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Gaining a legal edge

Non-J.D. programs soar in interest, enrollment

Wayne State University Law School’s non-J.D. programs are reaching new heights with the launch of the minor in law and master of studies in law programs. Currently, the master of studies in law has a human resources focus; however, additional concentrations are being planned for the near future.

“I’m excited about the early success of these non-J.D. programs, which are giving students an edge that strengthens them with important skills that translate well into a variety of professions,” said Nikki Taylor-Vargo, assistant dean of non-J.D. programs.

The minor in law program has reached 320 enrolled students since its inception in winter 2020. Wayne Law is the only school in the Midwest to offer an undergraduate law program taught by law school professors.

The program partners with the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts; College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Mike Ilitch School of Business; and School of Social Work to offer students a variety of discipline-specific courses. Wayne State’s College of Engineering is set to join as a partner in winter 2023.

“Whether or not they go on to attend law school, our minor in law students come away with invaluable skills to stand out in the job market,” Taylor-Vargo added. “It’s not easy to think like a lawyer, but our programs help students develop the same logical and critical thinking tools taught in our law classrooms.”

The master of studies in law program also helps human resources professionals compete and thrive in an ever-changing industry. Nearly 40 students have enrolled in the 100% online program as of winter 2021.

The remote courses empower professionals to navigate a complex and evolving landscape of legal requirements and business needs in the human resources sphere.

Nikki Taylor-Vargo

Nikki Taylor-Vargo joined Wayne Law in October 2019 as director of non-J.D. programs, where she is responsible for implementing and managing the master of studies in law, master of laws and undergraduate minor in law programs. In winter 2021, she was promoted to assistant dean of non-J.D. programs.

Prior to joining Wayne Law, Taylor-Vargo worked for the WSU College of Engineering as the program manager for the M.S. in data science and business analytics and cyber-physical systems graduate certificate programs. She graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management, where she received her master of business administration.

Ashley Strawser

Ashley Strawser joined Wayne Law in July 2021 as a recruiter for the Wayne Law Admissions Office. In 2022, she was promoted to assistant director of non-J.D programs, where she is responsible for academic advising, marketing and administration of non-J.D. programs.

Before coming to Wayne Law, Strawser worked as an assistant public defender for the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office in Ann Arbor. She earned her J.D. from Wayne Law in May 2019.

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