Law and Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)

Program Overview

The Law and Sustainability Graduate Certificate program at ASU equips law students with knowledge and skills in environmental sustainability through core courses, electives, and a culminating paper. The program offers access to externships, research opportunities, and mentorship programs, preparing students for careers in sustainability-related fields. Renowned faculty with expertise in sustainability policy teach the program, emphasizing active participation in sustainability-related activities and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Description: This certificate program aims to prepare law students for careers related to environmental sustainability.
• Emphasis: Environmental sustainability is a key focus at ASU.
• Objectives:
• Equip students with knowledge and skills to become leaders in the global sustainability movement.
• Provide meaningful research experiences.
• Faculty Expertise: Renowned faculty research and teach in every major area of sustainability policy.
• Program Benefits: Access to externships, research opportunities, moot court experiences, and mentorships.

Outline:

Required Core Courses (6 credit hours):

• Students must choose two of the following:
• LAW 619 Energy Law and Policy (3)
• LAW 631 Environmental Law (3)
• LAW 639 Natural Resource Law (3)
• LAW 643 Water Law (3)

Electives (9 credit hours):

• Students select 9 credit hours of electives from a pre-approved list.
• Contact the academic unit for the current list.

Culminating Experience:

• Completion of a substantial paper (15 pages) on a sustainability-related topic under faculty guidance.
• Participation in at least two activities from a list including:
• Sustainability-focused legal externship
• Sustainability Law Research Seminar
• Environmental Law Society student chapter board membership
• Extramural environmental or sustainability moot court competition
• Mentorship Initiative in Sustainability Law

Assessment:

• Students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the program coursework.
• A minimum grade of "B" is required for any elective course taken outside the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.
• The culminating paper must be at least 15 pages and meet academic standards.

Teaching:

• Taught by renowned faculty with expertise in various areas of sustainability policy.
• Students benefit from access to externships, research opportunities, and mentorship programs.

Careers:

• Externship opportunities with various legal firms, government offices, and organizations in sustainability-related fields.
• Examples of past externship placements:
• Arizona Corporation Commission
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
• Arizona State Legislature
• City of Mesa
• City of Scottsdale
• Climate Institute
• Gammage and Burnham PLC
• Kyl Center for Water Policy
• Rose Law Group PC
• Salt River Project
• United States Environmental Protection Agency

Other:

• The program is offered by the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU.
• The program is open to existing JD or LLM students who are in good academic standing.
• The program emphasizes active participation in sustainability-related activities and research.
• The program provides students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and become influential figures in the global sustainability movement.
• Specific course descriptions and schedules.
• Specific career outcomes and salary data for graduates.