As environmental concerns continue to shape policy, industry, and global dialogue, there is an increasing need for professionals who can engage with the legal dimensions of environmental challenges. The Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Environmental Law is a compelling option for individuals who want to make a meaningful impact, without becoming practicing attorneys or putting their careers on hold. Offered by Lewis & Clark Law School, home to one of the top environmental law programs in the country, the online MSL combines academic excellence with unmatched flexibility. It’s designed for professionals across sectors who want to deepen their legal understanding of today’s most urgent environmental issues.
A Specialized Degree for a Complex Field
The Online MSL in Environmental Law equips students with a strong foundation in environmental law, tailored to professionals working in science, policy, government, nonprofit, business, and other fields where environmental considerations play a pivotal role. Through courses taught by nationally recognized faculty, students explore key legal principles and regulatory frameworks that govern environmental protection, sustainability, and climate policy. Because it’s designed for individuals without a JD, the MSL makes legal education more accessible without compromising on depth or rigor. The program offers a dynamic curriculum that covers core topics like the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, hazardous waste regulation, biodiversity protection, and international environmental treaties. Students gain a clearer understanding of how laws are developed, implemented, and enforced—skills that directly apply to real-world challenges.The Flexibility of Online Learning
One of the biggest advantages of Lewis & Clark’s online MSL is its format. Busy professionals can complete the program part-time, from anywhere in the world, without relocating or leaving their current job. Asynchronous coursework, combined with optional live sessions and interactive discussion boards, allows students to learn on their own schedule while still engaging deeply with peers, professors, and case studies. The online format doesn’t mean learning in isolation. Students are part of a vibrant academic community, with access to faculty mentorship, career services, and a global network of alumni. Whether you’re managing sustainability efforts at a corporation or crafting environmental policy at a nonprofit, the online MSL meets you where you are, professionally and geographically.Practical Applications Across Sectors
Graduates of the MSL program apply their education in a wide range of contexts—shaping sustainability strategies, managing regulatory compliance, informing public policy, and supporting conservation initiatives. The degree enhances a student’s ability to navigate complex legal environments, contribute to interdisciplinary teams, and bring an informed perspective to environmental decision-making. The MSL is particularly valuable in today’s job market, where employers increasingly seek professionals who understand both the science and the legal context of environmental work. Whether in corporate sustainability roles, advocacy organizations, or public sector agencies, MSL graduates are equipped to lead, collaborate, and innovate. At Lewis & Clark, MSL students study alongside JD candidates and benefit from the school’s nationally recognized faculty, experiential learning opportunities, and connections to the broader environmental law and policy community. The program also offers flexible learning formats, including part-time and online options, making it accessible to professionals balancing work and academic goals.Why Lewis & Clark?
Lewis & Clark Law School is consistently ranked among the top environmental law programs in the United States and with good reason. For over five decades, the school has been at the forefront of environmental legal education, building a reputation for academic excellence, policy innovation, and real-world impact. What sets Lewis & Clark apart is its combination of deep expertise and a strong sense of mission. The Environmental Law MSL draws from this legacy, offering students access to an extraordinary array of resources, faculty, and opportunities.- Expert Faculty and Thought Leadership
- Real-World Learning Opportunities
- A Global Alumni Network
- A Program Designed for Working Professionals
- Interdisciplinary Approach to Complex Challenges