Samford University Cumberland School of Law
The information on this page was provided by the law school.
Official Guide to LLM, Master’s, and Certificate Programs
Introduction
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law is located in Birmingham, Alabama, on a beautiful 247-acre campus and is one of the oldest law schools in the nation—established in 1847. Cumberland School of Law has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools since 1952 and has been accredited by the ABA since 1949. In the past 170 years, the law school has produced more than 13,000 accomplished alumni, including two US Supreme Court justices, one US Senator, several governors, a US Secretary of State (Cordell Hull, known as the Father of the United Nations), and numerous federal, state, and local judges.
Online LLM and Graduate Law Programs
In the fall of 2015, Cumberland School of Law launched its first online degree for nonlawyers, the Master of Science in Health Law and Policy. Building on the success of that program, the law school launched two new online degrees in the fall of 2018: the Master of Laws (LLM) for students who have earned a JD and the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) for nonlawyers.
All courses in both degrees are delivered in a fully online format. A new student orientation is held on campus to begin the program, but students may choose to participate via webcast rather than travel to campus. Coursework includes instruction in both practical skills and substantive knowledge to prepare students for advancement in their current field or to position them for a career transition.
Online Master of Laws (LLM)
Cumberland School of Law offers the LLM degree with four concentrations. Each degree is 30 credit hours and is delivered in a fully online format. Students must have earned a JD prior to admission.
Online LLM with a concentration in Higher Education Law and Compliance
This fully online LLM is designed for attorneys interested in the laws, regulations, and compliance considerations that impact higher education. Students will learn the practical compliance skills necessary for advancement in a variety of higher education-related careers. The curriculum addresses compliance management, FERPA, Title IX, HIPAA, ADA, federal financial aid regulations, campus safety and security, and more.
Online LLM with a concentration in Health Law and Policy
The fully online LLM is designed for attorneys interested in the laws, regulations, and compliance considerations that impact health care in the United States. Program curriculum will address the legal and policy issues facing health care practitioners and organizations, as well as the practical compliance skills necessary for advancement in a variety of roles in health care organizations.
Online LLM with a concentration in Financial Services Regulatory Compliance
This online LLM is designed for attorneys interested in the laws, regulations and compliance considerations that impact financial services. Program curriculum focuses on understanding and applying the complex laws and regulations governing the post-2008 American financial services industry, including the Bank Secrecy Act, Dodd-Frank Act, UDAAP laws, and the CFPB. Compliance program development and enforcement within the broader risk-management framework is an integral component of the curriculum. The future of the regulatory environment, international implications, and advances in payment systems and technologies are also addressed.
Online LLM with a concentration in Legal Project Management
This online LLM is designed for attorneys who wish to develop their expertise in the growing field of legal project management. Course work and readings will address specialized ethical considerations inherent in the management of litigation and electronically stored information (ESI). Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for effective decision making and project management in the law firm context, including techniques for evaluating firm profitability, outsourcing opportunities, alternative fee arrangements, and the role of technology and innovation in legal project management.
Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Program
Cumberland School of Law offers the MSL degree with four concentrations, and a general, customizable option. Each degree is 36 credit hours and is delivered in a fully online format. The program is designed primarily for nonlawyers interested in pursuing a graduate degree that will position them for advancement in their current field, although practicing attorneys may choose to pursue a degree that complements their current practice or opens doors to a new area of practice. Students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to admission.
Online MSL with a concentration in Higher Education Law and Compliance
The fully online master of studies in law is designed for nonlawyers interested in the laws, regulations, and compliance considerations that impact higher education. Students will learn the practical compliance skills necessary for advancement in a variety of higher education-related careers. The curriculum is designed for compliance officers, Title IX officers, ADA support and financial aid personnel, accreditation managers, higher education administrators, attorneys, and others interested in developing their expertise in the field of education law and compliance. Students will learn how to research, apply, and communicate effectively about the laws, regulations, and compliance issues facing today’s higher education leaders.
Online MSL with a concentration in Health Law and Policy
Through the online master of studies in law, professionals in the fields of compliance, human resources, insurance, and health care administration will gain a marketable expertise in the increasingly complex world of health law and policy. This program includes coursework in health law, regulatory affairs, public policy, insurance, and health care administration, with a particular emphasis on health care compliance. Experienced faculty from both Cumberland School of Law and Samford University’s College of Health Sciences participate in the program.
Online MSL with a concentration in Financial Services Regulatory Compliance
The fully online master of studies in law is designed for nonlawyers seeking a career in regulatory compliance. Program curriculum focuses on understanding and applying the complex laws and regulations governing the post-2008 American financial services industry, including the Bank Secrecy Act, Dodd-Frank Act, UDAAP laws, and the CFPB. Compliance program development and enforcement within the broader risk-management framework is an integral component of the curriculum. The future of the regulatory environment, international implications, and advances in payment systems and technologies are also addressed. The capstone course allows students to work directly with a mentor on a personalized research project.
Online MSL with a concentration in Legal Project Management
The fully online master of studies in law is designed for law firm professionals who seek career advancement by developing expertise in the growing field of legal project management. Course work and readings will address specialized ethical considerations inherent in the management of litigation and electronically stored information (ESI). Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for effective decision making and project management in the law firm context, including techniques for evaluating firm profitability, outsourcing opportunities, alternative fee arrangements, and the role of technology and innovation in legal project management.
Online MSL with a customized concentration
Students are able to customize a course of study by choosing from a variety of courses offered through the other concentrations. Students will complete two three-credit hour classes per term for six consecutive terms, earning the degree in twenty-four months. Following the twelve-hour core, students may choose from one of four majors or design a personalized course of study by choosing from a variety of electives.
Contact Information
For more information about the online LLM or online MSL program contact
Phone: 205.726.2545
Email: gradlaw@samford.edu
Student Services and Resources
Samford’s student services are available to support online, hybrid, and on-campus faculty and students, regardless of their physical location. Visit samford.edu/programs/online for a convenient list of resources available and how each resource can be accessed by students enrolled in online offerings.
Faculty
Courses in the LLM and MSL programs are taught by members of the full-time law faculty, as well as experienced practicing attorneys and compliance professionals. Our faculty members are not only experts in their fields, but dedicated to the success of each student. The small cohort size allows students and faculty to develop relationships, despite the physical distance.
Tuition and Fees
Student Financial Services website. Students in the MSL and LLM programs pay Samford University’s graduate per-credit-hour tuition rate. Please see the link above for complete information, including fees. At this time, no scholarship opportunities are available for students in the MSL or LLM programs.
Application Information
Application Timelines. Applicants must complete and submit an online application. All materials must be submitted through the online system which includes detailed instructions.
Contact Information
For more information about the online LLM or online MSL program contact
Phone: 205.726.2545
Email: gradlaw@samford.edu
