Business Law Program

Section Navigation Toggle

Compliance and Ethics Certificate

BUILD CUTTING EDGE  SKILLS TO SUCCEED in the dynamic and rapidly growing  BUSINESS LAW COMPLIANCE market by taking a deep dive into corporate or financial services compliance laws and regulations, compliance strategies, and skills-based training  

Covering one of the fastest growing areas of business law, the Compliance and Ethics Certificate enables students with a special interest in business law to earn a certificate that provides a core competency and a deeper understanding of compliance laws and regulations. Students learn how to adopt and implement successful corporate compliance strategies as they acquire knowledge and skills in the legal, regulatory, and ethical framework undergirding compliance.  

Compliance, especially now, is a critical component of how companies, organizations, and institutions function. Due to the ever increasing complexity of laws and regulations, increased liability, and ethics concerns, compliance expertise is increasingly sought by law firms, corporations, and government agencies, as well as public interest, charitable, and other organizations. The Compliance and Ethics Certificate provides skills that are an integral part of business law practice, giving you a leg up on your career path.

The certificate offers you the opportunity to choose from two tracks in dynamic areas of business law. You can focus on the curriculum best suited to your interests and career goals: the Corporate Compliance Certificate or the Financial Institutions Compliance Certificate. Learn more about the CEC program HERE.

business law program logo
 

Corporate Compliance Certificate

This certificate provides you with a core competency and deeper understanding of corporate compliance laws and regulations, focusing on the relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical framework. You will also learn about compliance programs and strategies and will receive skills-based training. 

Financial Institutions Compliance Certificate

This certificate provides you with a core competency and deeper understanding of financial institutions compliance laws and regulations, focusing on the relevant legal, regulatory and ethical framework, including the regulation of financial institutions, risk management, special corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations. You will also learn about compliance programs and strategies and will receive skills-based training. 

Certificate Requirements

To earn either certificate, students must complete a total of 18 credits within the designated curriculum. All students must complete two core courses: Business Associations and Business Law: Compliance and Ethics.

Both the Corporate Compliance and Financial Institutions Compliance tracks offer you a  choice of electives, clinics, and externships focused on these dynamic compliance areas.

Compliance and Ethics Certificate Courses:

2 Required Courses

Choose 1 Compliance Specialization:

 (1) Corporate Compliance

(2) Financial Institutions and Compliance

How to Apply

The certificate program is open to all J.D. and LL.M. students in good standing.

If you are a JD or LL.M. student and wish to apply to the CEC program, please email blpinfo@wcl.american.edu with the completed application form. After your application is processed, we will be in touch with next steps.

For any questions about the certificate program, contact Professor V. Gerard Comizio, Associate Director of Business Law Programs at (202) 294-4915 or comizio@wcl.american.edu.