Degrees
Personal choice and direction are particularly important at the graduate-school level, when your education is the pathway to your career. With a variety of excellent degree programs, Vermont Law School gives you choices—so you can pursue the degree that leads in the direction you want your career to take. We also offer dual-degree programs with leading colleges and universities such as Yale, Dartmouth, Cergy-Pontoise, University of Seville, Cambridge, and Thunderbird.
The VLS academic experience is rigorous enough to prepare you for practice in any context, from a city law firm or small-town office to an international career without boundaries. Each degree program is individualized and personally rewarding. Many combine experiential learning with in-class exploration while fostering professional responsibility and dedication to public service.
Juris Doctor (JD)
Our flexible JD program offers you a chance to concentrate in a particular area of law while gaining the broader skills and knowledge necessary for general practice in any state across the country. |
Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP)
This innovative degree—for both lawyers and nonlawyers—is based on a distinctive, interdisciplinary program in environmental law, policy, and ethics. You can earn the degree in one year or part-time over several years. |
JD/MELP
For JD students who want to specialize in environmental law, this joint degree offers more electives and experiential opportunities, imparts deeper knowledge, and can be earned in three years or four. |
Master of Laws (LLM)
We offer two LLM degrees, one in Environmental Law and one in American Legal Studies. These advanced degrees are for students who already have a law degree and are interested in specialization. |
Dual Degrees
Depending on your career plans, you can combine your JD or MELP degree with one of several other degrees, such as an MBA with the Thunderbird School of Global Management or an MEM with Yale University. |
All VLS Courses
| Browse the VLS course catalogue by area of study, faculty. and more. |
VLS, with one of the nation's top public interest law programs, has been ranked third in the U.S. for graduates pursing careers in public service. We offer significant depth in public interest coursework, combined with outstanding litigation clinics and externship opportunities, seminars, and volunteer activities.
More...Be it in the rural towns of Vermont or urban centers of China, our graduates are committed to working for the greater good.”Geoffrey B. Shields,
President and Dean