This MLS program offers a broad understanding of the law, including legal concepts, analysis and writing. You’ll gain foundational insight that helps you connect legal knowledge to your current or future work with Native communities and governments.
With the central role tribes play in land management, economic development, health care and cultural preservation in the U.S., demand is growing for nonlawyer professionals who understand this legal framework. This program equips you to make ethical, effective and legally sound decisions when engaging with Native communities or in fields connected to tribal interests.
Courses build a foundation in legal principles related to economic development, gaming operations, jurisdictional authority, land rights, resource management, self-governance and tribal sovereignty. Whether you serve tribal governments, support Native-led initiatives or work across sectors, your knowledge of federal Indian law positions you to build stronger, more respectful relationships between governments.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
The curriculum prepares you to navigate the legal framework that shapes tribal, federal and state relations. You’ll learn how jurisdiction and authority are shared, where legal challenges emerge and how to support tribal sovereignty through respectful, effective engagement. You’ll build the abilities to:
- Navigate jurisdictional challenges in law enforcement, business, education and environmental regulation.
- Engage in land use, resource management and economic development aligned with tribal rights.
- Comply with federal laws affecting tribes, including the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
- Apply ethical, culturally informed practices in cross-governmental and organizational settings.
What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?
A degree program 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.
Gain expertise in the body of law that guides legal and political relationships between the U.S. and Native American tribes with an online Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in federal Indian law from Arizona State University. As a nonlawyer professional who understands the complexities of tribal law, rights and governance, you’ll be prepared to contribute meaningfully to lasting, collaborative relationships among nations.
This MLS includes two core courses that introduce the U.S. legal system and deepen your understanding of legal reasoning and how law is applied. You’ll build the rest of the program with courses in federal Indian law and other legal topics that align with your goals. Areas of study may include American Indian law, government contracts, Indian gaming, tribal self-governance and more, to provide you with the knowledge to advance your career.
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.
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 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
- 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 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 federal Indian law will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.