Online Master of Legal Studies – Tribal Self-Governance Emphasis
The online Master of Legal Studies in tribal self-governance prepares you to strengthen tribal communities and improve lives. You’ll be positioned to support the services these communities depend on, such as education, health care, transportation and more.
Quick facts
Next start date: 05/19/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Learn how to assist tribes in advancing self-governance laws and policies
Strong tribal governments promote the health and well-being of people living within the communities they serve. Trained professionals in this field implement federal support programs and advance tribal self-governance through various legal and policy mechanisms.
Ideal for individuals who wish to support tribes and federal agencies, this program is the only master’s level program in the country with an in-depth curriculum covering tribal self-governance. You’ll learn to plan, negotiate and implement self-governance agreements while promoting the health and welfare of tribal communities.
What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?
While an emphasis and concentration are similar, there are key differences.
- A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours; at least nine must be upper division. The concentration appears on your ASU diploma and transcripts.
- An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major that’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared.

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.”
Please note your diploma will state the degree you earn: Master of Legal Studies. Your emphasis in tribal self-governance will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.
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 groups implementing tribal self-governance.
Jobs you’ll be prepared for
This program will prepare you for work as a senior or mid-level executive for tribes and tribal entities, elected official responsible for overseeing their tribe’s self-governance functions and other careers intersecting 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.
How to apply
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
7
specialty law programs ranked amongst the top 35 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
Top 20
best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
#45
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.