Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Business Law and the Legal Environment Specialization

Business Law and the Legal Environment Specialization

Business Law And Workplace Compliance.

Apply Business Law To Contracts, Employment, And Regulatory Compliance

Instructor: Pearson

Included with Learn more

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8 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

8 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Analyze U.S. business law to evaluate risks, responsibilities, and compliance across transactions, employment, and regulation.
Apply core legal principles to interpret contracts, torts/crimes, IP, property, agency, and organizational choices in business.
Evaluate ethical duties and the impact of government and international law on business decisions in a global context.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

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Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Pearson

Specialization - 8 course series

This Specialization provides a comprehensive introduction to business law, focusing on how legal principles apply to contracts, employment, agency, property, and organizational structures. Learners will develop the ability to analyze the legal and regulatory environment, evaluate ethical and social responsibilities, and assess the impact of domestic and international law on business operations. Through these competencies, learners will be prepared to apply legal concepts to real-world business decisions and workplace scenarios.

Applied Learning Project

This Specialization incorporates a range of interactive learning activities and assignments that actively engage learners throughout the experience. These elements are intended to promote consistent participation while providing meaningful opportunities to apply, practice, and refine essential concepts and skills.

Legal Environment of Business

Course 1, 4 hours

What you'll learn

Analyze the U.S. legal system, from its foundational sources of law to the processes for resolving civil disputes.
Explain the constitutional basis for regulating commerce and its application to electronic business.

Torts, Crimes, and Intellectual Property

Course 2, 4 hours

What you'll learn

Evaluate potential civil and criminal liabilities in business, from intentional torts and negligence to various business and cybercrimes.
Analyze the legal protections and strategies for securing intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.

Contract Law Principles and Negotiable Instruments

Course 3, 4 hours

What you'll learn

Apply the foundational principles of contract law, from formation and classification to available remedies for breach.
Assess how the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) governs commercial transactions, including sales contracts and negotiable instruments.

Agency, Employment, and Labor Law

Course 4, 4 hours

What you'll learn

Analyze the legal framework of agency, including the formation, duties, and liabilities inherent in principal-agent relationships.
Evaluate key U.S. employment and labor laws, from worker protection and equal opportunity to collective bargaining.

Business Organizations and Ethics

Course 5, 2 hours

What you'll learn

Evaluate the primary forms of U.S. business organization to determine their legal, financial, and operational advantages.
Analyze the relationship between legal compliance, ethical decision-making, and theories of corporate social responsibility.

Government Regulation

Course 6, 4 hours

What you'll learn

Explain the role and power of administrative agencies in regulating U.S. business.
Evaluate federal laws designed to protect consumers, the environment, and fair competition.

Personal and Real Property Laws

Course 7, 3 hours

What you'll learn

Analyze the legal principles for acquiring, owning, and transferring personal and real property, including bailments and concurrent ownership.

International Law and Global Business

Course 8, 2 hours

What you'll learn

Analyze the legal framework governing international business, from U.S. constitutional authority to global dispute resolution mechanisms.

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Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Pearson

80 Courses110 learners

Offered by

Pearson

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Frequently asked questions

This introductory specialization is designed for learners at all levels and does not require any prior background knowledge.

Yes, it is recommended that learners complete the courses in sequence, as each course is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills developed in the previous one. This structured progression ensures a deeper and more cohesive understanding of key concepts throughout the specialization.

Completing the Specialization may qualify you to earn university credit, depending on the institution’s credit policies and requirements. Learners are encouraged to check with their college or university to confirm whether the Specialization is eligible for credit transfer, prior learning assessment, or other credit-bearing opportunities.

Upon completing this Specialization, learners will be able to analyze the legal environment of business and apply key legal principles to contracts, employment, agency relationships, property, and organizational structures. Learners will also be able to evaluate regulatory, ethical, and international legal considerations to make informed decisions that reduce risk and support compliant, responsible business operations.