Joint Degree Programs at VLGS

Overview

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Joint Degree Programs at VLGS

Vermont Law and Graduate School’s joint degree programs offer students a deeper and richer educational experience than a JD degree alone can provide. Students can complete both a JD and a master’s degree in just 3 years. Graduating with two degrees is an attractive path for students who want to combine a law degree with policy and advocacy skills.

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Joint Degree Opportunities

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JD/Master of Climate and Environmental Policy (MCEP)

The JD/MCEP degree program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in environmental law. Students take full advantage of the large and diverse environmental law curriculum at VLGS while also supplementing their study of environmental law with skills-based training in climate policy, environmental justice, and advocacy.

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JD/Master of Animal Protection Policy (MAPP)

The JD/MAPP degree program trains law students in the policy and advocacy skills needed to effectively advocate for animals. Combining a JD and master’s degree gives students access to our full range of animal law and policy courses, as well as practical training to pursue careers in nonprofit leadership, government, academia, and more.

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JD/Master of Energy Regulation and Law (MERL)

The emergence of a smart electric grid and the prospects for electrifying the transportation sector are revolutionizing the energy field. The JD/MERL degree program responds to the rapid growth of the alternative energy sector as well as the environmental problems associated with traditional energy production. This program provides students with practical training in public advocacy and writing for a legal policy audience. Students will also have opportunities for independent research with support from faculty, and externships at organizations around the world.

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JD/Master of Food and Agriculture Law and Policy (MFALP)

The JD/MFALP degree program is designed for students who want to acquire the legal tools necessary to support sustainable food and agriculture systems. JD/MFALP students supplement their study of environmental law and policy with food and agriculture classes, environmental electives, as well as courses in writing and advocacy.

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JD/Master of Arts in Restorative Justice (MARJ)

As the criminal justice sector moves toward more restorative practices, all lawyers should understand that there’s another way to look at conflict and conflict avoidance. The JD/MARJ degree program prepares students to become forceful and articulate agents for change in law and restorative justice. This joint degree program combines traditional law courses with restorative justice courses, preparing graduates to bring restorative practices and values to a range of justice systems.

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JD/LLM in Energy Law

The JD/LLM in Energy Law joint degree is designed for students who seek to pursue a career in energy law and policy. Students take advantage of the large and diverse Vermont Law and Graduate School energy and environmental law curriculum while developing deep knowledge and expertise in the law and policy governing energy use, production, and transmission.

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JD/LLM in Environmental Law

The JD/LLM in Environmental Law joint degree prepares students to pursue a career in environmental law. Students take advantage of the large and diverse Vermont Law and Graduate School environmental law curriculum while developing deep knowledge and expertise in environmental law and policy.

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JD/LLM in Food and Agriculture Law

The JD/LLM in Food and Agriculture Law joint degree is designed for students who seek to pursue a career in sustainable agriculture and food systems. You will have the opportunity to select from the most extensive food, agriculture, and environmental law curriculum in the country.

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Joint Degree Program Requirements

Though there are no additional application requirements for individuals who wish to apply for joint degree programs, the following criteria apply:

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JD/Master of Energy Regulation and Law (MERL)

Students may seek enrollment in the JD/MERL joint degree program at the same time they apply for admission to the JD program. The option to enroll in the JD/MERL program remains open to students through the end of their first year.

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JD/Master of Food and Agriculture Law and Policy (MFALP)

Students may seek enrollment in the JD/MFALP joint degree program at the same time they apply for admission to the JD program. The option to enroll in the JD/MFALP program remains open to students through the end of their first year.

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JD/Master of Arts in Restorative Justice (MARJ)

Students may seek enrollment in the JD/MARJ joint degree program at the same time they apply for admission to the JD program. This joint degree program combines traditional law courses with restorative justice courses to prepare graduates to bring restorative practices and values to a range of justice systems.

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JD/LLM in Energy Law

Students may seek enrollment in the JD/LLM in Energy program at the same time they apply for admission to the JD program. The option to enter the joint degree program remains open to all students in good standing until the date they receive the JD degree. Joint JD/LLM candidates must have a cumulative JD GPA of 3.0 at the end of their fifth semester to be eligible to pursue the LLM degree.

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JD/LLM in Environmental Law

Students may seek enrollment in the JD/LLM in Environment program at the same time they apply for admission to the JD program. The option to enter the joint degree program remains open to all students in good standing until the date they receive the JD degree. Joint JD/LLM candidates must have a cumulative JD GPA of 3.0 at the end of their fifth semester to be eligible to pursue the LLM degree.

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JD/LLM in Food and Agriculture Law

Students may seek enrollment in the JD/LLM in Food and Agriculture Law program at the same time they apply for admission to the JD program. The option to enter the joint degree program remains open to all students in good standing until the date they receive the JD degree. Joint JD/LLM candidates must have a cumulative JD GPA of 3.0 at the end of their fifth semester to be eligible to pursue the LLM degree.

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JD/LLM in Animal Law

Students may seek enrollment in the JD/LLM in Animal Law LLM degree program at the same time they apply for admission to the JD program. The option to enter the joint degree program remains open to all students in good standing until the date they receive the JD degree. Joint 

JD/LLM candidates must have a cumulative JD GPA of 3.0 at the end of their fifth semester to be eligible to pursue the LLM degree.