Program Overview
The Master of Laws (LLM) in Tribal Policy, Law and Government at Arizona State University equips lawyers and law graduates with specialized knowledge in tribal law and federal Indian law. The program focuses on Indian gaming, tribal self-governance, and tribal policy, law, and government, preparing graduates for leadership roles in tribal organizations and careers impacting Native populations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
- The Master of Laws (LLM) in Tribal Policy, Law and Government program at Arizona State University is designed for lawyers and law school graduates who plan to work on issues related to tribal law and federal Indian law.
- The program focuses on three areas: Indian gaming, tribal self-governance, or tribal policy, law and government.
- Core curriculum covers domestic tribal law, federal Indian law, and American institutions of law and government.
Objectives:
- To provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the field of tribal law and federal Indian law.
- To prepare graduates for leadership roles in tribal governments, businesses, and organizations.
- To contribute to the development of tribal law and policy.
Program Description:
- The program is administered by the Indian Legal Program.
- It provides intensive instruction to students who have limited experience in Indian law.
- Students gain practical experience through research projects, court practice, and tribal code drafting.
- The program can be completed on a part-time basis.
Outline
Program Content:
- Domestic tribal law
- Federal Indian law
- American institutions of law and government
- Tribal government and policy
- Indian gaming
- Tribal self-governance
Structure:
- The program requires 24 credit hours of study.
- A thesis is not required.
Course Schedule:
- Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Modules:
- The program offers a variety of courses, including:
- Introduction to Indian Law
- Tribal Constitutional Law
- Tribal Gaming Law and Policy
- Tribal Environmental Law
- Tribal Economic Development
- Tribal Courts and Justice Systems
- Federal Indian Law
- Indian Treaty Law
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
- Exams
- Papers
- Projects
- Presentations
Assessment Criteria:
- Depth of understanding of tribal law and federal Indian law
- Research and writing skills
- Oral communication skills
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Clinical experience
Faculty:
- The program is taught by experienced faculty who are experts in their fields.
- The faculty includes members of the Indian Legal Program and other faculty from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.
Careers
Career Opportunities:
- Chief executive officer
- Chief legal officer
- Court justice
- Judge
- Law firm administrator
- Law firm partner
- Law school professor
- Litigation support director
- Politician or member of Congress
- Private banker for Native communities
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates of the program are prepared for lucrative careers in government, economic development, or healthcare positions that impact Native populations.
Other
- The program is located in the heart of the southwestern U.S., home to roughly one-third of the Native population in the U.S. and where many of the largest Indian nations in the country are located.
- The program is designed for professionals who are already working in the field of tribal law and government.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
To be admitted, an applicant must have completed a JD degree or law degree at a foreign institution that would qualify the applicant to practice law or pursue license to practice in that country, and have submitted a complete application to the program.
Selection is based on the following factors:
- Academic background and potential
- Career experience and ambitions
- Diversity of experience and background
- Space and resource limitations in the law school
- The applicant's strength of experience related to the program sought
- Other factors
To be considered complete, the application must include the following:
- The completed LLM application form
- The required application fee
- A resume that does not exceed three typed pages
- A statement of interest that does not exceed 1,250 words, typed and double-spaced
- Transcripts from all institutions attended, including the transcripts showing that the bachelor's degree and law degree were conferred
- Two letters of recommendation
- A writing sample
Language Proficiency Requirements:
These requirements can be met by achieving a minimum score on one of the following tests:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 80 iBT
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 7.0 overall band score
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): 68
The Graduate College also accepts the following tests for English proficiency:
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- EF SET (English for Speakers of Other Languages): 58
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): 70
Additional Notes:
- The program is designed for lawyers and law school graduates who plan to work on issues related to tribal law and federal Indian law at the professional and academic levels.
- The program can be focused in one of three areas: Indian gaming; tribal self-governance; or tribal policy, law and government.
- The program requires a minimum of 24 credit hours of study.
- Students have the option of pursuing the degree on a part-time basis.
