Environmental Law and Policy and Law with Vermont School of Law, M.E.L.P. & J.D.
Program Overview
This dual degree program prepares students for leadership roles in environmental law and policy. It combines legal training with a foundation in environmental law and policy, equipping graduates to make an impact in government, nonprofits, corporations, and private practice. Delivered through summer sessions in Vermont, distance learning, and supervised externships, the program addresses pressing environmental challenges and emphasizes essential skills for career success.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This dual degree program in Environmental Law and Policy and Law, offered jointly by the University of South Carolina School of Law and Vermont Law School, prepares students for leadership roles in environmental advocacy, energy and climate justice, animal law and protection, and the sustainable food movement. The program combines legal knowledge with a strong foundation in environmental law and policy, equipping graduates to make a real impact in their chosen fields. It is designed for students seeking to work in government, nonprofits, corporations, and private practice.
Program Highlights:
- Advanced Knowledge: Graduates gain the legal expertise necessary to practice environmental law or work in various sectors.
- Make an Impact: The program prepares students to become leaders in environmental law and address contemporary challenges.
- Expanded Network: Students benefit from two extensive networks, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.
- Hybrid Format: The program is delivered through a combination of summer sessions in Vermont, distance learning, and supervised externships.
What You’ll Study:
The program addresses pressing and complex environmental challenges, preparing students to work with environmental and public policy issues within the legal framework. Students earn their USC law degree while studying environmental policy at Vermont Law School, consistently ranked among the top 5 environmental law programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Careers:
- Potential Careers: Legal Analyst, Lawyer, Policy Influencer, Judge
- Workplace Settings: Government, Public Service, Law, Politics
Other:
- Building Skills: The program emphasizes the development of professional and personal skills essential for career success, including:
- Legal Knowledge
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Research
- Legal Writing
- Advocacy
- Advanced Degrees: The program provides a foundation for pursuing postgraduate education, including:
- Earth and Environmental Resources Management and Law, M.E.E.R.M. & J.D.
- Health Services Policy and Management and Law, M.H.A. & J.D.
- Human Resources and Law, M.H.R. & J.D.
- Health Services Policy and Management and Public Administration, M.P.H. & M.P.A.
- Health Services Policy and Management, Ph.D.
