MSL Concentration in Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law
Program Overview
The MSL concentration in Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law is a graduate-level professional degree designed for experienced practitioners seeking advanced legal and regulatory expertise in corporate governance, financial regulation, and compliance oversight. This MSL program is built for working professionals and does not require a JD for admission. Students in this corporate compliance law master’s program examine how legal frameworks shape corporate conduct, financial markets, and regulatory risk management across public- and private-sector organizations. Offered online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format, the program serves professionals in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and beyond.
Program at a Glance
24 Credits / 1-2 Years
Program Duration (Full-Time/Part-Time)
Online, On-Campus, or Hybrid
Format
September 1
Application Opens for Fall and Spring
What is Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law?
Business, finance, and corporate compliance law is a specialized field that examines how legal frameworks govern corporate conduct, financial markets, and regulatory oversight in an increasingly complex global economy. The field explores how organizations manage legal risk while complying with financial regulations, corporate governance standards, and regulatory enforcement requirements. Professionals working in this area must understand both corporate governance and regulatory compliance, enabling them to support ethical business practices, oversee compliance programs, and address legal risks affecting corporations, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies.
Flexible Format
- Study online, on-campus, or hybrid.
- Enroll full-time or part-time.
- Learn on a schedule built for professionals.
Only-at-GW Experience
- Experience collaborative, practice‑driven learning with faculty deeply connected in Washington, DC, and worldwide.
- Build expertise across financial compliance, privacy, governance, labor, and regulatory specialties.
Gain a Professional Edge
- Lead compliance teams, advise leadership, and step into roles that require an understanding of how law intersects with business strategy
- Navigate complex regulations confidently with practical, industry‑aligned legal expertise.
- Build specialized compliance knowledge that elevates your impact—no JD required.
Curriculum Highlights
This concentration builds a strong base in U.S. law, business and financial regulation, and corporate compliance, with elective options that address evolving industry standards and regulatory demands.
How Long Does the Program Take and How Is It Delivered?
The MSL in Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law requires 24 credits and can typically be completed in 1–2 years, depending on whether students enroll full-time or part-time. The program is offered in flexible formats, including fully online, on-campus, and hybrid options, allowing working professionals to balance graduate study with career commitments.
How Much Does This Degree Cost?
Tuition for the MSL in Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law is approximately $65,760, plus applicable fees. Students complete 24 credits, and tuition is billed per semester based on course enrollment. Additional costs may include university fees and materials. Prospective students are encouraged to review the most current tuition information and financial aid options through the law school.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law?
As financial regulations evolve and corporate oversight intensifies, organizations increasingly seek professionals who can bridge corporate governance, financial regulation, and compliance strategy. Graduates of the business, finance, and corporate compliance law master’s program are prepared for roles that support regulatory compliance, corporate risk management, and governance oversight within both public- and private-sector organizations. In-demand roles include:
Compliance Officer
Risk Management Lead
Corporate Governance Specialist
Financial Regulation Analyst
Ready to Advance Your Career in Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a JD required for this program?
No. A JD is not required. The MSL in Business, Finance, and Corporate Compliance Law is designed for experienced professionals with 3+ years of relevant experience who want legal knowledge without becoming attorneys.
- Can I complete this program online?
Yes. The program is available fully online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format. Students may enroll full-time or part-time to accommodate professional responsibilities.
- How long does it take to complete the degree?
The program requires 24 credits and can typically be completed in 1–2 years depending on enrollment status.
- Why study business, finance, and corporate compliance law in Washington, DC?
Located in Washington, DC, and easily accessible to professionals across Maryland and Northern Virginia, the program benefits from proximity to federal agencies, courts, and policy institutions shaping financial regulation, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. Students gain access to faculty and professional networks with deep experience across government, financial institutions, and the private sector, providing valuable insight into how law and business intersect in today’s regulatory environment.
Every year, I have become more proud of the program. We have attained a depth and breadth that have positioned us in the top tier of business and finance programs across the country. Our new corporate compliance curriculum is an exciting area of growth.
Professor Theresa Gabaldon
Lyle T. Alverson Professor of Law
This program is built for you if you work in business, government, or tech and deal with contracts, regulations, or compliance. At GW Law, we empower professionals to acquire specialized legal knowledge in business, finance, and corporate compliance law without a JD, so you can learn to think like a lawyer and strategize like a leader.
Dr. Michael Rand
Assistant Dean for Business and Finance Law
Contact MSL Admissions: msladmissions
law [dot] gwu [dot] edu (msladmissions[at]law[dot]gwu[dot]edu) | 202.994.7242