Elon Law and Vermont Law School are pleased to offer a JD/Master of Environmental Law & Policy dual-degree program enabling students to earn two graduate degrees in two-and-a-half years: the Juris Doctor degree from Elon Law and the Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP) from Vermont Law School.

Students in the program will build professional networks at two nationally recognized law schools. Elon Law is recognized as one of the nation’s most innovative law schools (The National Jurist) and has been honored for excellence in professionalism education by the American Bar Association. Vermont Law School is a top-ranked law school for environmental law, having led the list in U.S. News & World Report for several consecutive years.

Quick facts about the dual-degree program:

• The most expedient JD/MELP dual-degree program in the country, achieved in as little as two-and-a-half years, although students have up to five years from the date of matriculation to complete the MELP degree.
• The recognition of Elon Law credits (up to nine) toward the MELP degree will save students approximately $12,105 off the cost of pursuing the MELP degree separately.
• The dual-degree program enables graduates to develop expertise in law and policy in areas of global significance, including climate change, sustainable agriculture, energy policy and natural resource management.
• Students participating in the dual-degree program will be able to develop concentrations within the MELP degree in energy regulation and law, as well as food and agricultural law, highly relevant to industry sectors in North Carolina, the U.S. and world.
• Elon students will participate in Vermont Law School’s “Summer in Vermont” session, providing over 30 cutting-edge courses on a broad range of environmental law and policy topics on a campus connected to premier trails and rivers.
• The program enables Elon Law students to work in the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic during their second summer at Vermont Law School and to take advantage of additional offerings through Vermont Law School on-line courses.
• Students in the program will participate in full-time, course-connected residencies-in-practice in environmental law organizations.

Elon Law students are eligible to apply for admission to the dual-degree program during their first year of study. Those interested in the JD/MELP dual-degree program are encouraged to apply to Elon Law here and to note interest in the JD/MELP program in application materials.