MSL in Environmental and Energy Studies
Overview
Location: On-campus only
The MSL in Environmental and Energy Law Studies equips professionals with the legal and regulatory expertise needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving environmental, climate, and energy landscape. Students build a strong foundation in administrative, environmental, and energy law while exploring advanced topics such as pollution control, climate justice, sustainable development, and energy markets. Designed for non‑lawyers working in policy, compliance, sustainability, or industry, this concentration provides practical tools to interpret regulations, manage risk, and support organizational environmental and energy goals. Graduates emerge prepared to lead in roles shaped by environmental regulation, clean energy transitions, and climate policy.
How Much Does This Degree Cost?
GW Law ensures that this gold-standard education is accessible to working adults. The 24-credit program can be completed in just one to two years and is available in 100% online, on-campus, or hybrid formats.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the tuition rate is highly competitive at $2,740 per credit hour, bringing the total approximate tuition to $65,760 (plus applicable fees). This is far lower than the three-year tuition required for a JD. Need-based grants and federal loans are also available, and many students successfully utilize employer tuition assistance programs or veterans’ benefits to fund their studies.
Curriculum Highlights
| Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Courses – 10 or 11 credits | |
| Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Writing for MSL Students (6950) | 3 credits |
| Administrative Law (6400) | 3 credits |
| Environmental Law (6410) | 3 credits |
| Energy Law & Regulation (6438) | 2 or 3 credits |
| 9 Credits Required from the Following Options | |
| Air Pollution Control (6432) | 2 or 3 credits each |
| Water Pollution Control (6434) | 2 credits |
| Trade and Sustainable Development (6435) | 3 credits |
| Energy Law Seminar (6441)* | 2 credits |
| Control of Solid and Hazardous Wastes (6442) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Oil and Gas Law (6443) | 2 credits |
| Energy, Climate, & Derivatives (6447) | 2 credits |
| Selected Topics in Energy Law (6451)* | 2 credits |
| Environmental Issues in Business Transactions (6452) | 2 or 3 credits |
| International Environmental Law (6454) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Climate Change Law and Justice (6455) | 2 or 3 credits |
| Sustainable Communities Law and Policy Seminar (6457) | 2 credits |
| Atomic Energy Law (6459) | 2 credits |
| Selected Topics in Environment Law (6461)* | 2 credits |
| Environmental Law Seminar (6466)* | 2 credits |
| Human Rights and the Environment (6571) | 2 credits |
Electives – up to 5 credits permitted
*Students should consult the Supplement to the Bulletin for information on the available seminars and selected topics for each semester. For guidance on which seminars and selected topics meet the MSL requirements, students should consult with their program director. Permission of the program director is necessary for enrollment.
Admission Requirements
There are two ways to apply to the MSL program:
- Apply via LSAC
- Apply directly through GW Law
Learn More About Applying to the MSL Program