Online Master of Legal Studies – Law and Sustainability Emphasis

Given our planet’s finite resources, shaping environmental law and policy with sustainability in mind is instrumental for supporting the needs of a growing global population. In this Arizona State University’s Master of Legal Studies program, you can pursue an emphasis in law and sustainability. With this unique background, you may be able to compete for environmental law jobs.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Law and Sustainability (MLS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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Where the law and sustainability intersect

Policy decisions and legal constructs work alongside technological innovation to facilitate a sustainable future. As you work toward your Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in law and sustainability, you’ll learn how legal guidelines can be implemented to achieve outcomes related to conservation and resource management. In this program, you’ll interact with the latest research from the field, inspiring you to imagine new possibilities for how law and policy can support sustainability goals.

Is environmental law in demand?

 

As the momentum of the sustainability movement increases, innovative legal practices will be essential for ensuring the needs of an ever-expanding population are met. Environmental law jobs are expected to grow to meet this rising demand. Upon graduation, you can consider pursuing roles with government agencies at the local, state or federal level, as well as working with energy companies or nonprofit sustainability groups.

The benefits of a Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in law and sustainability

 

Through the Master of Legal Studies’ core curriculum, you’ll build a strong foundation in key legal concepts and principles. By completing an emphasis in law and sustainability, you’ll develop insight into important topics like energy regulation and water rights.

Additionally, in this program, you’ll learn from trained lawyers known for their contributions to environmental policy. However, this program will not prepare you to become a lawyer yourself.

What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?

 

A degree program’s emphasis is similar to a concentration, but there are key differences.

  • A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major. A concentration requires a minimum of 15 credit hours of which at least nine credit hours must be upper division. Your concentration appears on both your ASU diploma and your transcripts.
  • An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major. It’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared. The emphasis will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.

Does my master's in legal studies say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Please note your diploma will state the degree you earn: Master of Legal Studies. Your emphasis in law and sustainability will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.

Environmental law master’s courses

As you pursue your MLS with an emphasis in law and sustainability, you’ll study with leading researchers and renowned faculty members who have a deep understanding of how the law impacts climate change, water, energy and environmental protection. Examples of courses in this degree program include:


Core course

U.S. Law and Legal Analysis


Elective

Energy Law and Policy


Elective

Environmental Law


Elective

Fundamentals of Contract Law


Elective

Land Use Regulation


Elective

Property


Elective

Tort Law


Elective

U.S. Constitution Law


What can you do with a master’s with an emphasis in law and sustainability?

Environmental law jobs are available in a wide range of sustainability-related fields. You can explore paths that influence future policy decisions related to construction, resource management and other sectors. Examples of potential careers in this discipline include:

Environmental law assistant

Environmental protection officer

Green buildings adviser

Waste solutions strategist

Leading faculty for a top environmental law school

The faculty members in the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law have more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. The College of Law’s world-class faculty members provide comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and address legal challenges on a global scale.

Leading faculty for a top environmental law school

The faculty members in the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law have more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. The College of Law’s world-class faculty members provide comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and address legal challenges on a global scale.

Master of Legal Studies admission requirements

Applicants to the Master of Legal Studies program must fulfill the requirements of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

U.S.-educated applicants can apply through our FastApp process, which streamlines the application process and may allow for an offer of conditional admission to the Master of Legal Studies program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation. Find more information about the FastApp process here.

FastApp process

Application requirements

Additional admission information

Imagine new possibilities for law and sustainability

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation. The college provides personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students have the opportunity to tailor their educational experiences to meet their unique interests. Our bar passage achievements and peer-reviewed U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight our dedication to preparing students for success.

#1


in Arizona for bar passage.

5


law programs ranked amongst the top 25 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#12


public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#32


best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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