UMKC School of Law’s Master of Legal Studies human resources law emphasis prepares professionals to confidently and ethically handle legal matters in workforce management. This human resources law emphasis covers both employment law and workplace policy, ensuring that HR professionals are able to prevent reputational and financial harm to their organizations and employees.

Who Is This Emphasis For?

A human resources law emphasis is well suited for human resources professionals who deal with regulatory compliance, employee disputes, harassment investigations, benefits, hiring, termination and compensation. HR professionals who collaborate with in-house or external legal teams will also benefit from this program.

Professionals who may find this emphasis particularly beneficial include:

  • HR director
  • Employee relations specialist
  • Labor relations specialist
  • Benefits and compensation manager
  • HR business partner

The law touches everything. HR professionals deal with employment law and discrimination law. This program will raise their skill levels, helping them work more efficiently with lawyers when needed.

Barbara Glesner Fines

Barbara Glesner Fines, Professor of Law

Human Resources Law Emphasis Curriculum

All courses in UMKC’s MLS program emphasize the skills you need to understand, interpret and apply legal principles in various professional contexts.

In addition to foundational legal studies courses, an advanced ethics course, additional electives and a final capstone, MLS students pursuing the human resources law emphasis will choose 12 credits from courses such as:

  • Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance — 2 credits
  • Privacy Regulation — 3 credits
  • Administrative Law — 2 credits
  • Contract Formation, Review and Drafting — 3 credits
  • Insurance Law — 2 credits
  • Disabilities and the Law — 2 credits
  • Employment Discrimination — 3 credits
  • Employment Law — 3 credits
  • Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Law — 2 credits
  • Regulatory Compliance — 2 credits
  • Fundamentals of Legal Investigations — 2 credits

View Curriculum

Learning Outcomes

Students in the Master of Legal Studies program will gain a better understanding of the U.S. legal system, hone their ability to analyze and interpret legal authority and become comfortable communicating effectively about legal matters.

In addition, students who pursue the human resources law emphasis will be able to:

  • Ensure Employment Law Compliance — Gain an understanding of federal and state employment laws governing wages, benefits, anti-discrimination, privacy and more.
  • Advance Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace — Evaluate legal frameworks to foster fair, legally compliant work environments.
  • Apply Ethical and Professional Standards — Make decisions guided by ethical reasoning and professional responsibility.

Request Information

 

To learn more about the online Master of Legal Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and download a program brochure, please fill out the form. You can also talk one-on-one with an enrollment specialist directly by calling 816-282-1433.

UMKC School of Law has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

* All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected. Are you enrolling from outside the US? Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no additional costs associated with taking an emphasis. The online MLS program tuition is $686.40 per credit hour, which totals $20,592 for 30 credits. There are also fees for online students and out-of-pocket costs for books and supplies. Visit the tuition page for more information.

Yes. UMKC Law’s Master of Legal Studies program offers health law and compliance emphasis areas. Students can also choose a general path. Visit the curriculum page to learn more.

Graduates of the UMKC MLS program with an emphasis in human resources law are prepared to take on specialized leadership roles in human resources, employment law and workforce management. Potential career paths include:

  • HR director or manager
  • Labor relations specialist
  • Employment law consultant
  • Benefits and compensation analyst
  • Compliance officer

Human resources law encompasses how organizations manage employees throughout the employment lifecycle. It covers laws and regulations related to:

  • Hiring practices
  • Wages
  • Working conditions
  • Employee rights and protections
  • Workplace policies
  • Termination procedures

Ready to learn more about our online MLS program? Download our brochure, and explore our admissions, FAQ and tuition & financial aid pages.