MSL in Environmental Law

Lewis & Clark Law School’s Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law program and center is top-ranked in the United States by US News and World Report, and offers a Master of Studies in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law (MSL) for non-lawyers.

The Master of Studies in Environmental. Natural Resources, and Energy Law (MSL) graduate degree is for those who have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in learning about environmental law, but who do not wish to practice law or obtain a law degree. Potential students include federal agency employees, teachers, elected officials, journalists, and people pursuing careers in lobbying or nonprofit organizations, as well as business people who want a better understanding of environmental regulations. 

We provide outstanding staff support for our MSL students as well as one-on-one access with our renowned faculty members who are some of the nation’s leading scholars.

On Campus Program         Online Program

We offer Environmental Law MSL tuition awards based on merit and need. 

We consider applications on a rolling basis and accept applications throughout the year. Our MSL program staff are always happy to answer your questions. Contact us at elaw@lclark.edu or 503-768-6784.

  • Anne Thrall-Nash, MSL '24

    “I entered the program wanting to understand energy law and regulation in order to start a career in the clean energy transition. The program absolutely prepared me to do that, giving me a broad understanding of both the history and current challenges of the energy industry and policy options that are available to meet those challenges.”

    Anne Thrall-Nash
    More about Anne
  • Sami Godlove, MSL '23 (online)

    “The courses I took provided me with in-depth knowledge of environmental laws relevant to my work, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Forest Management Act.”

    Sami Godlove
    More about Sami
  • Kayla Sardarov, MSL '24

    “To make a meaningful impact in the field [of environmental policy], I realized I needed to learn the legal side of environmental issues as well. The MSL degree allowed me to bridge that gap, equipping me with the tools to advocate for sustainable practices and influence policy change.”

    Kayla Sardarov
    More about Kayla