The ability to navigate complex environmental regulations and contribute to sustainable solutions has never been more valuable. For professionals working in fields such as policy development, compliance, natural resources management, and sustainability, an Environmental Law Degree offers the knowledge base and analytical skills to engage with these pressing issues effectively.
The Lewis & Clark Environmental Law Program, recognized among the nation’s leaders in environmental, natural resources, and energy law, provides a specialized pathway for non-lawyers through its Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Environmental Law. This graduate degree is designed to equip professionals with a sophisticated understanding of environmental legal frameworks without requiring them to practice as an attorney, as evidenced by a few key factors.
Versatility, Accessibility, and Focus in an Environmental Law Program
Versatility is one of the most significant benefits of this particular environmental law degree. The MSL program at Lewis & Clark is not intended solely for those who aspire to work in litigation but serves individuals across multiple sectors. Graduates have pursued roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, private corporations, and international organizations. By focusing on the legal and regulatory dimensions of environmental work, the MSL empowers professionals to influence decision-making processes, shape sustainable practices, and engage effectively with legal experts.
The environmental law school admissions process for the MSL at Lewis & Clark is intentionally designed to be accessible to a diverse pool of applicants. Candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, submit official transcripts, provide a résumé detailing relevant professional or volunteer experience, and write a statement of purpose that articulates both their career objectives and interest in environmental law. The MSL program does not require the LSAT, distinguishing it from JD admissions and making it more attainable for mid-career professionals or those transitioning from other disciplines.
Top-Ranked Environmental Law Program
Lewis & Clark consistently ranks among the top environmental law programs in the United States, a recognition rooted in its extensive course offerings, renowned faculty, and commitment to experiential learning. The law school’s environmental law curriculum provides opportunities to work on real environmental cases where students contribute to global conservation efforts. The Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law Program also hosts events and symposia that connect students with leading scholars and practitioners. These resources elevate the academic experience, allowing students to move beyond theoretical knowledge and apply what they learn to real-world scenarios. For those considering how an institution’s standing in environmental law rankings impacts career prospects, Lewis & Clark’s national reputation can serve as a meaningful differentiator.
The MSL in Environmental Law offers one of the most comprehensive environmental law curricula available. Topics span a broad range, including climate change and renewable energy law, water law and natural resources management, environmental justice and equity, wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation, and international environmental agreements and treaties. This diversity of subject matter reflects the evolving complexity of environmental governance and ensures that graduates are well prepared to address multifaceted challenges. By integrating legal analysis, policy evaluation, and practical problem-solving, the program develops skills that are immediately applicable in professional settings.
Format and Flexibility
Lewis & Clark offers the MSL in a fully online format, enabling students to earn their Environmental Law Degree from anywhere in the world. Courses are delivered through interactive platforms that combine optional live class sessions, asynchronous materials, and opportunities for direct engagement with faculty and peers. This flexibility is particularly valuable for working professionals, allowing them to integrate graduate-level study into their existing careers without relocation or career disruption. The online environment also fosters a diverse learning community, with students bringing perspectives from different geographic regions and professional sectors.
Pursuing an Environmental Law Degree is not only a career decision but also a commitment to engaging with some of the most urgent challenges of our time. For professionals who aspire to drive change, legal literacy in environmental matters is an invaluable asset. Lewis & Clark’s program emphasizes both the immediate and long-term impact of environmental law, encouraging graduates to think strategically about how their work can shape a more sustainable and equitable future. Additionally, graduates often report that the MSL expanded their career opportunities, increased their earning potential, and enhanced their ability to influence environmental policy—factors that can outweigh initial expenses over the long term.
For those ready to deepen their expertise and make a meaningful contribution to environmental governance, Lewis & Clark’s MSL in Environmental Law provides both the foundation and the opportunities to succeed.
