ASU Law Talks
What is a legal master’s in land use and property development law?
Joey Dormady
Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs and New Education Initiatives
Joey Dormady leads ASU Law’s growing portfolio of master’s degree programs and is passionate about creating accessible, high-quality legal education for students from all backgrounds.
Whether you’re an engineer, urban planner or business leader, development decisions increasingly hinge on understanding law. Zoning rules, environmental mandates, permitting processes and property rights all shape what can be built and how. A master’s in land use and property development law equips professionals to navigate these complexities and make legally sound, strategic choices that drive growth and sustainability.
How does land use law shape modern development projects?
Every development — whether it’s new housing, a renewable energy site or a major infrastructure project — depends on land use law. These laws define:
- What can be built and where (zoning and variance)
- How development aligns with environmental and community goals
- The approval and permitting processes that move projects forward
At the ABA-accredited Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, students in the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program with an emphasis in Land Use and Property Development Law build fluency in these areas. The curriculum emphasizes zoning, land entitlement, construction law, housing policy and environmental compliance — key tools for leading successful projects in today’s regulatory environment.
Why is this degree valuable for professionals pivoting careers?
Many professionals in construction, planning or real estate reach a point where advancing their careers requires understanding the legal side of development. The MLS in Land Use and Property Development Law is built precisely for that purpose.
Here’s how it delivers ROI for mid-career professionals:
- No JD required: Gain practical legal literacy without the time or cost of law school
- Flexible format: Complete the 30-credit degree online while working full time
- Applicable skills: Learn to interpret zoning codes, draft development agreements and engage with policymakers
- Career mobility: Strengthen your credentials for leadership roles in real estate, government or sustainability sectors
- Professional credibility: ASU Law’s national reputation and ABA accreditation enhance your résumé and impact
What career opportunities can this program unlock?
As cities and states respond to housing shortages, infrastructure expansion and climate goals, demand for legally informed development leaders continues to rise. ASU Law’s MLS graduates find opportunities in roles such as:
- Real estate development manager or investment advisor
- Urban or regional planner
- Environmental compliance officer
- Land use or zoning consultant
- Public-private partnership specialist
These professionals bridge the gap between vision and regulation — helping organizations meet deadlines, secure approvals and ensure sustainable growth.
Why choose ASU Law for your legal studies degree?
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is ranked among the nation’s top public law schools and offers unmatched flexibility through ASU Online. You’ll learn from faculty with decades of combined experience in land use, environmental policy and real estate development.
What sets ASU Law apart:
- Top-ranked law school with a proven record of excellence and innovation
- Faculty experts with more than 300 years of combined industry experience
- Coursework tailored to real-world development challenges
- FastApp admissions process—no test required
- A diploma that simply reads “Arizona State University”—not “online”
If you’re ready to lead development projects that shape communities and create long-term value, the Master of Legal Studies in Land Use and Property Development Law at ASU Law provides the foundation to do it—confidently, strategically and ethically.