Special advisor to the president on American Indian Initiatives Jacob Moore speaks at convocation.

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.

Also, you'll develop an informed approach to using technology like artificial intelligence responsibly. Kimberly Holst, professor at Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, says: "Your value will be in your ability to think and analyze. You won't be handing that role over to AI."

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/20/2026


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

A silhouetted person standing on a mountain faces the sun while doing the forks-up sign with their hand.

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Tribal Self-Governance (MLS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

* Indicates a required field

* Have you served in the U.S. military or are you a military dependent?

Learn how to assist tribes in advancing self-governance laws and policies

ASU graduates in maroon caps and gowns holding diplomas outdoors.

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.


ASU collaborates with the patent and trade office with a focus on American Indian issues.

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.

A person stands against a starry background, wearing a navy blue top and gray pants.

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.

A person stands against a starry background, wearing a navy blue top and gray pants.

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.

ASU building with a train in the foreground stating #1 in the U.S. for innovation

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 among 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

Two people, one in an ASU maroon graduation cap and gown with a flower lei, standing outdoors near palm trees.

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.

Two people, one in an ASU maroon graduation cap and gown with a flower lei, standing outdoors near palm trees.

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.

You might also be interested in

Construction Law (MLS)

Graduate

Construction Law (MLS)


Starts 08/20/2026

Learn more
Contract Management (MLS)

Graduate

Contract Management (MLS)


Starts 08/20/2026

Learn more
Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL)

Graduate

Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL)


Starts 08/20/2026

Learn more
Indian Gaming (MLS)

Graduate

Indian Gaming (MLS)


Starts 08/20/2026

Learn more