Program Overview

Law and Sustainability Graduate Certificate Program

The Law and Sustainability Graduate Certificate program is designed to propel ASU Law students into legal careers related to environmental sustainability. This program recognizes law students who have successfully immersed themselves in sustainability-related law coursework during their time at the law school.

Program Description

The certificate program provides instruction and meaningful research experiences, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become influential leaders in the global sustainability movement. The program's renowned faculty research and teach in every major area of sustainability policy, including climate change, water, energy, and environmental protection. Students in the program have access to a variety of externships, research opportunities, moot court experiences, and mentorships.

At a Glance

• College/School: Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• STEM-OPT Extension Eligible: No

Degree Requirements

• Required Core (6 credit hours)
  • LAW 619 Energy Law and Policy (3)
  • LAW 631 Environmental Law (3)
  • LAW 639 Natural Resource Law (3)
  • LAW 643 Water Law (3)
• Electives (9 credit hours)
  • Culminating Experience: writing requirement and active participation in sustainability law
• Additional Curriculum Information
  • Students must select two courses from the Required Core list.
  • The academic unit maintains a list of preapproved elective coursework.
  • Students should contact the academic unit for the current list.
  • Students must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") for those courses taken to satisfy the substantive coursework requirement for the law and sustainability certificate.
  • Students also must earn a minimum grade of "B" in any approved elective course taken outside of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.
• Culminating Experience
  • Each student must write a substantial paper on a topic related to law and sustainability.
  • The paper must be at least 15 pages and written under the guidance of a member of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law faculty.
  • A sustainability-related paper written to satisfy the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law's graduate writing requirement or flexible writing requirement can fulfill this writing requirement.

Admission Requirements

• General University Admission Requirements:
  • All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants Must Fulfill the Requirements of Both the Graduate College and the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.
  • Applicants must be existing Juris Doctor or Master of Law students who are currently enrolled in coursework and in good academic standing with the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.
  • Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• Additional Application Information
  • An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
  • Further specific requirements for admission to the certificate program can be found on the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law website.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone's situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Career Opportunities

Given ASU Law's close proximity to dozens of law firms, government offices, and other legal employers in sustainability-related fields, numerous ASU Law students involved in the law and sustainability program secure legal externships each year. ASU Law students have recently participated in externships with various organizations, including government agencies and private law firms.