Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs

Get program details

ASU Law is supporting tribal-driven initiatives by developing advanced degrees focused on Indian Gaming and Tribal-Self Governance for professionals who desire an advanced, concentrated curriculum in these areas. These degree programs build on ASU’s world-class Indian Legal Program and experienced faculty to offer degrees with the first of their kind focus areas and the real-world experience that employers value.

1st

Law school to offer an MLS focused on Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance

30

Total credit hours to complete the MLS degree

50+

Years of faculty experience in Indian Country

The Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs will equip professionals with a background in federal Indian law and comprehensive courses designed to help graduates seamlessly integrate into the job of their choice. Graduates may serve as senior or mid-level executives for tribes or tribal entities, tribal elected officials responsible for overseeing these aspects of their tribal operations, and other professionals with careers such as congressional staff and federal, state and local employees.

Degrees

Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

This 30-credit program is designed for professionals and can be focused in three areas: Indian Gaming, Tribal Self-Governance or Federal Indian Law. Each area allows for customization, and students may attend full or part-time, online or in-person in Washington, D.C. or Phoenix, Arizona.

Apply

Master of Laws (LLM)

This 24-credit program is designed for lawyers and law school graduates and can be focused in three areas: Indian Gaming, Tribal Self-Governance or Tribal Policy, Law and Government. Each area allows for customization, and students attend in-person in Washington, D.C. or Phoenix, Arizona.

Apply

Externships
Externships are electives that allow you to combine concepts learned in the classroom with real-world employment experiences. Examples of externships include working for Tribes, tribal enterprises, inter-tribal organizations such as the National Indian Gaming Association, and federal agencies.

 

National conferences and lectures
Each semester the ILP invites top scholars and attorneys to present contemporary legal issues in Indian country.

  • American Indian Law
  • Advanced Topics in Indian Law
  • Indian Gaming I and II
  • Tribal Self-Governance I and II
  • Civil Jurisdiction 
  • Economic Development in Indian Country
  • Contemporary Issues in Tribal Economic Development
  • Indian Law and Taxation
  • Federal Advocacy for the Tribal Client
  • Environmental Law
  • Natural Resources Law
  • Water Law
  • Tribal Energy

ICWA in Action: Protecting Children and Families

Trends in Indian Gaming Webinar Summer 2020

Herrera vs Wyoming Webinar_October 2020


Choose where you want to study

BCLS Building in Phoenix, Arizona that houses the Indian Legal Program

Phoenix, Arizona

Building in Los Angeles, California that houses the Indian Legal Program

Los Angeles, California

Building in Washington, D.C. that houses the Indian Legal Program

Washington, D.C.

Expertise

Lawrence Roberts
Lawrence Roberts
Oneida
Professor of Practice and Executive Director,
Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs

Ann Bledsoe-Downes
Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Director, Indian Gaming
and Tribal Self-Governance
Programs

Helen Burtis
Helen Burtis
Faculty Associate

Kathlene Rosier
Kate Rosier
Comanche
Executive Director, Indian Legal Program

Patty Ferguson-Bohnee
Patty Ferguson-Bohnee
Pointe-au-Chien
Faculty Director, ILP
Clinical Professor of Law

Robert Miller
Robert Miller
Eastern Shawnee
Professor of Law

Trevor Reed
Trevor Reed
Hopi
Associate Professor of Law

Frequently Asked Questions

How will earning a Master's degree help my career?

MLS: Graduates may serve as senior or mid-level executives for tribes or tribal entities, tribal elected officials, compliance officers and other professionals with careers that intersect with these areas, such as congressional staff and federal, state and local employees.
LLM: Graduates will be able to work on issues related to tribal law and federal Indian law at the professional and academic levels.

How long will it take me to graduate?

MLS: Attending full time allows you to graduate in as little as one year. The degree can also be completed on a part-time basis in order to fit with your schedule.
LLM: This degree allows you to graduate in as little as one year.

Are classes online, in-person or both?

MLS: Online classes allow the flexibility to complete this program from anywhere in the world and in-person classes are offered at our Washington DC and Phoenix campuses. You can mix and match modalities to meet your needs.
LLM: Classes are offered in-person at Washington, D.C. and Phoenix campuses. You have the option of participating in online course options offered by the law school as well.

What are the entrance requirements?

MLS: You must have a bachelor’s degree. No entrance exam (e.g. LSAT, GRE, GMAT) is required.
LLM: You must have a JD.

What do I need to apply?

MLS: Complete the online application and send your unofficial transcript from all undergraduate institutions attended and a resume that does not exceed three typed pages.
LLM: See this page for directions and to apply.

Connect with us

ilpmls@asu.edu

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