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.

LLM

Master of Laws

Advance your legal expertise with a fully online LLM.

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Months to Complete

Concentrations Offered

Credit Hours

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

Prepare for a legal career in financial compliance and regulation. This concentration equips attorneys with the knowledge and practical skills needed to help financial institutions follow complex regulations, manage risk and protect consumers.

You'll Study

Financial regulation and consumer protection
Data privacy and cybersecurity
Compliance reporting, auditing and policy development
Oversight by major regulators such as the SEC, FINRA, OCC and FinCEN

Career Paths Include

Compliance Manager
Director of Compliance
Chief Compliance Officer
Regulatory Counsel

View the Curriculum

LLM: Health Law and Compliance

You'll Study

Core health care statutes, including HIPAA, the Stark Law, the Anti‑Kickback Statute and the Affordable Care Act
Compliance program design, governance and risk mitigation
Data privacy, licensing and accreditation requirements
The interaction between federal and state health care regulations

Career Paths Include

Health Care Compliance Officer or Manager
Risk Management Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Director
Hospital or Health System Administrator

Credential Advantage

This concentration is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB)®. Graduates may be eligible to sit for select CCB certification exams without meeting standard work experience or continuing education requirements.

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LLM: Higher Education Law and Compliance

Colleges and universities operate within complex legal and regulatory environments. This concentration prepares attorneys to advise higher education institutions on compliance, risk management and legally sound operations.

You'll Study

Higher education laws such as Title IX, the Clery Act, FERPA, the ADA and employment law
Compliance program development, institutional risk management and governance
Student rights, campus safety and data privacy
Accreditation requirements and academic freedom

Career Paths Include

University or College Counsel
Title IX Coordinator
Compliance Officer or Director
Policy or Risk Management Specialist
Higher Education Administrator

Professional Advantage

Students receive complimentary membership in the Association of Title IX Administrators (atIXa) and access to discounted conference registration.

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LLM: Legal Operations

Legal organizations increasingly rely on attorneys who understand both the practice and the business of law. This concentration prepares lawyers to manage legal operations, improve efficiency and align legal services with organizational strategy.

You'll Study

Legal project management, budgeting and process improvement
Vendor management and legal service delivery models
Legal technologies such as contract management systems, e‑discovery tools and data analytics
Aligning legal operations with compliance goals and risk management

Career Paths Include

Director or Manager of Legal Operations
Legal Project Manager
Legal Technology Consultant
Compliance or Risk Management Professional
Legal Department Chief Operating Officer

Professional Advantage

Students are eligible to sit for the Certified eDiscovery Professional (CeDP) exam through the Organization of Legal Professionals (OLP) and receive discounted certification opportunities.

View the Curriculum

Law Students Outside

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.

Student Outside

“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.

Personal Statement

In your own words, please write a personal essay addressing the following:

Why you are applying to this program — What drew you to this field of study, and why are you pursuing this opportunity at this time in your life?
Why we should admit you — What unique qualities, experiences, skills, or perspectives do you bring that would make you a strong addition to our program and community?
Your goals for this degree — What do you hope to achieve academically and professionally as a result of completing this program? How does this degree fit into your broader aspirations?

Your essay should be written entirely in your own words and reflect your authentic voice. We are looking for thoughtful, genuine responses that help us understand who you are beyond your academic record.