Cardozo School of Law has launched a new program. It is called the Master of Studies in Law, or MSL. This program focuses on labor and employment law. It is designed for people who are not lawyers. The school announced this in August 2025. The first classes start in January 2026. This MSL helps professionals learn about laws without becoming lawyers. It is fully online. This makes it easy for working people to join.
Cardozo School of Law is part of Yeshiva University. It is located in New York City. The school is known for its strong programs. It ranks high in many areas. For example, it is top 5 in New York by US News. It is also number 7 for racial justice by preLaw Magazine. Cardozo has over 16,000 alumni around the world. They come from 73 countries. The school focuses on real-world learning. It has clinics and externships. But this MSL is special. It is for nonlawyers who need legal skills in their jobs.
The MSL in Labor and Employment Law is a 30-credit program. Students take classes online. They can study at any time. This fits busy schedules. The program teaches legal basics. It covers laws about work and workers. Students learn to think like lawyers. They practice writing legal documents. They also learn how to negotiate and solve disputes. The goal is to help students handle legal issues at work. They do not need to take the bar exam. They will not become lawyers. But they gain useful knowledge.
Who is this program for? It targets nonlawyers in certain fields. These include human resources, or HR. It also includes compliance officers. Operations managers can join too. So can other leaders in business. If you deal with employees, this program helps. For example, HR workers often face legal questions. They need to know about hiring and firing. They handle complaints about discrimination. Managers need to follow laws on wages and safety. This MSL gives them tools to do that better. It builds confidence in legal matters. Students come from different backgrounds. They work in companies big and small. They want to reduce risks for their employers.
Let us look at the curriculum. It is centered on labor and employment law. Students start with basics. They learn about the American legal system. This includes how laws are made. It covers courts and rules. Then, they study key laws. One is the National Labor Relations Act, or NLRA. This law protects workers’ rights to form unions. It deals with collective bargaining. Another is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This stops discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Students also cover the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. This helps people with disabilities at work. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, or ADEA, protects older workers.
The classes teach more than facts. Students learn legal language. They understand terms like “at-will employment” or “hostile work environment.” They practice logic used in law. This helps them analyze problems. For example, how to spot a potential lawsuit. The program includes practical exercises. Students draft employment contracts. They write ethics policies for companies. They prepare statements for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC. This is the agency that handles discrimination claims. Students also study privacy issues. This includes data protection for employees. They learn about intellectual property, or IP. This covers company secrets and inventions. Social media rules at work are part of it too. For instance, what employees can post online.
Skills in dispute resolution are key. Students learn negotiation. This is talking to solve problems. They study mediation. This is using a neutral person to help agree. Arbitration is another topic. This is like a private court. These skills help avoid big fights. They save time and money for companies. Assignments are real-world. Students might role-play a union negotiation. Or they could review a harassment complaint. The curriculum is flexible. Students take two courses per semester. Each course is 3 credits. This takes about 5 semesters to finish. That is around 2.5 years part-time. But they can go faster or slower.
Who teaches these classes? The faculty is strong. Professor Christina Feege leads the program. She is the director. She has over 20 years in employment law. She worked at L’Oréal USA as Vice President and Associate General Counsel. She advised on labor issues. She represented employers in court. Now, she teaches at Cardozo. Another teacher is Brian Farkas. He is an adjunct professor. He is a partner at Arent Fox Schiff law firm. He knows arbitration and mediation. He teaches civil procedure and contracts too. The faculty ranks number 22 in the US for scholarly impact. This comes from Heald & Sichelman’s rankings. Teachers are experts. They bring real experience to classes. Students get mentorship. There are virtual office hours. This means online meetings for advice.
How do you get in? The admissions process is straightforward. First, apply online. Use the portal at Yeshiva University. You need a resume. It should show your education and work. Include dates and job details. Write a personal statement. It is 1 to 2 pages. Explain why you want the MSL. Tell what you hope to gain. Add any helpful info. You need one letter of recommendation. It can come from a boss or teacher. They should know your skills. Send official transcripts. These show your bachelor’s degree. Include any other schools. If English is not your first language, send TOEFL or IELTS scores. The admissions committee reviews everything. They look for fit with the program. The first group starts January 20, 2026. Apply soon. There are no strict deadlines listed. But early is better.
What about cost? Tuition is $1,233 per credit. With 30 credits, total is $36,990. Students pay per semester. Invoices come by email. There are no extra fees mentioned. Financial aid is available. US citizens can use federal loans. File the FAFSA form. The school code is 002903. You can get Stafford loans up to $20,500 a year. If you need more, try Graduate PLUS loans. These cover up to the cost of attendance. But you need good credit. Private loans are an option too. International students may need a US co-signer. Scholarships are not detailed. But check with the school. Payment options are in the invoice. Set up direct deposit for refunds.
Why do this program? There are many benefits. First, gain deep knowledge. Understand laws to avoid mistakes. This reduces legal risks for your company. Improve employee relations. Happy workers mean better business. Second, advance your career. Stand out in HR or management. Become a key player. You can advise on legal matters. This saves money on outside lawyers. Third, build skills. Learn to communicate with lawyers. Write clear policies. Negotiate better deals. Fourth, join a network. Cardozo has a big alumni group. Connect with professionals worldwide. Share ideas and jobs. The program offers support. Academic advisors help. Mentors guide you. It is all online, so no travel needed.
Cardozo also offers another MSL. It is in Data and Privacy Law. This one started in 2019. It is online too. It targets nonlawyers in tech and security. They learn about data laws. This includes privacy rules like GDPR. The program helps with compliance. It is led by Professor Felix Wu. He has a JD and PhD in computer science. Students create policies for data use. This MSL is part of Cardozo’s focus on new tech. But the new labor program is the latest addition. It meets a need in workplaces today.
In today’s world, laws change fast. Workplaces face new challenges. Think about remote work. Or AI in hiring. Labor laws apply to these. Nonlawyers need to know them. This MSL fills that gap. It is affordable compared to a full law degree. A JD takes 3 years and costs more. This MSL is shorter and focused. It gives what you need without extras. Students graduate ready to use skills. For example, an HR manager can draft a better handbook. A compliance officer can spot issues early. A business leader can make smart choices.
Cardozo partners with YU Global for this program. YU Global helps with online learning. They make classes engaging. Use videos and discussions. Students interact online. This builds community. Even though it is remote, you feel connected. The school values diversity. It promotes social justice. This shows in the curriculum. Topics include fair treatment for all workers. No bias based on gender or race.
Is this program right for you? Ask yourself. Do you work with people at your job? Do legal questions come up? Do you want to grow without changing careers? If yes, consider applying. Visit the website. It is cardozo.yu.edu. Look for the MSL section. Read more details. Talk to admissions. They answer questions. Email msl@yu.edu. This could be your next step.
In summary, Cardozo Law’s MSL for nonlawyers is a smart choice. It offers knowledge in labor law. It is online and flexible. With strong faculty and real skills, it boosts careers. Applications are open now. Do not wait. Start your journey today.