Master of Studies in Environmental Law
Lewis & Clark Law School’s Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law program and center is top-ranked in the United States by US News and World Report, and offers a Master of Studies in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law (MSL) for non-lawyers.
The Master of Studies in Environmental. Natural Resources, and Energy Law (MSL) graduate degree is for those who have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in learning about environmental law, but who do not wish to practice law or obtain a law degree. Potential students include federal agency employees, teachers, elected officials, journalists, and people pursuing careers in lobbying or nonprofit organizations, as well as business people who want a better understanding of environmental regulations.
Lewis & Clark’s Master’s program requires completion of 26 semester hours of credit. The program can be completed in two semesters or spread over three years. Absent unusual circumstances, we require students to take the Introduction to U.S. Environmental Law and Legal Studies course designed to help prepare students for study in a law school environment. In addition to this introductory course, the program requires students to take Administrative Law and Environmental Law. MSL students completing the degree on campus can choose from a wide variety of environmental law courses for the remainder of the credits. To apply for the on campus MSL program click the button below:
Apply Now for the In Person Program
LSAT and GRE testing is NOT REQUIRED to apply.
To learn more about the distance learning MSL program or to apply visit the online MSL webpage.
We admit students on a rolling basis and encourage applicants to file earlier in order to process financial aid and select courses before the start of fall term.
Please note that MSL students are graded on a Credit/No-Credit or Honors basis. Credits in the MSL program do not transfer to a JD program.
Tuition Awards Available
If you are applying for the MSL program (online or in-person) and would like to be considered for a partial tuition award or scholarship, please send an email to elaw@lclark.edu.
Federal Financial Aid
If you intend to apply for federal financial aid, please do not wait to be admitted or registered to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) form (fafsa.gov) as financial aid decisions may take some time to process. Instructions and more information can be found here.
Program Reflections from Recent MSL Graduates:
Where Our Alumni Are Now:
Sami Godlove ’23 is a Field Associate at Oregon Wild.
Kimberly Kosa ’17 is the Development Director at Wild Salmon Center in Portland, Oregon.
Morgan Gratz-Weiser ’16 is the Legislative Director of the Oregon Environmental Council (OEC).
Licia Sahagun ’17 is Executive Director of Wild Whatcom in Bellingham, Washington.
Haley (Blake) Lutz ’15 is the Executive Director at the Coos Watershed Association. Prior to that, she served as a coordinator with the Nestucca, Neskowin & Sand Lake Watersheds Council on the Oregon coast.
We look forward to hearing from interested applicants. For more information please contact the Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law Program, at elaw@lclark.edu.