University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Global Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law
Denver, USA
MLS
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 2,113 / per credit
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
The Master of Legal Studies in Global Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law is open to applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree (non-law). This field has never been more critical, bringing together complex legal, business, and policy-making decisions.
The MLS in Global Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law provides a world-leading course of graduate study and experience for students seeking a greater understanding of these issues, and their associated challenges and opportunities. Students can immerse themselves in classes on mining natural resources, energy law, and related fields, studying alongside law students.
- Courses in mining law, natural resources law, energy law, water law, and sustainability;
- Experiential education;
- Access to classes at the Colorado School of Mines, the Daniels College of Business, and the Korbel School of International Studies.
Rankings
- #21 ranked program in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
- #6 greenest law school (The National Jurist)
- A+ practical training (pewLaw Magazine)
Global Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law MLS candidates are required to complete 24 credits. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.7 to remain in good standing.
A full-time student may earn the degree in one academic year (or over 2 consecutive semesters); a part-time student may earn the degree in 2 years. The program time limit is 3 years from the time of matriculation.
Required Courses
All students entering the program are required to complete either:
- Environmental Law (L4220) or
- Natural Resources Law (L4450).
All MLS students must also complete Introduction to the American Legal System (L4064).
The remaining elective credits can be completed by choosing courses from the over forty courses in advanced degree programs in both international and domestic issues. For the remaining elective course requirement, students will customize their course of study to meet their individual professional goals.
Capstone requirement
Students must complete a Capstone requirement by submitting a written product of at least 15-25 pages on an appropriate legal subject and with a significant legal research component, approved by the Associate Dean of Graduate and International Legal Programs (either through an elective course or by registering for a Directed Research project). Students must submit an approved Capstone Completion form to the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day of the final examination period for the student's term of intended graduation.
External Courses
While working in the advanced degree program, you may extend your academic credentials by taking additional credited courses offered outside the College of Law.
Global Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Program students may take up to six credit hours at the following:
- University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies
- Daniels College of Business
- Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.
LLM, MLS, and JD students may also participate in one of our inter-university exchanges.