Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Concentration

Master of Legal Studies

inter-american commission on human rights

Commissioners at an Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) panel. Image credit: IACHR.

Learn about the Online MLS with a concentration in Indigenous peoples law and policy.

As part of the nationally and internationally recognized premier program for the study of law, policy and human rights concerning Indigenous peoples, this concentration in Indigenous peoples' law and policy offers a master's level curriculum open to candidates seeking to build expertise in this area and who have at a minimum a bachelor’s degree. Students will receive professional training to address the complex issues facing Indigenous peoples today, developing a proficiency in federal Indian law, Indigenous human rights, Indigenous community and economic development, and the protection of cultural and natural resources. The MLS Concentration in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy can be fulfilled on-line.

* Indicates courses offered in person and/or online

Required Core Courses (18 UNITS)

  • LAW 501* - Procedure (3 units)
  • LAW 502A* - American Common Law System I (3 units)
  • LAW 502B* - American Common Law System II (3 units)
  • LAW 504* - American Public Law System (3 units)
  • LAW 507* - Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research (3 units)
  • LAW 550A* - Native American Law and Policy (3 units)

First Level Electives

Complete two of the following listed courses or any other course approved in advance by the program director.

  • LAW 567* - Tribal Courts Practice and Procedure
  • LAW 568* - Tribal Criminal Law and Procedure 
  • LAW 569* - Native American Family and Domestic Relations Law
  • LAW 643D* - Native American Natural Resources 

Second Level Electives

Complete all remaining units for the necessary 30 units required for the MLS from the following listed courses (other than courses used to complete First Level Electives) or any other course approved in advance by the program director.

  • LAW 567* - Tribal Courts Practice and Procedure
  • LAW 568* - Tribal Criminal Law and Procedure 
  • LAW 569* - Native American Family and Domestic Relations Law
  • LAW 540A* Introduction to International Human Rights 
  • LAW 643D* - Native American Natural Resources 
  • LAW 556* - Family Law
  • LAW 696I* - International Environmental Law
  • LAW 527 - International Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples 
  • LAW 656G – Comparative Indigenous Peoples Law
  • LAW 631D - Rebuilding Native Nations: An Introduction 
  • LAW 631L - Constitutions of Indigenous Nations
  • LAW 631M - Comparative Legal Systems & Their Role in Nation Building
  • LAW 631N - Exploring Data for Nation Building: Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance  
  • LAW 631K - The Evidence for Native Nation Building   
  • LAW 631O - Creating Indigenous Entrepreneurs   
  • LAW 656B - Comparative Indigenous Governance
  • LAW 656F - Cultural Property of Indigenous Peoples 
  • LAW 579A - Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Under International Law
  • LAW 656A - Intergovernmental Relations 
  • LAW 525 - Native Economic Development 
  • LAW 631J - Making Change Happen 
  • Law 631A - Federal Indian Law
  • LAW 631B - Tribal Courts and Tribal Law
  • LAW 631F - Who Owns Native Culture 
  • LAW 631H - Critical Race Practice
  • LAW 621A - Administrative Law 
  • LAW 642 - Federal Courts 
  • LAW 631G - Jurisdiction in Indian Country 
  • LAW 623 - Conflicts of Laws 
  • LAW 656F - Cultural Property of Indigenous Peoples 
  • LAW 669 Environmental Law or LAW 554* Environmental Law and Policy
  • LAW 634C - Federal Public Lands and Natural Resources 
  • LAW 641 - Water Law

Updated: 08/27/2020