ASU Law offers comprehensive academic programs in Indigenous law, including JD, LLM and MLS degree opportunities with various specializations. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to advocate for Indigenous rights, support tribal governance and address critical issues in Native communities both locally and internationally.
Indigenous Futures Area of Expertise
Degree Pathways
Degrees and certificates
Juris Doctor (JD)
A JD degree is beyond just preparing individuals for legal practice and qualifying them to take the bar exam. The JD equips graduates with critical thinking, analytical reasoning and problem-solving abilities that are highly transferable across diverse careers. Whether pursuing a career in law, business, government or nonprofit sectors, JD holders bring a deep understanding of legal frameworks, ethics and negotiation skills to their roles.
An integral part of the JD curriculum is the top-ranked Legal Method and Writing Program. This program is designed to ensure practice-ready students who are well-equipped to succeed when they begin externships, summer jobs, clerkships and legal careers.
JD certificates
ASU Law certificates are specialized credentials that allow students to focus their studies in key areas. These certificates enhance JD degrees by providing in-depth expertise and recognition in specific legal fields, enhancing your career prospects in fields related to Indigenous legal issues.
Master of Laws (LLM)
An LLM degree is for legal professionals (with a JD degree or foreign equivalent) seeking specialized expertise in a specific area of law. It enhances career opportunities by deepening knowledge, expanding networks, and often facilitating entry into higher-level roles in law firms, multinational corporations, government agencies and academia.
Pursuing an LLM in areas such as Indian Gaming, Tribal Self-Governance or Tribal Policy, Law and Government at ASU Law offers advanced, specialized legal education. This degree is designed for legal professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and impact on Indigenous legal systems, governance and policy-making.
LLM Certificate: Indian Law Certificate
Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
If you want to understand legal principles and apply them to your field of interest without actually becoming a lawyer, the MLS is for you. An MLS degree from ASU Law can open new professional opportunities or simply enhance the career you already have. Graduates frequently advance in their careers, secure promotions or launch their own businesses.
Emphasis areas
Emphasis areas within the MLS program at ASU Law allow students to tailor their studies to specific career interests. These specialized tracks provide focused education and credentials that enhance career opportunities and expertise in chosen legal fields.
In-person: Indian Gaming, Tribal Self-Governance and Federal Indian Law
Online: Indian Gaming, Tribal Self-Governance and Federal Indian Law
Course offerings
First-year JD students take courses in civil procedure, contracts, torts, legal method and writing, property, constitutional law, criminal law, legal advocacy and professional responsibility.
Master’s degree and second- and third-year JD students can choose from a diverse list of course offerings that explore a range of trending and impactful subjects, such as:
- Contemporary Issues in Tribal Economic Development
- Federal Advocacy for the Tribal Court
- Indian Law and Taxation
- International Indigenous Rights
Explore past, current and future lists of course schedules and descriptions.
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Experiential pathways
ASU Law students are well-prepared for their careers the moment they earn their diplomas thanks to legal clinics, mentorship from world-class faculty and the option to customize their law school experience.
