Business Law Graduate Certificate
December 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
Advance your expertise in business law and corporate governance.
The Moritz College of Law’s online Business Law Certificate equips you with the legal and operational knowledge to champion compliance in various industries, offering a pathway to leadership roles. Comprised of four courses (12 credit hours), the graduate certificate will quickly help you navigate the complexities of business law with key skills that you can immediately apply to the workplace:
- Gain a deep understanding of the legal systems that govern business operations, including contract law, intellectual property, employment law, and corporate governance.
- Leverage research methods to access and interpret relevant business laws, and understand processes like contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and compliance management.
- Identify and address complex legal issues in business contexts, mitigate risks, and implement ethical decision-making strategies.
- Communicate legal concepts effectively to stakeholders, fostering collaboration and informed decision-making within your organization.
Why choose Ohio State’s Business Law Certificate?
Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of business law or broaden your career opportunities, the Business Law Certificate at Ohio State’s Moritz College of Law provides a career-focused curriculum tailored for busy professionals. With a flexible, asynchronous format, you can balance your studies with professional and personal commitments. You’ll gain practical experience and insights from expert legal-practitioners, enhancing your ability to address real-world challenges. Plus, you can stack all 12 credit hours from the Business Law Certificate toward the Master in the Study of Law program to further your legal knowledge and career prospects.
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"I attribute my recent two promotions to educating myself at Ohio State. I really think that getting the coursework done helped me excel at my current position, and it was recognized."
Demi MacLennan Ohio State Online Grad -
"Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program."
Derek Danek Ohio State Online Grad -
"As an online student, there's so many connections you can make that will have a really meaningful impact on your education. The opportunities that exist at Ohio State feel limitless."
Audra Hanners Ohio State Online Grad
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this program is 100% online, offering flexibility for working professionals like you to study from wherever you are.
Yes, this online program is fully asynchronous, meaning you can log in to view instructional materials and complete your work whenever it is best for your schedule.
As non-degree students, most types of financial aid and scholarships are not available to students enrolling in certificate programs.
Related Programs
Related Programs
Master in the Study of Law
Compliance Graduate Certificate
Health Law Graduate Certificate
Academic Calendar
Multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for online students in non-degree programs, so you can decide when to take the next step toward earning your Business Law Certificate.
Academic Calendar
Multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for online students in non-degree programs, so you can decide when to take the next step toward earning your Business Law Certificate.
Admission Criteria
To enroll in the online Business Law Certificate program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for the last bachelor’s degree or advanced degree earned. Personal statements require articulation of how the certificate is consistent with the applicant’s professional and career goals. Resumes and transcripts are required from all applicants.
Learn more about non-degree admission requirements from The Ohio State University’s Graduate and Professional Admissions.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
A stackable certificate in business law can be a valuable asset for working professionals across various industries. The knowledge you gain will not only enhance your ability to protect your organization from legal risks but also enables you to contribute more effectively to strategic decision-making processes. Ultimately, a certificate in business law empowers you with a unique and highly sought-after skillset, enhancing your professional value and career advancement opportunities.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Work Activities
Prepare detailed reports on audit findings. Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities. Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $52,780
- Mid Level: $81,680
- Senior Level: $141,420
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
- Budget Analysts
- Financial Examiners
- Tax Preparers
- Treasurers and Controllers
Job Sectors
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
Work Activities
Prepare and review operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Set goals and deadlines for the department. Acquire, distribute and store supplies.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $64,740
- Mid Level: $108,390
- Senior Level: $200,010
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.2%
Related Careers
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Facilities Managers
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- General and Operations Managers
- Project Management Specialists
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
Work Activities
Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms. Send samples of clients' work and other promotional material to potential employers to obtain auditions, sponsorships, or endorsement deals. Keep informed of industry trends and deals.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $48,530
- Mid Level: $96,310
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
9.2%
Related Careers
- Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Advertising Sales Agents
- Public Relations Specialists
- Talent Directors
- Writers and Authors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Fine Arts
What They Do
Develop, maintain, or implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, business impact analyses, strategy selection, and documentation of business continuity and disaster recovery procedures. Plan, conduct, and debrief regular mock-disaster exercises to test the adequacy of existing plans and strategies, updating procedures and plans regularly. Act as a coordinator for continuity efforts after a disruption event.
Work Activities
Develop emergency management plans for recovery decision making and communications, continuity of critical departmental processes, or temporary shut-down of non-critical departments to ensure continuity of operation and governance. Test documented disaster recovery strategies and plans. Develop disaster recovery plans for physical locations with critical assets, such as data centers.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $46,230
- Mid Level: $81,270
- Senior Level: $147,830
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.4%
Related Careers
- Emergency Management Directors
- Financial Risk Specialists
- Information Security Engineers
- Information Technology Project Managers
- Project Management Specialists
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
Work Activities
Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies. Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements. Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $81,660
- Mid Level: $140,360
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
2.1%
Related Careers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Financial Managers
- Human Resources Managers
- Human Resources Specialists
- Labor Relations Specialists
Job Sectors
- Personnel and Human Resources
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Economics and Accounting
What They Do
Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking.
Work Activities
Analyze credit data and financial statements to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Complete loan applications, including credit analyses and summaries of loan requests, and submit to loan committees for approval. Generate financial ratios, using computer programs, to evaluate customers' financial status.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $52,930
- Mid Level: $80,970
- Senior Level: $168,840
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
-3.9%
Related Careers
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
- Credit Counselors
- Financial and Investment Analysts
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks
- Loan Officers
Job Sectors
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Law and Government
- Administrative
What They Do
Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.
Work Activities
Analyze areas of potential risk to the assets, earning capacity, or success of organizations. Analyze new legislation to determine impact on risk exposure. Conduct statistical analyses to quantify risk, using statistical analysis software or econometric models.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $62,270
- Mid Level: $106,000
- Senior Level: $182,310
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
8.4%
Related Careers
- Financial and Investment Analysts
- Financial Quantitative Analysts
- Investment Fund Managers
- Management Analysts
- Personal Financial Advisors
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Work Activities
Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems. Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes. Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $83,790
- Mid Level: $140,030
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.5%
Related Careers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Human Resources Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Training and Development Managers
Job Sectors
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
What They Do
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Work Activities
Gather and organize information on problems or procedures. Confer with personnel concerned to ensure successful functioning of newly implemented systems or procedures. Analyze data gathered and develop solutions or alternative methods of proceeding.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $59,720
- Mid Level: $101,190
- Senior Level: $174,140
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Data Scientists
- Information Technology Project Managers
- Project Management Specialists
- Training and Development Managers
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Work Activities
Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel. Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports. Plan, implement, and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $69,680
- Mid Level: $117,960
- Senior Level: $219,080
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
28.5%
Related Careers
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Social and Community Service Managers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Education and Training
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
Work Activities
Analyze training needs to develop new training programs or modify and improve existing programs. Evaluate instructor performance and the effectiveness of training programs, providing recommendations for improvement. Plan, develop, and provide training and staff development programs, using knowledge of the effectiveness of methods such as classroom training, demonstrations, on-the-job training, meetings, conferences, and workshops.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $75,810
- Mid Level: $127,090
- Senior Level: $219,990
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7.3%
Related Careers
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
- Instructional Coordinators
- Management Analysts
- Training and Development Specialists
Job Sectors
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Customer and Personal Service
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The Business Law Certificate curriculum covers key areas of business law, including corporate governance, contract law, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Taught by seasoned legal practitioners, these courses provide practical knowledge and legal expertise applicable to real-world business challenges. Each course is designed for working professionals, delivered 100% online in a seven-week asynchronous format.
The certificate courses are the same as Master in the Study of Law (MSL) courses; you’ll share a class with peers in the MSL program, connecting you with professionals across various industries. Plus, you can gain a breadth of legal knowledge by stacking 100% of your earned credit hours toward the MSL.
You must complete four courses (12 credits) from the following to earn the stackable graduate certificate.
Focuses on when promises are given legal weight, how contracts are formed, when they are and are not enforced, what their terms mean, and what remedies are available when they are breached. Discusses contract negotiation and drafting, legal planning issues, and international and comparative aspects of contract law. Emphasizes both the influence of contract law on transactions and how courts deal with contracts in legal disputes.
Analyzes the legal, ethical and policy foundations of regulatory compliance: the effort to translate statutory requirements into compliant corporate and individual behavior.
Addresses developments in civil rights law in the context of the workplace. Examines the growing body of law designed to protect against discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability and sexual orientation. Primarily focuses on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
Helps students understand the laws, regulations, and policies covering financial services compliance, including money laundering, data protection, SEC filings, and whistleblowing. Explores the fundamental elements and risks that impact financial services compliance. Provides a review of the work and ethical obligations of a financial services compliance officer, including compliance officers’ liability, expectations, risks and effectiveness. Provides a substantive review of relevant financial services regulations, including challenges on compliance officers, and provides a way forward to convert these challenges into opportunities.
Provides an introduction to the basic theories of intellectual property rights (IPRs): trademark, trade secrets, patent, copyright). The course also covers confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements; software licensing; professional service agreements; software as a service; IP contract drafting and negotiation; and third-party risk management.
Introduces the laws governing business entities. Examines the structure and characteristics of modern business organizations, particularly publicly traded and closely held business corporations. Places significant emphasis upon the nature of the corporate governance system and the fiduciary obligations of directors and officers.
Introduces U.S. federal income taxation of businesses and individuals. Covers select topics that are foundational to a broad understanding of the U.S. federal income tax system: inclusions and exclusions from gross income; deductions; credits; differences in the taxation of different types of business entities; and taxation of investments. Emphasizes an understanding of tax law concepts and research.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
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Program Faculty
In Ohio State’s Business Law Certificate program, you’ll gain first-hand knowledge from legal experts. The graduate-level courses are led by esteemed Moritz College of Law faculty and seasoned practitioners who practice their subject matters on a daily basis.
Moritz College of Law
The Ohio State University
The Michael E. Moritz College of Law is an integral part of one of the world’s great educational institutions. Founded in 1891 and consistently the top-ranked law school in Ohio, Moritz has grown into one of the nation’s preeminent public law schools. A collegial community of around 570 students and 60 full-time faculty members, Moritz is known for its rigorous academic programs, the pioneering research of its world-class faculty, a deep commitment to teaching and professional training, and the development of future leaders. The College’s more than 11,000 alumni are central to its national reputation.
Course Instructors
For contact information and faculty biographies, visit the Moritz College of Law faculty directory.
Course Instructors
For contact information and faculty biographies, visit the Moritz College of Law faculty directory.
Elizabeth Anstaett
Financial ComplianceKevin Grether
Regulatory ComplianceSarah Kaiser
Federal Income TaxMax Reisinger
ContractsKevin Tabor
Federal Income TaxMindi Wells
Employment DiscriminationTestimonials
Find out how online learning has helped Ohio State students succeed.
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“Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program.”
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program.
| Tuition Fees | Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Estimated Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $1,043.75 | $6,262.50 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $195.78 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill.
Financial Aid Resource
Financial Aid Resource
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