Students interested in food and agriculture law, climate policy, energy regulation, and animal protection can apply Elon Law coursework toward a master’s degree from one of the nation’s top-ranked environmental law programs.
A good thing for the environment just got even better.
Starting next year, Elon University School of Law students can enroll in one of three additional dual-degree programs offered in partnership with Vermont Law & Graduate School, consistently ranked among the nation’s top law schools for environmental law by U.S. News & World Report.
Elon Law leaders signed agreements this fall to expand the number of programs for which credits earned at Elon Law will apply toward master’s degrees conferred by Vermont Law & Graduate School. Students who apply to the dual-degree program can now earn two degrees, from two institutions, in 2.5 years.
The programs:
- Juris Doctor/Master of Food and Agriculture Law and Policy
- Juris Doctor/Master of Energy Regulation and Law
- Juris Doctor/Master of Animal Protection Policy
- Juris Doctor/Master of Climate and Environmental Policy
The Juris Doctor/Master of Climate and Environmental Policy replaces the existing Juris Doctor/Master of Environmental Law and Policy program already available to current Elon Law students.
“Dual-degree programs are a great opportunity for students interested in environmental law and policy to pursue topical experiences in their legal studies, internships, and residency,” said Elon Law Assistant Professor Caroleen Dineen. “These new offerings build on the success of our existing partnership with Vermont Law & Graduate School by expanding options for students to concentrate in additional areas of environmental and natural resource law.”
Vermont Law & Graduate School is a private, independent institution in South Royalton, Vt., that offers ABA-accredited residential and online hybrid JD programs and master’s degrees and certificates in multiple disciplines, including programs offered by the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment, the Center for Justice Reform and other graduate-level programs emphasizing the intersection of environmental justice, social justice and public policy.
Elon Law students enrolled in the dual-degree programs can spend summers in Vermont taking courses in person with additional offerings throughout the year via the school’s online courses. Students apply to dual-degree programs following their first year of legal studies.
“Many of our members are interested in Vermont Law and Graduate School for more in-depth knowledge of these practice areas,” said Marena Long L’24, the president of Elon Law’s Environmental and Animal Law Society now enrolled in an environmental law and policy dual-degree program. “I’ve been able to focus on interesting topics that I don’t otherwise have the time to study. My classmates and I also meet professors who mentor and encourage us to succeed as environmental and animal law attorneys.
“I’m glad my two schools are expanding their offerings to include additional programs that specialize in different areas of environmental law.”
To learn more about Elon Law’s dual-degree offerings with Vermont Law & Graduate School, contact Assistant Professor Caroleen Dineen at cdineen@elon.edu.