Breaking Down the MSL and LLM at Lewis & Clark

The MSL program is the Master of Studies in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law. It is designed for professionals or recent graduates who are looking for exposure to environmental laws and regulations and how they’re structured, and who would benefit from having deeper knowledge in their work. Lewis & Clark works with scientists, regulators, and people who deal with laws and regulations but don’t necessarily want to be practicing attorneys or need a full law degree in their careers.

The LLM is for students or professionals who have, or are about to earn, a JD (Juris Doctor) or an LLB, the equivalent law degree for many international students. Maybe as a law student you didn’t have the opportunity to take environmental law classes, or perhaps you’re already in the legal field but want to transition into environmental, natural resources, or energy law. The LLM provides exposure to those laws and regulations to help make that transition.

The Online Format and Learning Experience

The online format offers a great deal of flexibility and is designed to fit into your schedule while recognizing that you’re busy professionals with many other responsibilities. Most of the classes in both the online MSL and the LLM at Lewis & Clark are asynchronous, which means you can watch the recordings, complete discussion posts, and take quizzes on your own schedule. While there are deadlines throughout the semester, you can complete the work at any time during that period. Zoom office hours are also scheduled. 

During the program, you’ll have access to technical support 24/7 through our online learning platform, Canvas. Help is always available if you have questions or issues accessing course materials. Lewis & Clark also incorporates a variety of interactive learning elements to make the material as engaging as possible.

Preview of Course Offerings

• Environmental Law is the core survey course and is required for all students. It provides an overview of the foundational environmental law statutes in the United States. You’ll cover NEPA (the National Environmental Policy Act), the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and laws related to hazardous waste. This course is offered every fall and is taught by Professor Craig Johnston, who also teaches the in-person section. It’s an excellent introduction to environmental law in the United States.

• Land Use Planning is one of the new online offerings this fall. The course covers issues involving private land use and the public domain, including eminent domain and zoning. Many students have been looking forward to having this course available online.

• Emerging Topics in Environmental Law is a one-credit course required for LLM students, who must complete two credits over two semesters. MSL students may also take the course, and many choose to do so. This is an exciting class because it focuses on current developments in environmental law. Since the field changes rapidly, the topics are updated every semester and include recent developments in both U.S. and international environmental law. Guest lecturers frequently participate, and students write a blog post on a topic of personal interest. It’s a great opportunity to explore an area that may not yet have a dedicated course.

• Introduction to U.S. Environmental Legal Studies is designed for MSL students and international LLM students who may not be familiar with the U.S. legal system or common law tradition. It covers the structure of the common law system, the U.S. government, environmental statutes, and administrative law. Students also learn what a typical law school exam looks like and receive an introduction to legal research and writing. Learn how to create an outline, brief a case, and understand what to expect in a U.S. law school classroom. 

In Spring 2027, courses will include Water Law, Wildlife Law, and Natural Resources Law and Science, among others. All online courses have the same academic rigor as their in-person counterparts.

Experiential learning opportunities include externships. Students can earn academic credit for work with an environmental focus at an outside organization. Placements can be with nonprofits, government agencies, or other organizations. Depending on the number of hours you complete, you can earn up to six academic credits through an externship or other approved experiential learning opportunity.

The online structure meets you where you are, whether you’re making a transition or strengthening your current career. If you have any questions about Lewis & Clark Law School’s online MSL and LLM in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law, please don’t hesitate to reach out.