Home Law School News Drake introduces new compliance and risk management program

Drake introduces new compliance and risk management program

Drake University is now accepting applications for its new compliance and risk management program, beginning in fall 2017.

The program, offered through Drake Law School and Drake’s College of Business and Public Administration, includes a professional certificate, a Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) degree, and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree.

Professor Cathy Lesser Mansfield, who recently completed a two-year assignment as a policy analyst with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Washington, D.C., will direct the program.

According to U.S. News & World Report, compliance law is one of the fastest growing legal fields today.

“Regulatory requirements in many fields have expanded over the last couple of decades, and companies want employees who can help them comply with the complex web of legal and ethical standards,” said Jerry Anderson, dean of Drake Law School. “We developed the program in response to that need, with the goal of preparing students to handle compliance issues in a variety of industries.”

The compliance and risk management program will equip employees in fields ranging from insurance and healthcare to pharmaceuticals and agribusiness to do the following:

  • Interpret and apply regulatory requirements
  • Design programs to implement and monitor compliance with those regulatory requirements
  • Engage with government regulatory agencies
  • Ensure compliance with ethical standards and codes of conduct

“Organizations continue to have an increasing need for individuals who have specialized training in compliance and risk management,” said Cory Harris, GR’00, LW’00, executive vice president and general counsel at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “For job seekers with a deep understanding of these disciplines, the future is bright.”

Professional Certificate in Compliance and Risk Management:
The 12-credit certificate allows working professionals to gain knowledge and qualification in the field of compliance and risk management to advance their career opportunities and build their resumes.

The professional certificate can be completed in as little as one year (six credits per semester). Courses are scheduled to accommodate working professionals. Students must have received a bachelor’s degree to apply, but a JD is not required.

Learn more about the Professional Certificate in Compliance and Risk Management.

MJ in Compliance and Risk Management:
The 24-credit MJ degree is intended for those who want an understanding of the law, but do not wish to practice law. The program combines law and business courses as well as electives to provide a comprehensive overview of the field of compliance and risk management.

Required courses are scheduled to accommodate working professionals. Students must have received a bachelor’s degree to apply, but a JD is not required.

Learn more about the MJ in Compliance and Risk Management.

LLM in Compliance and Risk Management:
The 24-credit LLM degree is an internationally recognized higher academic degree and is designed for students who have already earned their JD, LLB, or comparable law degree. With a combination of law and business courses, in addition to electives, students will gain advanced knowledge in compliance and risk management to expand their practice areas.

Required courses are scheduled to accommodate working professionals.

Learn more about the LLM in Compliance and Risk Management.


For more information, contact Drake Law School’s Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 515-271-2782 or law-admit@drake.edu.