Online Master of Legal Studies – Healthcare Law and Administration Emphasis
Are you a health care professional with an interest in the legal framework that governs health care operations, policies and patient care? Arizona State University’s online Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in health care administration prepares you to navigate the legal complexities and regulatory landscape of modern health care systems. You’ll graduate ready to better serve patients, support ethical care and help organizations succeed in an increasingly regulated environment.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Learn to navigate the legal complexities of the health care industry
This program provides you with the insights and skills needed to guide organizations through current and emerging legal challenges. You’ll learn about patient privacy regulations, end-of-life care decisions, organizational risk management and health care facility compliance. Key focus areas include:
- Compliance and regulations: Understand and apply health care laws like HIPAA, billing standards and quality measures to ensure legal compliance.
- Health information management: Protect patient data and meet privacy and security requirements across health care systems.
- Medical ethics and malpractice: Navigate ethical dilemmas in patient care and reduce legal risks tied to malpractice claims.
- Patient rights and advocacy: Support patient access, informed consent and grievance processes within health care organizations.
- Policy and insurance law: Interpret health care policies and insurance regulations to guide operations and advocate for organizational needs.
- Risk and facility management: Address legal risks and oversee licensing, certification and compliance standards for health care facilities.
Designed for health care practitioners and administrators who do not intend to practice law, this program teaches you the legal frameworks that shape health care systems and the people they serve. You’ll gain specialized knowledge in health care law, strengthening your role in a growing industry. With the health care sector projected to expand significantly over the next decade, there is increasing demand for educated professionals who can translate laws and regulations that improve patient outcomes and organizational success.
What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?
While an emphasis and concentration are similar, there are key differences.
- A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours; at least nine must be upper division. The concentration appears on your ASU diploma and transcripts.
- An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major that’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Please note your diploma will state the degree you earn: Master of Legal Studies. Your emphasis in healthcare law and administration will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.
MLS and health care law courses
This program will provide you with the flexibility to choose coursework that aligns with your career goals. In addition to a foundational law and a program core course, the remainder of your courses will be in your emphasis area or electives.
The jobs this MLS emphasis prepares you for
As a graduate, you’ll be equipped with legal knowledge and skills that can help you reach the next level in your health care career. Pursuing an MLS emphasis in health care law and administration can support your growth in roles including, but not limited to:
Learn from leading experts in health care law and administration
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
Learn from leading experts in health care law and administration
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
How to apply
Applicants to the Master of Legal Studies program must fulfill the requirements of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
U.S.-educated applicants can apply through our FastApp process, which streamlines the application process and may allow for an offer of conditional admission to the MLS program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation.
Study at one of the best law schools in the country
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation, providing personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students can tailor their educational experiences to meet their unique interests. Our bar passage achievements and peer-reviewed U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight our dedication to preparing students for success.
#1
in Arizona for bar passage
7
specialty law programs ranked amongst the top 35 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
Top 20
best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
#45
best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
