How Lauren is using an MSL in Health Law to drive Medicaid strategy

By day, Lauren evaluates complex Medicaid systems across the United States. By night, she’s a student in the online Master in the Study of Law (MSL) program at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where she’s gaining a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks that shape her work. 

As a Medicaid growth strategy analyst for a large corporate health care organization, Lauren navigates the intricate web of state-specific regulations, reviews insurance contracts, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders. 

“The way that Medicaid works in every single state is completely different,” she explains. “Every state has its own rules and regulations for its Medicaid program. A lot of states will bid out their Medicaid contracts. We assess different markets to see where we want to expand.” 

Through the MSL program’s Health Law track — which offers diverse legal studies that enhance skills for health law jobs and other law-related careers in the health care industry — Lauren gains significant context for the work she does every day. 

“It gives me a critical background for my current role,” Lauren says. 

The program also strengthens her contract interpretation and mediation skills, helping her bridge legal language with business strategy. 

Building on a public policy foundation

Lauren’s journey started at Ohio State, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy analysis from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. With minors in biology and pharmacy, she developed a strong foundation in pharmaceutical policy, bioethics, and the connection between government and industry. 

“I’ve always been interested in the intersection of government and business,” she says. “I decided to go into the master’s program when I absolutely knew how I wanted to pursue my career. I knew it would be a perfect complement where the classes are actually helping me with my job, and my job is helping me with the program.” 

What health law taught her about Medicaid — and more

Lauren cites health law as one of her most impactful courses. 

“I learned a lot about the background of Medicaid, different lawsuits that have tried to lessen its impact, and how it continues to exist,” she says. “It gives me a critical background for my current role.” 

She also found inspiration in an elective course on women’s health, which explored investment banking and innovation in women’s health care — a testament to the program’s range and relevance. 

What can you do with an MSL degree in health law?

Wondering what you can do with a legal studies master’s degree concentrated in health care law? 

The MSL degree is ideal for professionals in law-adjacent roles who want to expand their legal knowledge without becoming practicing attorneys. Potential career paths include: 

• Growth analyst 

• Health care compliance officer 

• Health policy strategist 

• Legal operations specialist 

• Regulatory affairs manager 

• Risk management consultant 

These roles are common in health care systems, insurance companies, consulting firms, and government agencies. 

If you’re interested in health law positions or law-related careers that don’t require a JD, Ohio State’s online Master in the Study of Law program provides a comprehensive and flexible education designed to empower you to make a difference — just like Lauren has.