Practical Skills Developed Through an M.L.S. Degree
Beyond deepening your knowledge of federal and state employment laws, an M.L.S. program can help you develop practical skills you can apply directly to your role in human resources, workplace compliance, or a related field.
Legal Research and Compliance Analysis
Effective legal research skills are essential for HR law and compliance professionals. In an M.L.S. program, you may learn how to navigate law databases, interpret statutes, and analyze case law. These skills are especially useful when reviewing new legislation or identifying potential compliance risks within your organization.
Drafting and Interpreting Workplace Policies
An M.L.S. degree can also enhance your ability to draft, evaluate, and revise internal workplace policies. After conducting a risk and compliance assessment, you might identify the need for new or updated policies to help prevent legal issues. Drawing on what you have learned in your coursework, you will be better equipped to create clear, legally sound policies that support organizational compliance and reduce liability.
Career Pathways in Employment Law for M.L.S. Graduates
What can you do with a Master of Legal Studies degree? While earning an M.L.S. does not guarantee a specific job, it can open doors to new opportunities across HR, workplace compliance, and other law-adjacent fields.
Roles in Human Resources and Compliance
Many M.L.S. graduates build successful careers in human resources and compliance, where a solid understanding of employment law is a key asset. Common job titles in these areas include:
- Compliance officer
- Human resources manager
- Labor relations specialist
- Risk manager
These roles often involve applying legal knowledge to organizational policies, employee relations, and regulatory compliance.
Opportunities in Government, Nonprofits, and Corporations
M.L.S. graduates may also find opportunities in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and large corporations. In these settings, professionals with expertise in employment law and worker protections can help develop fair policies, improve compliance systems, and support organizational integrity. Whether shaping workplace practices or guiding policy development, M.L.S. holders play a valuable role in promoting lawful and ethical operations.
Discover More in an M.L.S. Degree Program
The world of employment law can be highly complex, especially when you get into multi-jurisdictional laws, equal opportunities laws, and benefits regulations. The good news is that the right degree program can empower you to build your understanding of employment law at both the state and federal levels, preparing you for advanced roles in human resources, compliance, and beyond.
At the University of Miami School of Law, the online Master of Legal Studies degree is designed with working professionals in mind. In this 100% online and part-time program, you can work at your own pace while choosing from six specialized tracks to suit your interests and career goals — including a dedicated Human Resources track that includes essential coursework in:
- Employment law
- Employee benefits and compensation compliance
- Advanced compliance skills
- Wage protections
- Employment at-will and employment contracts
Plus, when you study at the University of Miami School of Law, all M.L.S. courses are taught by expert faculty and actively monitor changes in laws and regulations. Get in touch today to learn more about what sets this program apart or take the next step by applying here.
Sources
- https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/mls/
- https://news.miami.edu/law/stories/2024/04/six-ways-an-mls-degree-will-advance-your-career.html
- https://news.miami.edu/law/stories/2024/06/difference-between-mls-and-llm.html
- https://www.loc.gov/research-centers/law-library-of-congress/researcher-resources/databases/
- https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/title-vii-civil-rights-act-1964
- https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages/minimumwage
- https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/wages/minimum-wage/
- https://www.ada.gov/
- https://www.eeoc.gov/age-discrimination
- https://www.ncsl.org/labor-and-employment/at-will-employment-overview
- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla
- www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/learning/safetyculturehc/module-5/2.html
