Can a legal master’s degree help you achieve professional certifications?

Joey Dormady

Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs and New Education Initiatives

Joey Dormady leads ASU Law’s growing portfolio of master’s degree programs and is passionate about creating accessible, high-quality legal education for students from all backgrounds.

Yes, earning a master’s degree in law at ASU Law can give you the skills and knowledge you need to obtain professional certifications to advance your career. Beyond just building knowledge and legal competencies – a graduate degree can open doors to professional organizations and certifications that signal expertise to employers and help you stand out in a competitive job market. 

At the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, our Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL) programs are designed to prepare you to obtain certifications that can boost your career, increase your earning potential and expand your professional network.

Professional organization certifications that align with degrees at ASU Law

• Compliance Certification Board (CCB)
• Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA)
• Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE)
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Why does certification matter for legal master’s graduates?

Adding professional certifications to your resume after earning your law degree at ASU Law can help:

• Enhance your competitive edge and credibility with employers
• Expand your professional network
• Open doors to leadership opportunities
• Potentially increase your earning potential

At ASU Law, our MLS and MHREL programs are structured to help you succeed not just academically, but also professionally, by preparing you to earn certifications that amplify the value of your ABA-accredited degree.

What certification can strengthen a career in corporate compliance?

If you’re interested in regulatory compliance and ethics, the MLS at ASU Law is aligned with certifications that graduates can pursue from the Corporate Compliance Board (CCB) of the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE). Certification in corporate compliance is a highly respected credential for professionals working in risk management, finance or corporate governance. This certification helps you stay up to date with changes in laws and best practices, both in the U.S. and internationally.

How can a legal master’s degree help me achieve a corporate compliance certification?

With an MLS degree from ASU Law, you benefit from:

• Coursework covering statutes and compliance frameworks
• Eligibility to count your degree toward work experience requirements
• Preparation for exam topics such as risk management, governance and international compliance standards

What certifications can strengthen a career in health care compliance?

Health care professionals often pursue certification to demonstrate mastery of regulations and ethical standards. The Health Care Compliance Association offers:

• Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC): Focuses on HIPAA privacy rules, healthcare regulations and organizational compliance.
• Certified in Healthcare Research Compliance (CHRC): Tailored for clinical and research settings, with emphasis on ethics and high-risk regulatory issues.

How can a legal master’s degree help me achieve health care compliance certifications?

ASU Law’s MLS program supports both credentials by:

• Providing a strong foundation in health care law and compliance – particularly in areas like HIPAA privacy rules
• Helping fulfill experience requirements for exam eligibility
• Offering coursework aligned with federal and industry-specific regulations

What certification can strengthen a career in human resources compliance?

For those in human resources and employment careers, SHRM certifications are among the most respected in the field. Options include:

• SHRM-CP (Certified Professional): Designed for early to mid-career HR professionals
• SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional): Built for those in leadership or strategic roles

How can a legal master’s degree help me achieve an HR certification?

SHRM has recognized ASU Law as the first law school whose HR program(s) are fully aligned with SHRM curriculum guidelines. This learning integration gives students:

• Practical insights into employment law and workplace policies
• Preparation tools that mirror SHRM’s learning system
• Confidence to apply HR best practices in real-world settings

If you’re interested in learning more about which professional certifications could benefit your career advancement plans and how a law degree from ASU Law could improve your employment prospects, reach out to us to request more information or connect with one of our advisors.