When Bryan Johnson enrolled in the online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, he was already serving students on campus as director of the University Fellows and Micah Fellows.
Johnson, MSL '21, was looking for a graduate degree that would strengthen his leadership skills and help him advance professionally. Although he initially considered pursuing an MBA, the MSL concentration in higher education law and compliance offered something uniquely aligned with his career goals.
"When I saw the higher education concentration, I thought, 'That's exactly what I need,'" Johnson said. "It covered so many different areas of administrative life, and I knew it would help me become a better administrator."
In his role with the University and Micah Fellows program, he encountered issues involving student rights, compliance and university policy. He saw the MSL as an opportunity to gain legal knowledge he could immediately apply while preparing for future leadership roles.
Many of the topics covered in the program quickly proved relevant to his work. Courses focused on Title IX, privacy law, financial aid and higher education administration provided practical knowledge that helped him navigate the complex regulatory environment facing colleges and universities.
For Johnson, one of the program's most lasting impacts came from its emphasis on compliance and risk management.
"I developed a compliance-oriented mindset," Johnson said. "It helped me learn how to think through processes and understand legal implications before problems arise."
That shift in perspective has continued to shape his career.
After earning his MSL, Johnson moved into academic leadership roles before ultimately becoming executive director of Civitan International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Today, he oversees compliance efforts that span multiple states and works with outside partners to help ensure the organization meets regulatory requirements. Although his professional responsibilities have evolved, he says the lessons learned through the MSL program remain central to how he approaches leadership.
"The program taught me how to think several steps ahead and consider legal consequences that others may not immediately see," he said.
Johnson also credits the program's online format with making graduate education accessible while balancing a demanding career, allowing him the flexibility to complete the coursework around his schedule.
Beyond the practical legal knowledge he gained, Johnson says the program strengthened his ability to think strategically about leadership and decision-making. Whether evaluating policies, managing risk or developing new initiatives, he learned to consider legal and compliance implications alongside organizational goals.
For professionals considering graduate education, Johnson encourages them to seek opportunities that broaden their perspective and complement their existing expertise.
"I think developing an adjacent skill set is incredibly important," he said. "Understanding the legal and regulatory issues that affect your profession can make you a much more effective leader."
Johnson also points to his capstone project, which explored the intersection of disability and Title IX law, as an experience that continues to resonate in his current role.
"There is not enough attention given to the risks people with disabilities can face," he said. "It's something that remains important in the work I'm doing today."
Looking back, Johnson describes his experience in Cumberland's MSL as transformative, both professionally and personally.
"It was an A-plus experience," he said. "The courses were immediately applicable, the faculty were outstanding, and what I learned still impacts how I lead and make decisions today."
Now leading an international nonprofit organization, Johnson continues to draw on the legal knowledge and compliance-focused perspective he developed through the MSL, demonstrating how legal education can be a powerful asset far beyond the traditional practice of law.
Cumberland School of Law’s Master of Studies in Law is listed by the Princeton Review as one of the nation’s Best Online Master of Studies in Law Programs for 2026. Applications for the fall 2027 cohort close July 15, 2027. Learn more and apply.
