Putting Core Values in Practice
With a strong focus on ethics and compliance, our interdisciplinary law and business program is one of only a few such programs in the country. From an undergraduate concentration in Law and Compliance to specialized graduate courses, the Department of Ethics and Business Law teaches St. Thomas students to consider how the legal and ethical complexities of the business environment necessarily impact business decision making. Each Opus College of Business student—regardless of their concentration—is required to take one course concerning the legal environment in which businesses operate as well as one course in business ethics. These courses help prepare students to navigate the legal rules and professional responsibilities at all levels of organizations and to use that knowledge to manage risk, create value and become a principled leader.
In response to today’s global marketplace, our faculty is dedicated to exposing students to the international aspects of ethics and business law – a world that operates with different rules. Our undergraduate and MBA international business law classes require students to put those rules into practice by negotiating and drafting international agreements. Students have negotiated these agreements face to face and virtually with students in other countries. In addition, our study abroad opportunities provide unique insight into the global application of legal and compliance practices.
Learn more about our ethics and business law programs, resources and faculty. Have questions? Please contact us.
Undergraduate Students: (651) 962-5544
Graduate Students: (651) 962-4200
St. Thomas undergrads interested in business law may pursue a Law and Compliance concentration, which provides an excellent introduction into the regulatory and compliance aspects of business. Graduate students concerned with how to influence corporate responsibility can earn an MSL or LLM in Organizational Ethics and Compliance, a program offered in partnership with the St. Thomas School of Law.
We also offer a variety of business law and ethics courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels that provide more in-depth content to those interested in this specialized area of business or provide more detail for those focusing on other areas such as international business, operations and supply chain or data analytics. Faculty within the department regularly work with undergraduate and graduate students on guided research in areas of law related to their career interests. Several undergraduates have distinguished themselves competing in regional or national student paper competitions.
Explore Ethics and Business Law Degrees and Concentrations
Undergraduate concentrations:
Graduate programs:
St. Thomas undergrads interested in business law may pursue a Law and Compliance concentration, which provides an excellent introduction into the regulatory and compliance aspects of business. Graduate students concerned with how to influence corporate responsibility can earn an MSL or LLM in Organizational Ethics and Compliance, a program offered in partnership with the St. Thomas School of Law.
We also offer a variety of business law and ethics courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels that provide more in-depth content to those interested in this specialized area of business or provide more detail for those focusing on other areas such as international business, operations and supply chain or data analytics. Faculty within the department regularly work with undergraduate and graduate students on guided research in areas of law related to their career interests. Several undergraduates have distinguished themselves competing in regional or national student paper competitions.
Explore Ethics and Business Law Degrees and Concentrations
Undergraduate concentrations:
Graduate programs:
Clinical Faculty, Ethics & Business Law
Jason Skirry, PhD, has been teaching business ethics and philosophy at the University of St. Thomas since 2008. His teaching philosophy focuses on helping students clarify their own values, improve their critical thinking and successfully apply moral theory to business practice.
Adjunct Faculty, Ethics & Business Law
Susan (Stacey) Supina teaches Legal Environment of Business, International Business Law, Business Law for Accounting, Compliance Programming, and other courses. Originally an adjunct in the Master of International Management program, she is now a participating adjunct at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business.
For over a decade, Christopher Michaelson has combined full-time academic positions at the University of Pennsylvania, New York University and the University of St. Thomas with part-time business practice and community service. Michaelson's business clients have included major multinational corporations, along with government and non-governmental organizations and multilateral financial institutions. His research specialties include meaningful work, global ethics and emerging risks.
Get international insights on business law and ethics during the London Business Semester, which includes BLAW 300: Law for Business Leaders 1 as one of its three core courses. Combine theory with practice as you make London your living classroom. Site visits, excursions and weekend travel complement the topics covered in each course.
