Online Master of Legal Studies – Tribal Self-Governance Emphasis
The online Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in tribal self-governance is an advanced legal degree for non-lawyers. This program provides you with the foundation necessary to understand and implement current laws without pursuing a full law degree. You’ll be uniquely positioned to assist tribes to advance self-governance laws and policies in the coming decades.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Earn a legal background in tribal government
Tribes are sovereign nations with inherent authority to govern and protect the health, safety and welfare of tribal citizens within tribal lands and territories. There are 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States. Every tribe seeks to exercise broader self-governance over its lands, resources, citizens and relations with other governments.
Strong tribal governments are crucial to the health and well-being of people living within tribes. Tribal governments give structure to their communities by providing the services their citizens depend on, like police departments and court systems as well as social services such as education, health care, transportation and much more.
As the number of programs across all federal agencies operated under self-governance agreements continues to expand, professionals trained in tribal self-governance are needed to implement current federal programs and advance tribal self-governance through a variety of legal and policy mechanisms.
What is a tribal government?
Tribal governments are sovereign governments that operate separately from state or federal governments. Nearly 40% of federally recognized tribes operate under self-governance agreements with the U.S. Department of the Interior, and 132 tribes have self-governance agreements with the Indian Health Service. The number of tribes that participate in self-governance opportunities in these agencies grows each year, and the number of agencies contracting with tribes to effectuate tribal self-governance continues to grow.
Will my diploma 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.”
Law classes to help you understand self-governance
You’ll take courses that emphasize all aspects of tribal self-governance, including Federal Indian Policy, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), planning for assumption of federal programs, negotiation of contracts and compacts with the Federal government, the HEARTH Act, and evolving trends in tribal self-governance. This program also provides externship opportunities with prominent tribes, federal entities and tribal consortia implementing tribal self-governance.
What job can I get in tribal government?
Self-governance jobs are one of the fastest growing fields within Indian law and policy for tribes, federal agencies and entities that intersect with tribes. As new federal programs are eligible to be contracted by tribes, there is a tremendous need at the tribal and federal level for expertise to implement such programs. The online Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in tribal self-governance will prepare you for work as senior or mid-level executives for tribes or tribal entities, tribal elected officials responsible for overseeing their tribe’s self-governance functions, and other careers that intersect with tribal self-governance.
Learn from specialists in federal and tribal law
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
Learn from specialists in federal and tribal law
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
Master of Legal Studies application 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 MLS program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation. Find more information about the FastApp process here.
Join a renowned law school
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation, providing personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students can 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.
#15
best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.
#36
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.
