As property development becomes more complex, legal considerations are as vital as economic, social and environmental factors; Yet few professionals have specialized expertise. This program provides the legal and regulatory knowledge to navigate zoning, development and real estate transactions.
Whether you work in or plan to pursue roles in community development, real estate development or urban planning, you’ll be prepared to help projects meet legal requirements and support sustainable growth. Your expertise can also protect environmental health and drive financial efficiencies that strengthen communities.
The skills you’ll develop
This MLS introduces you to legal concepts, analysis and writing. The real estate development law emphasis builds on that knowledge to equip you to guide land use decisions, focusing on community, sustainability and compliance. You’ll gain skills in areas such as:
- Affordable housing and community development
- Explore policies, tax incentives and legal tools to support real estate development.
- Development approvals and permitting
- Understand entitlement procedures, environmental impact reviews and the permitting process to ensure compliance and project progress.
- Real estate finance and investment regulations
- Learn the legal aspects of real estate financing, including mortgages, liens and tax implications.
- Real estate transactions and contracts
- Gain insight into contracts, leases, purchase agreements and financing structures to reduce risk and ensure smooth transactions.
- Risk management and dispute resolution
- Study real estate conflicts and legal strategies to resolve issues and reduce liability.
- Zoning, variance and land use regulations
- Understand zoning laws, land use planning and the regulatory frameworks that shape property development.
What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?
A degree program’s emphasis is similar to a concentration, but there are key differences.
- A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major. It requires a minimum of 15 credit hours, with at least nine upper-division credit hours. Your concentration appears on both your ASU diploma and transcripts.
- An emphasis is a selected topic area 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.
Pursue an online Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in land use and property development law from Arizona State University. You’ll build a strong foundation in the legal framework that guides how land is used, developed and transferred. This expertise prepares you for impactful careers that ensure compliance with government regulations without a JD.
This program builds familiarity with legal thought through two core courses. You’ll then choose eight elective and emphasis courses to deepen your knowledge of land use and property development law and explore your interests.
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 MLS program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation.
Learn more about the FastApp process.
Possible outcomes from FastApp submission may include:
- Conditional admission
- A request for supplementary documents
- A request to complete the full MLS application with accompanying documents
- Denial
For the FastApp application to be considered complete, it must include:
- The complete MLS FastApp application form and the following uploaded documents:
- An unofficial transcript from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- A 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 for 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.”
Note your diploma will state the degree you earn: Master of Legal Studies. Your emphasis in land use and property development law will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.