Whether you’re a business owner or want to pursue a degree in law, a degree in business law will equip you with the skills necessary to help businesses make better (and more legally sound) decisions. Just as there are laws guiding human behavior, so, too, are there laws that dictate what businesses can and cannot do.  A degree in business law can help prepare you for a rewarding career in law or business administration, enabling you to make savvy decisions that will benefit both you and those who work around you. This field is complex and ever-changing, a flexible discipline that will require you to be detail-oriented, analytically-minded—and on your toes at all times.

What is an educational program in Business Law?

In pursuing a business law degree, you will prepare yourself with the legal skills necessary to work with businesses around the country. Before you graduate, you will gain the skills necessary to help negotiate and work with small businesses and large corporations alike. You will learn all the key details about the laws that govern business practices, from how businesses can sell and buy property, sue or be sued, and enter into contracts.

You might take classes that cover topics like criminal law, torts, and legal research. You could delve deeper into constitutional law, civil procedures, and legal writing, too. Although this degree may not necessarily prepare you to become a courtroom lawyer in a traditional sense, it will give you the communication and leadership skills necessary to excel in a myriad of fields.

To apply, you’ll usually need to meet a few prerequisite skills. Of course, a sharp eye for detail and a wise business acumen are often necessary, but otherwise, you’ll generally just need a high school diploma to qualify for entry into one of these rewarding degrees. 

Why get a business law degree?

There are several benefits to earning a master's degree in business law:

Degree advancement: Although unnecessary for all careers, earning a business law degree helps you earn an advanced degree in an area of your interest. Advanced degrees can result in higher salaries or additional qualifications in a job search.

Several concentrations: There are many areas in which you can concentrate regarding business law, so depending on your interest, you might explore different opportunities. Students can learn what areas where they may have a passion during their undergrad before selecting a concentration.

Skill development: There are several important skills that a student can learn while earning their business law degree, including problem-solving, negotiation, interpretation, analysis and research. This can help you excel in your career or you can apply these to other industries if you decide to change careers.

Networking: Students, instructors and advisers in your program can all have different professional experiences and networks. Building this network can help you as you may hope to start a mid-level role when completing the program.

What types of jobs are available for Business Law graduates?

There are hundreds of different careers you could pursue as a business law major. Although many will require you to pursue advanced education beyond the bachelor’s degree (such as a master’s or J.D. degree), you can sometimes qualify for positions as soon as you graduate from a four-year program.

What business law jobs are available to those with a business law degree? There are several practicing and non-practicing career options for those with a business law degree. These business law job opportunities utilize the skills learned in a business law program as well as various undergraduate programs.

• Business Lawyers

• Financial Analysts

• Compliance Officers

• Administrative Law Judges