Published on November 2, 2026 by Morgan Black  
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Samford University Cumberland School of Law’s online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program has once again been named to The Princeton Review’s list of the Best Online Master of Studies in Law Programs for 2026, a national recognition highlighting high-quality legal education options for working professionals and non-lawyers seeking advanced legal knowledge.

The annual list recognizes online MSL and MLS programs that provide accessible, flexible legal education for professionals whose careers benefit from a deeper understanding of the law. According to The Princeton Review, these programs help students develop knowledge in areas such as legal analysis, contracts, regulatory compliance and other legal concepts applicable across a wide range of industries.

“This recognition reflects Cumberland School of Law’s commitment to delivering a rigorous, practical legal education that meets the needs of today’s professionals,” said Kerry McInerney, director of online graduate programs at Cumberland School of Law. “Our MSL program equips students with the legal knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to navigate increasingly complex workplace and regulatory environments.”

Designed for professionals who do not intend to practice law, Cumberland’s online MSL program offers the flexibility of online learning while providing students with instruction from experienced law faculty and exposure to financial services, higher education, healthcare and legal operations compliance.

The inclusion on The Princeton Review’s 2026 list underscores the program’s growing reputation and its value for professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of the law without pursuing a Juris Doctor degree.

Alongside the MSL, Cumberland School of Law offers a fully online Master of Laws (LLM) for lawyers seeking specialized knowledge in the same compliance-related fields. The application for the fall 2027 MSL and LLM cohorts is open until July 15, 2027.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,522 students from 46 states, Puerto Rico and 12 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.