This program explores how legal principles shape the planning, development and execution of construction projects. You’ll explore construction law from the perspectives of project managers, contractors, architects and owners.
Coursework covers general Master of Legal Studies topics with electives focused on construction contracts, contractor and subcontractor relationships, site conditions and environmental considerations. You’ll also study regulations governing permits, safety, compliance and sustainability in construction.
An understanding of the legal landscape will allow you to manage risk, avoid disputes and ensure projects run smoothly from contract to completion.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
In this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Address payment issues, project delays and tort liability.
- Fulfill professional responsibilities, including ethical conduct and insurance requirements.
- Manage construction contracts and legal agreements.
- Navigate zoning, permitting, safety and environmental regulations.
- Resolve disputes through mediation, arbitration or litigation.
This program is ideal for professionals in construction, architecture, real estate and city planning who want to better understand legal requirements and protect their interests.
What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?
A degree emphasis is similar to a concentration, but there are key differences.
- A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major. A concentration requires a minimum of 15 credit hours of which at least nine credit hours must be upper division. Your concentration appears on both your ASU diploma and your transcripts.
- An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major. It’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared. The emphasis will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.
Arizona State University’s online Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in construction law introduces you to the legal foundations of the construction industry. You’ll gain practical knowledge of contracts, regulations, site conditions and sustainability issues, all tailored for non-lawyer professionals.
This program starts with an introduction to U.S. law, then moves into key legal topics relevant to the construction industry. Featured courses include:
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.
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.
in Arizona for bar passage
specialty law programs ranked amongst the top 35 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
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 Master of Legal Studies program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation. Find more information about the FastApp process here.
Possible outcomes from FastApp submission may include:
- Conditional admission.
- A request for supplementary documents.
- A request to complete the full Master of Legal Studies application with accompanying documents.
- Denial.
For the FastApp application to be considered complete, it must include:
- The complete Master of Legal Studies FastApp application form and the following uploaded documents:
- An unofficial transcript from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
- Resume that does not exceed three typed pages.
If a decision cannot be made from a FastApp, our admissions team may request additional information from an applicant, including any or all of the following:
- Writing sample.
- Explanations to affirmative answers to any conduct questions.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts from all institutions attended, including the transcript showing a bachelor's degree was conferred.
A minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of an applicant’s bachelor's program is preferred. Prospective students may earn admission with a cumulative GPA below 3.00 if the other assets included in the application package are strong, such as but not limited to:
- A personal statement that addresses a low GPA or inconsistent academic performance.
- Improved academic performance in subsequent degrees.
- Significant work history since completing a bachelor’s degree.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application.
- Official* transcripts.
- CV or resume.
*Transcripts can be unofficial through the FastApp process. Official transcripts reflecting degree conferral(s) will be required if an applicant is admitted.
If English isn’t your native language and you haven’t completed a bachelor’s degree or higher at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., you must provide evidence of English proficiency.
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 construction law will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.