See where a legal education can take you.

Master of Studies in Law Salary and Career Outlook

Get Immediate Career Benefits with a Graduate Certificate

The University of Pittsburgh School of Law’s online graduate certificate programs can be completed in 11 months. Build a concentrated expertise within specialized fields of law, and, for fields like health care compliance and human resources, prepare to sit for key industry exams that will further your career.

When you complete your certificate program, you are half the way to earning your Master of Studies in Law (MSL). Should you decide to continue on for the master’s degree, you can apply the 15 credits you earned in your certificate program toward the 30 credits required for the full MSL.

Earn an MSL With a Focused Specialization

The MSL core curriculum is designed to help you start thinking like a lawyer. Beginning with a look into the U.S. legal system, you will gain the experience you need to start predicting answers to legal questions. From there, you will drill down on the specifics around contracts, torts, property, constitutional law, criminal law, and much more.

There is no single MSL salary, because compensation varies by occupation, experience, industry, location, employer, and level of responsibility. MSL graduates are typically experienced professionals building on an established background, not entry-level job seekers starting from scratch. The career cards below showcase median annual wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and highlight how legal knowledge connects to professional responsibilities.

Explore the career opportunities that a legal education can bring you.

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Are you considering a master’s degree in law or a graduate certificate to take your career to the next level? Pitt Law’s Master of Studies in Law online program is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their careers with a versatile alternative to the traditional three-year JD degree. The certificate programs are ideal for those who are not currently looking to pursue a master’s degree.

Complete the form to get a program brochure for Pitt Law’s Online MSL plus your chosen specialization, or your chosen certificate program, delivered to your inbox.

Be Prepared to Sit for Key Industry Exams

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Get the Advantage of an Accredited Program

The Health Care Compliance Certificate program is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB)®. With your Health Care Compliance Certificate or MSL with a Health Care Compliance specialization, you can be eligible to sit for:

Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)®
Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional-International (CCEP-I)®
Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC)®
Certified in Healthcare Research Compliance (CHRC)®
Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC®)

Two colleagues reviewing a screen on a laptop

Prove your HR Expertise

Graduates of the Human Resources Law Certificate program or the MSL with a Human Resources Law specialization program (who have fulfilled the applicable requirements) will be eligible to sit for industry-based human resources certification exams offered by:

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

Earn Additional Compliance Credentials

The Corporate Compliance curriculum is accredited through the CCB^® and Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) and supports eligibility for SCCE certification exams. Students who graduate with a Corporate Compliance Certificate or an MSL with a Corporate Compliance specialization are eligible to sit for SCCE’s certification exams for compliance professionals.

What Can You Do With a Master of Studies in Law?

An MSL can complement your existing professional experience and support work involving compliance, regulation, policy development, contract negotiation, investigations, privacy, employee relations, and business operations. Unlike generic legal studies programs, Pitt Law’s four specialized pathways—Corporate Compliance, Health Care Compliance, Human Resources Law, and Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law—allow you to tailor the degree to your field and career goals.

Female corporate compliance officer shaking hands with man at laptop

$78,420¹

Corporate Compliance Officer

Compliance officers manage risks for their organizations by ensuring state and federal laws and internal policies are followed. They create policies, audit processes, and find meaningful methods to track compliance throughout the company—work that requires a solid understanding of regulatory frameworks and ethics programs.

Median annual wage; 3% projected growth from 2024-2034; approximately 33,300 openings per year.¹

Group of Business and Medical professionals communicating through the hallways of a hospital

$117,960²

Medical and Health Services Manager

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate business activities in health care facilities and organizations. Their responsibilities often involve navigating complex health care regulations, privacy laws like HIPAA, and compliance requirements—making legal knowledge essential to effective leadership.

Median annual wage; 23% projected growth from 2024-2034; approximately 62,100 openings per year.²

Smiling woman shaking an associates hand, with a smile on her face.

$140,030³

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and employment law compliance. Understanding labor law, employee relations, compensation regulations, and workplace policies is critical to success in this role.

Median annual wage; 5% projected growth from 2024-2034; approximately 17,900 openings per year. Related work experience is typically required.³

Group of associates surround around a table in a discussion

$96,310⁴

Agent or Business Manager of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Agents and business managers represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes to prospective employers. They handle contract negotiations, intellectual property considerations, and business agreements—responsibilities that demand strong legal literacy and an understanding of entertainment and sports law.

Median annual wage; 9% projected growth from 2024-2034.⁴

I would absolutely recommend HCC online. The program is relevant to real-world practices and expanded upon my base of knowledge. I can now evolve as a leader and preceptor in the health care sector, where my employer and I can have the certainty and confidence to accept the challenges in the clinical, business, and now the regulatory fields that lie on the horizon.

Freddy C. ’20, Online Health Care Compliance Program Graduate

I can’t speak highly enough about the University of Pittsburgh Master of Studies in Law program. It has enabled me in my current senior manager role as Head of Global Quality Systems & Compliance that hosts federal regulators, where I am able to use my legal experience and background extensively when regulators are on site.

Kenneth C. ’22, Online MSL with Health Care Compliance Specialization

of certificate alumni found the program useful and 93% would recommend it.⁵

Is a Master of Studies in Law Worth It?

A Master of Studies in Law may be valuable for professionals whose work regularly intersects with law, regulation, policy, contracts, compliance, or risk. It may be a good fit if you want legal training without pursuing a JD or becoming an attorney. The program’s value depends on your goals, prior experience, and chosen specialization—not on guaranteed advancement or higher pay.

Pitt Law’s Online MSL offers a respected credential from a nationally recognized institution through a program priced competitively against other graduate legal studies options. As part of the “New Ivy,” the University of Pittsburgh delivers practical education designed for working professionals. If you’re wondering if a Master of Legal Studies is worth it, consider whether building legal knowledge and credibility would help you make stronger decisions, communicate more effectively with legal teams, and bring greater value to your organization.

Getting ahead starts with investing in yourself. Pitt Law’s online programs offer competitive pricing for a practical legal education taught by experienced faculty. Get started on your path to achieving your career goals today.

Start Your Application

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Take the Next Step Toward Your MSL Career

You’re a busy professional, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the opportunity to further your education. The Online MSL program is crafted to fit into your schedule while building practical legal knowledge you can apply in your field. Through asynchronous courses in the Master of Studies in Law curriculum and an engaging online MSL learning experience, you’ll gain the legal foundation and specialized expertise to enhance your professional effectiveness.

FAQ

What can you do with a master’s in legal studies?

A Master of Studies in Law prepares you for diverse legal-adjacent careers in corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, and legal support roles. Common paths include corporate compliance, risk management, human resources, health care compliance, contract negotiation, policy development, and nonprofit advocacy—all without needing to become a licensed attorney.

What jobs can you get with an MSL degree?

Businesses in every sector must comply with laws and regulations, which creates strong demand for legally trained professionals who don’t practice law.

MSL graduates pursue roles such as compliance officer, compliance analyst, ethics manager, HR director, legal analyst, paralegal supervisor, contract negotiator, insurance compliance officer, health care practitioner, and policy specialist. Industries hiring MSL holders include finance, health care, government, technology, nonprofits, and international business.

What is an MSL degree salary?

There is no universal MSL degree salary because compensation varies by occupation, experience, industry, location, employer, and level of responsibility. MSL degree holders work in many different roles with varying salary ranges. For example, compliance officers earn a median annual wage of $78,420,¹ while HR managers earn around $140,030,³ according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Specialized roles also vary widely: medical and health services managers earn a median of $117,960,² while agents or business managers of artists, performers, and athletes earn around $96,310.⁴ Your specific salary will depend on your field, location, and role. The MSL gives you the credentials and specialized knowledge to bring greater value to your organization and may support career advancement over time.

Is a master’s in legal studies worth it?

A Master of Studies in Law may be worth it if you want to advance in a legal-adjacent career, work with legal teams, or transition into compliance, HR, or regulatory fields. The value depends on your professional goals, the field you work in, and how you apply your legal knowledge. Unlike a JD, an MSL is designed for nonlawyers seeking practical legal expertise without becoming licensed attorneys.

How much do compliance officers make?

Compliance officers earn a median annual wage of $78,420,1 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 33,300 job openings per year.1 Salary varies by industry, experience, and geographic location.

Specialized compliance roles may command higher pay depending on the sector and level of responsibility. An MSL with a corporate compliance or health care compliance specialization from Pitt Law positions you for these roles by providing in-depth training in designing compliance programs, conducting investigations, managing risk, and auditing for effectiveness—skills that set you apart in a competitive job market.

MSL vs. JD: Which law degree is right for you?

Choose an MSL if you want legal expertise without becoming a lawyer—ideal for compliance, HR, policy, or business roles. It takes 1-2 years, costs less, and requires no LSAT or bar exam. Choose a JD if you want to practice law, represent clients in court, or become a licensed attorney, which requires over 3 years of legal education and passing the bar.

Forge ahead. Get in touch.

Schedule a call with one of our knowledgeable advisors to discuss if the online experience is the right fit for you.

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Spring 2027 Admissions Deadlines

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Priority Deadline

December 1

Spring 2027

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Final Deadline

January 5

Spring 2027

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Start Date

January 11

Spring 2027

Sources

Retrieved on August 6, 2026, from bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/compliance-officers.htm
Retrieved on August 6, 2026, from bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
Retrieved on August 6, 2026, from bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/purchasing-managers-buyers-and-purchasing-agents.htm
Retrieved on August 6, 2026, from bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm
Based on self-reported data from University of Pittsburgh School of Law online certificate program alumni in graduating cohorts between 2021 and 2026.