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Online Master of Studies in Law in Labor and Employment Law Degree

A Labor And Employment Law Degree for Non-Lawyers

The Cardozo School of Law’s master’s in labor and employment law (M.S.L. L&E) empowers you with the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the complex and ever-changing world of workplace laws.

This is an ideal degree for non-lawyers, and the coursework is applicable to physical, virtual and hybrid work environments.

The M.S.L. L&E curriculum is fully centered on labor and employment law. Each component—from lectures and readings to practical exercises—is tuned in to the most commonly confronted labor and employment issues. Through a combination of on-demand lectures and interactive learning, you’ll learn how to apply your new-found knowledge to real-world workplace issues and disputes.

The program includes a two-day summer immersion experience at Cardozo Law School in the heart of New York City, where you will interact with your peers and faculty members and attend and participate in cutting-edge presentations and workshops.

View Curriculum

Empower Yourself With a Master of Studies in Law Degree

Type: Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.)

Format: Online

Number of credits: 30

Average duration: 2 years

Next start date: May 13, 2024

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Program Outcomes

  • Gain a foundation in the American legal system as it pertains to labor and employment law, as well as key legislation such as the National Labor Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
  • Learn to proactively identify, interpret and address HR law issues that arise in the workplace, from privacy concerns to intellectual property disputes to the challenges posed by social media
  • Hone skills in negotiation, mediation and arbitration that you can use in legal contexts and to enhance your own capabilities and career
  • Practice creating actual legal content, including an employment contract, ethics policy, anti-harassment policy, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission position statement and a medical leave of absence policy

This degree is intended for professionals who would like to incorporate labor and employment legal knowledge into their skill set. Please note that the program is not designed to train you to be a practicing lawyer and will not qualify you to sit for the bar examination in any state.

Be an Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion With the Support of Cardozo

Inclusion is a cornerstone of legal education, and diversity advances the entire legal system and society. Our coursework delves into societal inequalities head-on and highlights the ways that workplaces can champion inclusive practices and equal opportunities in compliance with the law.

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In an industry governed by legal regulation, you need to think, act and decide with the law in mind. You will learn to make decisions based on what is legally sound, instead of relying solely on instinct. Our legal education program ensures you understand legal principles and why they matter and know how to use them to strategically navigate a variety of workplace issues.

Melanie Leslie

Melanie Leslie

Dean of Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Gain Legal Knowledge Relevant to Your Career

We know our students are busy professionals, so we prioritize the need-to-know information for becoming a valued expert in any organization. While many of our students are human resources professionals with an interest in HR and employment law, our program also is valuable for professionals in compliance, management and any roles with a level of responsibility for organizational and employee success.

The Cardozo Law M.S.L. L&E is particularly well suited for you if:

  • You regularly navigate labor and employment laws and regulations in your job
  • Your role involves consistent interactions with legal departments or regulatory agencies

The labor and employment law program underscores the practical application of legal principles. We know that a truly useful legal education doesn’t just present the rules and theory of law, it must empower students to master its application in real-world professional contexts. We provide practical strategies that will help you in areas such as:

  • Contract analysis and structuring
  • Compensation and benefits strategy formulation
  • Talent management and development
  • Enforcement of workplace safety measures
  • Mediation and conflict resolution
  • Union relationship management and navigation

With this in-depth knowledge and skills like negotiation and conflict resolution, you will become a vital asset to your team and have the tools you need to move your career forward on your terms. 

Ready to learn more? Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions and FAQ pages.