Online Master of Legal Studies in Energy & Natural Resources Law

Be a leader in energy and natural resources law

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, I consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

At a Glance

Earn your online MLS in Energy and Natural Resources Law in as little as 15 months as a full-time student and elevate your career with practical legal knowledge tailored for non-lawyers in the energy sector. This program gives you a competitive edge if you negotiate oil and gas contracts, manage mineral rights or real estate transactions, or collaborate closely with energy attorneys.

OU Law’s online programs feature small class sizes that foster a strong sense of community. You’ll learn from a distinguished faculty chosen for their deep experience and expertise in oil, gas, and energy law.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

15+ Months

Credit Hours:

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring

cost

Oklahoma residents: $612.65 per credit hour, plus additional fees of $201.30 per credit hour and $117.50 per semester.

Non-residents: $1,111.90 per credit hour, plus additional fees of $201.30 per credit hour and $117.50 per semester.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, l consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

About the Online MLS in Energy & Natural Resources Law

The online MLS in Energy and Natural Resources Law is a 32-credit-hour program designed for non-lawyers in the energy industry who want to advance their careers by mastering the legal, compliance, contractual, and regulatory frameworks that shape the field.

If you already hold a law degree or are a practicing attorney, you may be interested in the Online Master of Laws in Energy & Natural Resources Law program.

This program emphasizes legal research and negotiation skills that benefit landmen, procurement specialists, HR professionals, and others across the energy sector. Students gain a deeper understanding of:

How oil and gas contracts are structured
How mineral rights are negotiated
The legal landscape of upstream and midstream operations
A wide range of other industry-relevant legal topics

Courses are delivered in seven- or eight-week modules, with two modules per semester. Most students take two courses at a time to maintain momentum and balance.

The Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (the “Council”) does not accredit or approve non-J.D. degrees or certificates. In its review of non-J.D. degree program applications, the Council determines whether the proposed degree program will interfere with the ability of the law school to operate in compliance with the Standards and to carry out its program of legal education. Acquiescence in a degree other than the J.D. degree is not an approval of the degree itself, and, therefore, the law school may not announce that the degree is approved by the Council. The accreditation of non-J.D. degree programs are subject to the oversight of the law school’s or its university’s national accreditor.

What Can I Do with an Energy and Natural Resources Law Degree

Earning your online MLS in Energy and Natural Resources Law from the University of Oklahoma College of Law positions you for success in one of the world’s most vital industries. Expand your expertise and unlock new career opportunities in roles such as:

Landman or Landwoman
Energy Consultant
Any professional who works with attorneys, contracts, or negotiations in the oil and gas sector

Civil or Petroleum Engineer
Compliance and Safety Officer
This degree empowers you to speak the language of the law, navigate complex regulations, and bring added value to your organization.

Program Outcomes: What You’ll Learn

OU College of Law’s MLS in Energy and Natural Resources Law delivers a comprehensive foundation in the legal and regulatory challenges shaping today’s energy industry. You will be equipped to:

support the sustainable development of all energy and natural resources in an environmentally responsible way
gain the legal insight needed to navigate complex negotiations and high-stakes deals
apply a full spectrum understanding of the energy lifecycle, including upstream, midstream, and downstream legal issues
interpret and apply energy and natural resources contract law in oil and gas negotiations, real estate transactions, mineral rights agreements, and more

Course Details

The Master of Legal Studies in Energy and Natural Resources Law delivers a comprehensive foundation in energy law, with a strong emphasis on contract law, real property law, legal drafting, energy development on public lands, oil and gas law, regulatory practice, and more.

Foundations of Contract Law for the Energy Industry

Credit Hours: 2
Explores the formation, drafting, interpretation, and enforceability of contractual promises. Subjects include contract formation, performance, termination of contracts, material breach, remedies for breach of contract, mistake and excuse for nonperformance, statute of frauds, interpretation of contract language, conditions, assignment and delegation, and third-party beneficiaries

Introduction to Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences

Credit Hours: 1
Presents an overview of the production life cycle from discovery to development and production of oil and gas. The course examines the different roles of the key players in each stage of this process.

Oil and Gas Law

Credit Hours: 2
Nature of property interests in oil and gas; conveyancing of interests in oil and gas; legal interests created by oil and gas leases; validity of leases; habendum, drilling, and rental clauses; assignment of interests of lessor and lessee; rents and royalties; and conservation of oil and gas.

Mineral Title Examination

Credit Hours: 3
Examines the study of the relevant law relating to and the preparation of a drilling title opinion and a division order title opinion in Oklahoma, Texas, and other states.

Oil and Gas Contracts

Credit Hours: 3
Examination of specific provisions in contracts prevalent in the oil and gas industry for exploration, production, and development of oil and gas properties and for investment; the nature of the relationships created by such contracts; the rights and duties of the parties; income tax consequences of particular contracts.

Water Law for the Energy Industry

Credit Hours: 1
The system of water rights as related for energy extraction and development, including riparian, appropriation, and prescriptive rights; stream, surface, and ground water; transfer and termination of rights; injuries caused by water; development of water supplies; federal-state, interstate, and intrastate conflicts; water pollution control; federal and Indian rights; and federal water resource problems.

Midstream Oil and Gas Law

Credit Hours: 1
Provides an overview and an examination of the legal issues facing the midstream oil and gas industry. The midstream industry provides the infrastructure necessary to gather, process, transport, store and market crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and refined products.

Project Economics and Finance

Credit Hours: 2
Introduces the economics and finance of capital-intensive projects, especially those involving power generation, public infrastructure, and extractive industries. Students will receive a broad overview of the project finance market, showing a typical project finance deal and the main players involved. The costs, benefits, and risks associated with project finance are also described.

Introduction to Property Law and Natural Resources

Credit Hours: 2
Provides an introduction to basic property concepts relevant for the oil and gas and energy industries, including: adverse possession; estates in land; mineral title, surface title, co-ownership, nonpossessory interests (including easements, real covenants and equitable servitudes).

Legal Drafting

Credit Hours: 2
How does one discover a client's objectives and then translate them into legal text (contracts, etc.) that has the best chance of accomplishing what the client wants? This skills course considers many different forms of legal drafting, focusing primarily on legal work intended for oil and gas contracts and surface-related agreement drafting.

Real Estate Transactions

Credit Hours: 2
A study of the terms and legal issues involved in drafting, executing, enforcing, and recording real estate contracts, including obtaining and evaluating title evidence, diUerent types of deeds, and basic financing.

Oil and Gas Environmental Law

Credit Hours: 2
Examines federal and state environmental laws that affect oil and gas lease transactions, drilling and completion operations, and production activities.

Legal Research for the Energy Industry

Credit Hours: 1
Students will be instructed on how to conduct energy-related research using a variety of sources, but especially using online resources.

Oil and Gas Regulatory Practices

Credit Hours: 3
Offers a practical skills approach to oil and gas practice. This course will examine the regulation of oil and gas exploration, development, and production, including conservation law designed to prevent waste and protect correlative rights. The class will address securing a drilling permit, settling surface damages, well spacing, and density.

Negotiations, Communication, and Ethics

Credit Hours: 2
Teaches effective negotiation and communication skills through a series of mock negotiation exercises. In addition, this course will discuss ethical dilemmas raised in the oil and gas industry.

Oil & Gas Development of Public Lands

3 Credit Hours

Examines the oil and gas leasing and development of onshore federal, state, and Indian lands. Explores the leasing of railroad rights of way and lands belonging to local governments.

Why Choose OU for Energy & Natural Resources Law

The OU College of Law offers a Juris Doctor program that is consistently ranked among the best value law degrees. Coupled with OU’s dedication to innovation, the OU College of Law distinguishes itself as an excellent choice for pursuing a Master of Legal Studies in Energy & Natural Resources Law.

Faculty Expertise

Faculty members are industry leaders selected for their deep expertise in energy and natural resources law. They bring real-world experience and cutting-edge research into the classroom, offering insights into the latest legal and political developments shaping the energy landscape.

Robust Student Support

OU Online and the OU College of Law provide comprehensive student support services designed to help you thrive. From academic support and online tutoring to mental health counseling and a dedicated online career development center, you’ll have access to the resources you need to succeed. This flexible program is built for working professionals, empowering you to grow your legal and international business expertise while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

With over 250,000 alumni worldwide, joining the OU Online community means gaining access to a global network of legal and business professionals. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful community of leaders working in all aspects of the energy industry, helping you expand your energy and natural resources law career.

Flexible Format

The Master of Legal Studies in Energy and Natural Resources Law is offered in a fully online, flexible format designed for working professionals around the globe. Earn your degree in as little as 15 months while balancing full-time work and personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain specialized legal knowledge that supports international commerce and cross-border business transactions.

Tailored Experience

Move through the program with a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for energy and natural resources law. Courses are asynchronous for maximum flexibility yet designed to be highly interactive. Through dynamic discussions, optional live lectures, personalized support, and collaborative online activities, you stay connected and engaged while learning at your own pace.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your degree in Energy and Natural Resources Law is a powerful investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Oklahoma residents: $612.65 per credit hour, plus additional fees of $201.30 per credit hour and $117.50 per semester.

Non-residents: $1,111.90 per credit hour, plus additional fees of $201.30 per credit hour and $117.50 per semester.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Our dedicated financial services team will guide you through every step of the funding process—so you can stay focused on your education and career advancement.

For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.

A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester’s tuition.

* Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Take the Next Step

Each application for the online MLS in Energy and Natural Resources Law is carefully evaluated to select a cohort in which students can each be successful in the program and contribute to the learning experience. Candidates are considered holistically, with consideration given to factors beyond scores, GPAs, and other numerical performance indicators. Minimum qualifications for admission to the MLS program include the following:

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university.
- For graduates of a college or university outside the United States, the College of Law will follow OU Norman campus determinations of equivalency.
An undergraduate GPA of 2.0 or higher (adjusted as required for courses in which grades were provided under a different standard).

Application Timeline

The admissions committee uses a rolling admissions process*, reviewing applications as they are received. Admissions may remain open until two weeks before classes begin, though some programs may have earlier deadlines. The committee typically responds to applicants within two weeks of receiving a completed application. *This program typically has an earlier application deadline than the standard 14 days prior to the intended start. Please check directly with the program to ensure your application is received in time.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Fill out your application.

Step 3

Provide supplemental materials, including a resume, personal statement, and undergraduate transcripts.