Tulane Law School offers online master’s degree

Tulane Law School ventured into the world of online-only legal education in 2016, offering a master’s degree in labor and employment law to meet the needs of human resources professionals facing increasingly complex regulations.

The Master of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law gives students high-quality legal education with the flexibility to study from anywhere around the globe.

Joel Friedman, a 40-year Tulane law faculty veteran who writes the major casebook that law schools use to teach employment discrimination law, leads the program.

He said it will “equip non-lawyers with the tools to understand and act upon current and future employment law.”

Tulane Law School dean David Meyer said the program meets a growing need: “Organization leaders and human resource professionals now require basic understanding in the legal architecture that frames every decision to hire, train, promote or discipline an employee. This program will provide that understanding in a format that enables professionals at all career stages to benefit.”

The 30-credit-hour master’s degree can be completed online in two years. The curriculum incorporates a comprehensive blend of learning tools: students can complete readings and listen to recorded lectures at a pace convenient to their schedules, while live virtual sessions allow for regular interaction and discussion. Everspring manages the online platform.

The first class started in May 2016 with 14 students from across the United States, ranging from new college graduates to professionals with 30 years of experience. A group of 33 students started in September.

The application deadline is Dec. 15 for the semester that begins Jan. 11, 2017.

Amanda Haddaway, managing director of HR Answerbox, said she enrolled because of the shift in emphasis she’s witnessed during her 17 years in human resources — and to enhance her expertise after starting her own firm.

“My clients ask me questions on a daily basis that require me to have a thorough understanding of the law,” she said. “This program will allow me to be even more valuable to my current and future clients. I’ve been looking for a program like this for a few years. I’m glad I finally found it.”