Earn Your Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Samford University
Advance your legal career with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Samford University. Specialize in key areas of law and gain the expertise needed to excel in the global legal landscape.
Is This Program for Me?
The Master of Laws (LLM) is designed for professionals who have already earned a Juris Doctor. Delivered 100% online, this program will expand your expertise and help you stand out in today’s complex regulatory and compliance landscape. Students can choose from one of four in-demand concentrations:
Financial Services Health Law Higher Education Legal Operations
LLM: Financial Service Regulatory Compliance
In today’s financial world, regulatory compliance is essential to maintaining consumer trust, preventing misconduct and ensuring market stability. Banks, investment firms and insurance companies rely on skilled legal and compliance professionals to navigate complex regulations and manage risk. Whether you plan to work in corporate law, financial advising, or compliance management, a strong foundation in financial services regulation will set you apart in this growing field.
The Financial Services Regulatory Compliance concentration within the Master of Laws (LLM) program equips students with advanced knowledge of the laws, regulations and ethical practices that govern financial institutions. This concentration is designed for lawyers and compliance professionals who aspire to lead with integrity in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Students pursuing this concentration will:
- Develop a deep understanding of major financial regulations, consumer protection, data privacy and cybersecurity standards
- Learn to identify, assess and ease risks such as fraud, misconduct and operational disruptions
- Study the roles and responsibilities of key regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
- Gain practical insight into compliance reporting, auditing and internal policy development
- Prepare for leadership roles in law firms, financial institutions and regulatory agencies
Graduates of this concentration are well-positioned for roles such as:
- Compliance Analyst or Compliance Manager
- Senior Compliance Officer
- Director of Compliance
- Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
- Regulatory Counsel or Legal Advisor
A concentration in Financial Services Regulatory Compliance provides the legal and practical foundation necessary to guide organizations through complex regulatory challenges while promoting trust, transparency and stability in the financial system.
Courses
The financial services regulatory compliance 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. The future of the regulatory environment, international implications, and advances in payment systems and technologies are also addressed.
View the Curriculum
LLM: Health Law and Compliance
In today’s financial world, regulatory compliance is essential to maintaining consumer trust, preventing misconduct and ensuring market stability. Banks, investment firms and insurance companies rely on skilled legal and compliance professionals to navigate complex regulations and manage risk. Whether you plan to work in corporate law, financial advising, or compliance management, a strong foundation in financial services regulation will set you apart in this growing field.
The Financial Services Regulatory Compliance concentration within the Master of Laws (LLM) program equips students with advanced knowledge of the laws, regulations and ethical practices that govern financial institutions. This concentration is designed for lawyers and compliance professionals who aspire to lead with integrity in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Students pursuing this concentration will:
- Develop a deep understanding of major financial regulations, consumer protection, data privacy and cybersecurity standards
- Learn to identify, assess and ease risks such as fraud, misconduct and operational disruptions
- Study the roles and responsibilities of key regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
- Gain practical insight into compliance reporting, auditing and internal policy development
- Prepare for leadership roles in law firms, financial institutions and regulatory agencies
Graduates of this concentration are well-positioned for roles such as:
- Compliance Analyst or Compliance Manager
- Senior Compliance Officer
- Director of Compliance
- Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
- Regulatory Counsel or Legal Advisor
A concentration in Financial Services Regulatory Compliance provides the legal and practical foundation necessary to guide organizations through complex regulatory challenges while promoting trust, transparency and stability in the financial system.
Courses
The program includes course work in health law, regulatory affairs, public policy, insurance, and healthcare administration, with a particular emphasis on health care compliance.
View the Curriculum
Student Benefits
The Compliance and Certification Board (CCB) offers free conference registration to current students and credentialing exam eligibility upon graduation.
Accreditation
The concentration in health law and compliance is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB)®. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for any of the following credentialing exams offered by the Compliance Certification Board without having to meet the typical work experience or CEU requirements: Healthcare Compliance (CHC)™, Healthcare Research Compliance (CHRC)®, Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC)® Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP)®.
LLM: Higher Education Law and Compliance
The field of higher education is becoming increasingly complex, with colleges and universities facing evolving legal and regulatory challenges. From student privacy and campus safety to employment law and accreditation standards, institutions rely on legal and compliance professionals to ensure they operate responsibly and within the bounds of the law. Whether you plan to serve as counsel, compliance officer or policy leader, a foundation in higher education law will prepare you to navigate these critical issues.
The Higher Education Law and Compliance concentration within the Master of Laws (LLM) program provides students with the specialized knowledge and practical skills needed to address the legal and regulatory framework that governs educational institutions. This concentration is designed for lawyers, administrators and compliance professionals seeking to advance their expertise in this dynamic area of law.
Students pursuing this concentration will:
- Study the major laws and regulations that affect higher education, including Title IX, the Clery Act, FERPA, ADA and employment law
- Learn how to develop and implement compliance programs that align with institutional policies and federal guidelines
- Explore issues related to student rights and responsibilities, campus safety, governance and accreditation
- Examine how higher education law intersects with diversity, equity and inclusion, data privacy and academic freedom
- Gain insight into the role of compliance officers, legal counsel and administrators in managing institutional risk and promoting ethical decision-making
Graduates of this concentration are prepared for a variety of roles in higher education and related sectors, including:
- University or College Counsel
- Title IX Coordinator
- Compliance Officer or Compliance Director
- Policy or Risk Management Specialist
- Higher Education Administrator
A concentration in Higher Education Law and Compliance offers a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape shaping modern colleges and universities. Graduates emerge equipped to help institutions uphold their missions while maintaining compliance, protecting student rights and fostering inclusive, legally sound environments.
Courses
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.
View the Curriculum
Student Benefits
The Association of Title IX Administrators (atIXa) offers complimentary student membership and discounted conference registrations.
LLM: Legal Operations
As the legal industry continues to evolve, organizations increasingly depend on professionals who can blend legal knowledge with business strategy, technology and process management. Legal operations experts help law firms, corporate legal departments and government agencies work more efficiently and effectively by improving workflows, managing budgets and implementing innovative legal technologies. Whether your goal is to lead a legal team, streamline operations or modernize compliance systems, this concentration equips you with the tools to succeed.
The Legal Operations concentration within the Master of Laws (LLM) program provides students with the skills and knowledge to manage the business side of law. Designed for attorneys, administrators and compliance professionals, this concentration prepares graduates to optimize performance, reduce risk and drive value within legal organizations.
Students pursuing this concentration will:
- Learn the fundamentals of legal project management, budgeting and process improvement
- Explore the use of legal technology, including contract management systems, e-discovery tools and data analytics platforms
- Understand how to align legal operations with broader organizational strategy and compliance goals
- Study methods for vendor management, performance measurement and cost control
- Gain practical experience developing operational frameworks that improve efficiency and accountability in legal services
Graduates of this concentration are prepared for leadership and management roles in a variety of settings, including:
- Director or Manager of Legal Operations
- Chief Operating Officer (Legal Department)
- Legal Project Manager
- Legal Technology Consultant
- Compliance and Risk Management Professional
A concentration in Legal Operations provides a competitive edge in a changing legal landscape. Students graduate with the practical business and technical expertise needed to enhance productivity, manage resources and lead innovation in modern legal organizations.
Courses
The courses address specialized ethical considerations inherent in the management of litigation and electronically stored information (ESI).
View the Curriculum
Student Benefits
The Organization of Legal Professionals (OLP) offers automatic eligibility to sit for the CeDP exam upon graduation, as well as discounted membership and other certifications.
The Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS) offers a discounted certification exam package to graduates.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the Master of Laws, you will be able to:
- Access and navigate U.S. legal databases to locate statutes, regulations and court decisions.
- Analyze policy and compliance issues from ethical, legal and economic perspectives.
- Evaluate cost-effectiveness and outcomes to inform decision-making.
- And communicate complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, using industry-specific terminology.
Career Preparation
Through real-world course work and practical training, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to excel in specialized legal environments. You’ll graduate ready to collaborate effectively with attorneys, compliance experts, and other legal professionals, while mastering the specialized competencies essential for career success. Our graduates work in a variety of compliance-related fields and corporations.
“Cumberland’s LLM program was an invaluable experience. ”
“I practice in the areas of health care regulatory compliance and transactional law. I would not be where I am today without my LLM. From the intriguing courses to the exceptionally experienced and engaged professors, I highly recommend Cumberland’s online program for any professional seeking to complement and enhance their expertise to obtain a desired career or elevate a current career.”
—Mitchell Surface, JD/LLM ’21, Associate, Maynard Nexsen, Health Law and Compliance
“I believe my LLM from Cumberland gave me a depth of knowledge to effectively ‘punch above my weight’ in higher education law.”
“I knew if I wanted to set myself apart in such a competitive field, I would need to have something that showed I was committed to this industry and to working toward being an expert in it. The hiring committee was intrigued that Cumberland offered an LLM in higher education law and compliance, and I believe it played a role in my career advancement.”
—Steven Boydstun, JD ’17, LLM ’22, former General Counsel, University of Montevallo, Higher Education Law and Compliance
“I have a keen interest in the intersection of the profession of law and business of legal enterprise.”
“When I learned that I could get an LLM in this area of study—increase my professional value while feed my curiosity—I knew Cumberland was the program for me. The course work is practical and intended to translate to success in the business of operating a law firm. Law school taught me to think like a lawyer. Earning my LLM from Cumberland School of Law taught me to think like a COO."
—Jill Rothstein, JD, LLM ’20, Executive Director, State Bar of Wisconsin, Legal Operations
Admission and Application Requirements
Key Dates for Fall 2026
- Application Open: Sept. 2, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
- FAFSA Deadline: July 15, 2026
- Fall 2026 Term Begins: Aug. 24, 2026
Completed Application
All applicants must complete and submit an application. All materials must be submitted through the online system which includes detailed instructions. It is the applicant’s responsibility to log into his or her application to confirm that all required materials have been received.
Official Transcript
All applicants must provide an official transcript indicating the award of a Juris Doctor or be currently enrolled as a Juris Doctor student at Cumberland School of Law (3.0).
Transcripts are considered official only when sent directly from the issuing institution to Samford University. We require official transcript(s) from all previously attended undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate institutions. Transcripts may be submitted in the following ways:
- Email (Preferred): Transcripts may be sent electronically from the institution to admission@samford.edu.
- Electronic Services: Transcripts may also be sent through authorized electronic transcript services such as:
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Parchment
- Scrip-Safe
- Or any other secure electronic transcript delivery service
- Please select Samford University as the recipient during the ordering process.
- Mail: If electronic delivery is not available, official transcripts may be mailed to:
Samford University
Office of Admission
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
Please allow ample time for transcript orders to be processed.
- One letter of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Personal essay
International Applicant Information
