Online Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law
Norman, USA
MLS
DURATION
15 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 1,112 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* per credit hour for non-residents | $612.65 - for Oklahoma residents
The Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law is an online program designed for professionals seeking specialized expertise in one of law's most dynamic and consequential fields. Indigenous peoples worldwide face unique legal challenges rooted in historical injustices, treaty obligations, and ongoing sovereignty disputes. This program equips you with comprehensive knowledge of indigenous legal systems, federal and international law affecting native communities, and the practical skills to effect meaningful change.
Whether you work in tribal governance, non-profit advocacy, government agencies, or private practice, you'll explore topics including treaty interpretation, tribal sovereignty, natural resource rights, cultural preservation, and human rights protections. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with real-world case studies and contemporary policy debates.
By studying online, you maintain your current career while gaining credentials that deepen your impact. This program is ideal if you're committed to justice for indigenous peoples and want to develop specialized expertise that makes a tangible difference in tribal communities, environmental protection, and human rights.
You are a good fit if you work in or plan to enter tribal governance, indigenous advocacy, non-profit law, government policy, or academic research. You may have a background in law, social work, public policy, or indigenous studies, or come from a tribal community with lived experience of these issues.
You're motivated by social justice, want specialized expertise in indigenous rights and sovereignty, and can balance online study with professional or community commitments.
Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. OU’s dedicated financial services team will support you through every step of the funding process—so you can stay focused on your education and career goals.
For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office.
OU College of Law’s MLS in Indigenous Peoples Law program delivers a deep, practice-ready understanding of the legal frameworks that shape Native American governance, policy, and sovereignty. You will:
- Analyze foundational federal and state laws, treaties, and court decisions that define the relationship between tribal nations and the U.S. government
- Examine the legal and political structures of tribal governments and their interaction with federal and state systems
- Explore the Indian Child Welfare Act, natural resources law, water rights, and criminal jurisdiction in Indian Country
- Conduct legal research on tribal, federal, and state policies that impact Native communities and intergovernmental relations
- Evaluate the role of Indigenous law in shaping economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship
Graduates are qualified to advocate for indigenous communities, advise tribal governments on legal and sovereignty matters, work in indigenous rights non-profits, influence federal and state policy affecting native peoples, conduct research on indigenous law, and provide legal counsel on treaty rights, cultural protection, and natural resource disputes.
Tribal government attorney, indigenous rights advocate, policy analyst for federal or state agencies addressing tribal affairs, non-profit counsel focusing on indigenous communities, legal researcher, university instructor, and consultant to organizations working with native peoples on sovereignty and cultural issues.
OU Online offers a specialized Master of Legal Studies focused on indigenous peoples' law, reflecting the university's geographic and institutional proximity to tribal nations and indigenous legal scholarship. The online format allows you to study while maintaining professional commitments. The program combines rigorous legal training with focused expertise in a field where demand for knowledgeable advocates and counselors is growing.
The Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law is delivered in a fully online, flexible format designed to meet the needs of working professionals worldwide. Earn your degree in as little as 15 months while balancing full-time employment and other commitments. Study from anywhere while gaining specialized legal knowledge relevant to Indigenous peoples’ law.
The Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law provides a comprehensive exploration of federal Indian law and policy, covering both criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian Country. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of gaming law, natural resources law, international Indigenous rights, and the Indian Child Welfare Act, along with other critical legal frameworks that shape tribal governance and sovereignty.
- Introduction to the American Legal System
- History of Federal Indian Law and Policy II
- Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country
- Religion, Culture and Indian Law
- Tribal Courts in Indian Country
- Federal Indian Water Law
- Civil Jurisdiction in Indian Country
- History of Federal Indian Law and Policy I
- Native American Natural Resources
- Introduction to Legal Research
- The Indian Child Welfare Act & Family Law in Indian Country
- International Indigenous Peoples Law
- Indian Gaming Laws and Regulations