Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

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.

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.

This MLS program examines the legal and regulatory structure behind the federal government’s annual contract spending, which totals hundreds of billions of dollars. Emphasis courses cover contract formation and termination, compliance, anti-corruption measures, risk management and ethical responsibilities.

Due to the complexity of this area of law and the limited number of experts, the ability to reduce legal risk and strengthen contract performance can give you a competitive edge after graduation. These skills are in demand across industries that work with federal agencies, including defense, health care, technology and construction.

The skills you’ll develop

This advanced legal degree helps you understand the law and apply it to your career without becoming a lawyer. You’ll build a foundation in legal principles, including reasoning, analysis and communication. Federal contracting law courses also build your experience in:

• Addressing cybersecurity and data protection requirements.
• Challenging contract awards and resolving disputes.
• Examining small business programs and certifications.
• Navigating cost rules and audit requirements.
• Studying the federal acquisition process.
• Understanding procurement procedures and contract types.

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.

In this program, you’ll build a deep understanding of how the Navajo legal system operates within the larger framework of tribal governance. You’ll study the structure of tribal courts, learn how Navajo fundamental law shapes decision-making and gain insight into the legal challenges facing the Navajo Nation today.

By integrating traditional Diné values with modern legal practices, you’ll be prepared to promote justice and protect the rights of Navajo citizens. With knowledge of Navajo Nation law, you’ll also be ready to play an active role in advancing access to justice. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to move confidently through court processes, advocate for your community and contribute to strengthening tribal sovereignty.

The skills you’ll develop

You gain foundational legal skills in research, analysis and communication. Coursework builds your ability to interpret laws, conduct legal research and develop critical thinking skills you can apply to various environments. With the Navajo Nation law emphasis, you’ll expand your expertise in tribal legal systems such as:

• Addressing case backlogs and improving tribal court efficiency.
• Applying Navajo Nation law to real legal issues.
• Navigating the Navajo legal system with cultural awareness.
• Protecting Navajo sovereignty and addressing critical legal needs.
• Strengthening tribal legal institutions and expanding access to justice.
• Supporting self-governance.

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. 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.

In this fully online JD program, you’ll gain the legal skills, knowledge and practical experience to drive change in your community. You’ll explore challenges and opportunities in rural and underserved areas where legal services are limited, as well as the broader impact of law on public service and public interest work.

Coursework immerses you in legal and trial advocacy, remote legal practice and courtroom procedures. You’ll also refine your critical thinking and practical legal skills while examining policy and governance. This training prepares you to expand access to justice and serve the public as a rural legal advocate, public defender, prosecuting attorney and more.

Earn your JD online from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

This program reflects a commitment to reshaping and innovating legal education. Designed to meet the demand for lawyers in rural and underserved areas, as well as in public service, this opportunity makes earning a JD more accessible than ever. With fewer geographic barriers, you can gain a top-tier legal education without relocating. This flexibility — combined with ASU Law’s consistent ranking among the top 15 public U.S. law schools by U.S. News & World Report — ensures you graduate with the knowledge and skills to excel in your legal career.

This part-time program is also built to fit your schedule while upholding quality. Whether you choose ASU’s on-campus JD or this technology-enhanced online option, you’ll learn the same curriculum from the same world-class faculty.

This program provides you with the insights and skills needed to guide organizations through current and emerging legal challenges. You’ll learn about patient privacy regulations, end-of-life care decisions, organizational risk management and health care facility compliance. Key focus areas include:

• Compliance and regulations: Understand and apply health care laws like HIPAA, billing standards and quality measures to ensure legal compliance.
• Health information management: Protect patient data and meet privacy and security requirements across health care systems.
• Medical ethics and malpractice: Navigate ethical dilemmas in patient care and reduce legal risks tied to malpractice claims.
• Patient rights and advocacy: Support patient access, informed consent and grievance processes within health care organizations.
• Policy and insurance law: Interpret health care policies and insurance regulations to guide operations and advocate for organizational needs.
• Risk and facility management: Address legal risks and oversee licensing, certification and compliance standards for health care facilities.

Designed for health care practitioners and administrators who do not intend to practice law, this program teaches you the legal frameworks that shape health care systems and the people they serve. You’ll gain specialized knowledge in health care law, strengthening your role in a growing industry. With the health care sector projected to expand significantly over the next decade, there is increasing demand for educated professionals who can translate laws and regulations that improve patient outcomes and organizational success.

What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?

While an emphasis and concentration are similar, there are key differences.

• A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours; at least nine must be upper division. The concentration appears on your ASU diploma and transcripts.
• An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major that’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared.

A legal paraprofessional performs limited legal actions without a full JD. Arizona certification is a requirement for this role, and this program fulfills the curricular requirements to take the Arizona legal paraprofessional licensure exam.

Your coursework in this program will reflect your chosen legal specialty. The limited practice areas included in this licensure are:

• Administrative law (as permitted by agencies)
• Civil law (limited jurisdiction)
• Criminal law (limited jurisdiction)
• Family law
• Juvenile law

Once licensed, you’ll be prepared to provide legal advice and assist clients in the permitted practice areas, including client representation in court.

Paralegal vs. legal paraprofessional: How the two compare

While legal paraprofessionals share specific legal roles with lawyers, paralegals act as legal assistants who support lawyers and law firms with research, administrative tasks, proofreading and other essential tasks. If you’re interested in becoming a paralegal, choosing the MLS program with an emphasis in your desired field is recommended.

What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?

While an emphasis and concentration are similar, there are key differences.

A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours; at least nine must be upper division. The concentration appears on your ASU diploma and transcripts.

An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major that’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared.

This program offers a broad overview of how companies operate in the legal landscape today. You’ll explore legal issues related to formation, contracts, compliance and more — equipping you to support organizations in strategic decision-making.

Courses cover general business topics alongside laws relevant to entrepreneurship and corporate obligations. Whether you’re interested in traditional business law or legal challenges facing startups, you can tailor your coursework to match your career goals.

A business law emphasis is valuable across industries but is especially useful if you’re pursuing roles in startups as a founder, funder or employee.

What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?

While an emphasis and concentration are similar, there are key differences.

• A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours; at least nine must be upper division. The concentration appears on your ASU diploma and transcripts.
• An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major that’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared.