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.

Request more information about the on-campus MSL

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.

Applications for Fall 2024 are due May 1st, 2024, but we admit on a rolling basis and encourage applicants to file earlier to process financial aid and select courses before the start of the fall term.

Tuition and Fee Information

Tuition for the on-campus MSL program for the 2024-25 academic year is $2181 per credit, or $56,706 for 26 credits. *The actual cost in any semester depends on the number of credits a student takes. In addition, a fee of $1943.50/semester for health insurance should be calculated into academic expenses, along with a book allowance of about $800 per semester. Students should also anticipate a budget of $10,000 for living expenses per semester. All tuition and fees are subject to change on an annual basis. Federal financial aid (in the form of loans) is available to qualified U.S. students.

International students are encouraged to explore funding options with their governments or private foundations. A limited number of tuition awards are available to outstanding U.S. and international students based on merit and need.

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:

Zahra Ahmad ’22 (online)

Legislation Assistant Earthjustice

Beatrice O’Connor ’22

Legislative Aide for Representative Alex Valdez in the Colorado House of Representatives

Garret Visser ’16

Conservation Program Coordinator for Idaho Wildlife Federation

Ellen Gilmer ’14

Immigration Reporter for Bloomberg News

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.