We strive to be on the leading edge of education and scholarly inquiry into contemporary issues of ethics, law, business and society. Led by faculty who are respected scholars in their fields and recognized for innovative teaching techniques, we are dedicated to developing thoughtful, global business leaders with insight into their ethical values and legal responsibilities.
Navigating a Dynamic Legal Environment & Developing Ethical Instincts
With a strong focus on ethics, law, and compliance, our interdisciplinary compliance program is one of only a few such programs in the country. From an undergraduate major and minor 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. We also offer specialized courses focused on contemporary issues such as the ethics of technology and AI, meaningful work, integrative business decision-making, the law and ethics of health care, and data privacy.
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.
St. Thomas undergrads interested in working in highly regulated industries may pursue a Law and Compliance major or couple a minor with any other business major. The major and minor provide an excellent introduction into the regulatory and compliance aspects of business.
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, accounting, business communications, entrepreneurship, marketing, 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
An internship is a great way to refine the knowledge you’ve gained in class and put your new skills to work. Local organizations approach St. Thomas seeking interns, and we can help you identify the internship opportunities that best align with your professional goals. Given the flexibility and breadth of the ethics and business law program, students in the Law and Compliance Program have taken internships in a broad array of industries. Many of the recent positions have related to sourcing and compliance.
Career Placement
Organizations understand the necessity to stay current in the ever-changing regulatory environment. Increasingly they also work to enhance their reputation as good corporate citizens. Compliance is a growing field, with entry-level careers in data privacy and data analytics. Graduates with a concentration in Law and Compliance have achieved senior level compliance positions in a variety of industries, including banking and the business of health care. Recent graduates are pursuing positions in banking, health care, finance and many other industries. For a 3-year average, 94% of those seeking employment reported being employed full time.
Academic Programs and Research Opportunities
St. Thomas undergrads interested in working in highly regulated industries may pursue a Law and Compliance major or couple a minor with any other business major. The major and minor provide an excellent introduction into the regulatory and compliance aspects of business.
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, accounting, business communications, entrepreneurship, marketing, 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
An internship is a great way to refine the knowledge you’ve gained in class and put your new skills to work. Local organizations approach St. Thomas seeking interns, and we can help you identify the internship opportunities that best align with your professional goals. Given the flexibility and breadth of the ethics and business law program, students in the Law and Compliance Program have taken internships in a broad array of industries. Many of the recent positions have related to sourcing and compliance.
Career Placement
Organizations understand the necessity to stay current in the ever-changing regulatory environment. Increasingly they also work to enhance their reputation as good corporate citizens. Compliance is a growing field, with entry-level careers in data privacy and data analytics. Graduates with a concentration in Law and Compliance have achieved senior level compliance positions in a variety of industries, including banking and the business of health care. Recent graduates are pursuing positions in banking, health care, finance and many other industries. For a 3-year average, 94% of those seeking employment reported being employed full time.
Featured Faculty
Stacey Supina, JD
Assistant Professor, Ethics & Business Law
Susan (Stacey) Supina teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate compliance courses as well as numerous independent studies. She advises the Business Law & Compliance Club and is active in the London Business Semester. Prior to joining St. Thomas, Supina served as general counsel and managing director of governance, risk and compliance for a publicly traded company, where she was named one of the most respected attorneys in the nation by Thompson Reuters. She has authored articles and a textbook and currently serves as Editor in Chief of the Journal of Legal Studies Education.
Senior Member of the Clinical Faculty, Ethics & Business Law
Professor Skirry teaches undergraduate and graduate business ethics courses designed to help students clarify their own values, improve their critical thinking, and successfully apply moral theory to business practice. He has coached successful Opus business ethics competition teams. In addition to his academic research, Skirry is the founder of Philosophical Living, where he consults, leads workshops and lectures in areas of personal and professional development, ethical decision-making and meaningful work.
Professor Marsnik combines her years of business experience, legal practice, and international experience to provide undergraduates, MBAs, and executives with and integrated perspective and skills for doing business across borders. She has published comparative law and pedagogy articles, book chapters, and a textbook. In 2025, the Opus College of Business awarded her both the Julie Hays Teaching Award and the Lorman Lester Lundsten Faculty Service Award.
Business Law Club members, which include students from many disciplines, have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the interrelationship of ethics, the legal environment and business. Students are exposed to academic, career, social and service opportunities. They have successfully brought in leaders from across industries to provide a perspective on careers and the role law and ethics play in business.
London Business Semester
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.
