ASU Law announces three new emphasis areas in its Master of Legal Studies program to meet demands in Navajo Nation law, federal contracting and land use and property development

In alignment with its mission to deliver legal education that meets the needs of evolving industries and underserved communities, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is launching three new online emphasis areas within its Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree program, which is offered online and on campus. 

The new emphases — Federal Contracting Law, Land Use and Property Development Law and Navajo Nation Law — equip non-lawyer professionals with in-demand legal knowledge in areas that shape public policy, economic development and Tribal sovereignty. These emphases provide new opportunities for students to customize their MLS experience and gain practical legal skills to advance their careers and make meaningful impact.

“These emphasis areas reflect ASU Law’s commitment to expanding access to legal knowledge and meeting the demand for legal expertise outside of the traditional JD pathway,” said Robert "Joey" Dormady, the assistant dean of graduate programs and new education initiatives at ASU Law. “We’re proud to collaborate with industry experts and Tribal partners to build programs that meet real-world needs.”

Navajo Nation Law is being developed in partnership with Diné College and is scheduled to launch in Fall 2025, while Federal Contracting Law and Land Use and Property Development Law will be available starting Spring 2026. 

ASU Law is No. 1 in the nation for the most legal master’s graduates from 2019 to 2023, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. ASU’s recent Gold rating in the inaugural Times Higher Education Online Learning Ranking 2024 — one of only 11 universities globally to receive this highest distinction — underscores its leadership in digital education and innovation.

Navajo Nation Law

In collaboration with Diné College, the Navajo Nation Law emphasis will provide a specialized curriculum focused on the laws, governance systems and legal challenges unique to the Navajo Nation. Scheduled to launch in Fall 2025, this emphasis aligns with ASU Law’s broader commitment to Tribal sovereignty and Indigenous justice, with particular focus on serving the Navajo Nation.

Open to all MLS students, the emphasis is especially designed for citizens of the Navajo Nation and those working with or within Navajo communities. Through this program, students will gain a foundational understanding of Navajo Nation legal principles and practices, equipping them to support their communities and contribute to the strength and resilience of Navajo governance.

Federal Contracting Law

With the U.S. government spending hundreds of billions annually on federal contracts, there is a growing need for professionals who understand the complex legal frameworks behind procurement, compliance and contract performance. The Federal Contracting Law emphasis will provide non-lawyer professionals with a robust understanding of how to work effectively with government agencies, manage risk and ensure compliance with regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

This emphasis is ideal for professionals in business development, procurement, government, health care, compliance, defense and consulting — sectors where understanding the legal side of government contracts can directly improve outcomes and competitiveness.

Land Use and Property Development Law 

Real estate development plays a major role in economic growth, community wellbeing and environmental sustainability. This emphasis will prepare professionals to navigate the complex legal landscape of zoning, property rights, permitting and development regulation.

Students in this emphasis will gain knowledge essential for urban planning, construction, affordable housing, environmental compliance and public-private partnerships, which will equip them to guide responsible, legally sound development projects.

As communities across the country grapple with housing shortages, sustainability mandates and infrastructure demands, this emphasis addresses a clear need for professionals who can blend legal literacy with technical and strategic expertise.

These new emphases continue ASU Law’s strategic expansion of its non-JD programs and build on its nationally recognized reputation for innovation and excellence. The MLS program is designed for working professionals across industries who want to better understand the law without becoming practicing attorneys. With customizable options and online delivery, students can tailor their education to their interests and goals while continuing to work full time.

To learn more about the Master of Legal Studies program, visit asu.law/mls. 

Written by Kourtney Kelley