Online Master of Legal Studies – Law and Sustainability Emphasis
This program offers a broad understanding of the U.S. legal system and how it connects with other fields. You’ll build core expertise in legal concepts, analysis and writing you can apply to your current or future roles.
When you choose this emphasis, you’ll focus on the frameworks and policies that protect the environment and promote fair business practices. The curriculum examines the regulations that drive environmental protection, social responsibility and economic sustainability.
Sustainability law careers continue to grow in corporate settings and at all levels of government. You’ll graduate prepared to help organizations gain a competitive edge and make a positive impact while meeting their economic goals. Understanding how laws and regulations affect your industry can also set you apart from your peers.
The skills you’ll develop
- Climate change solutions
- Apply mitigation and adaptation strategies, including emissions reduction and carbon trading mechanisms.
- Corporate governance
- Embed sustainability goals and accountability into leadership structures and operations.
- Environmental compliance
- Help organizations meet permit conditions, reporting obligations and regulatory standards to avoid penalties.
- Environmental impact assessment
- Incorporate sustainability considerations into project planning and decision-making to reduce environmental harm.
- Social responsibility
- Advance labor rights, human rights and transparency across global supply chains.
- Sustainable business strategies
- Design strategies that align with legal requirements and environmental best practices to position organizations as responsible and future-focused.
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.
Arizona State University’s online Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in law and sustainability prepares you to navigate complex regulations and address the challenges of balancing a growing population with the planet’s finite resources. With a strong foundation in law, you’ll graduate equipped to advance responsible business practices and drive environmental solutions across sectors.
This program includes two core courses that build foundational legal knowledge, followed by eight emphasis or elective courses. You’ll examine how law shapes climate, energy, water and environmental protection policy. Through this coursework, you’ll gain insight into legal frameworks, regulatory tools and the law’s role in advancing environmental solutions.
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 Indian gaming will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.
