Online Master of Laws in Indigenous Peoples Law

Develop knowledge of federal Native American law

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

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

At a Glance

Earn your LLM in Indigenous Peoples Law in as little as 12 months as a full-time student or 15 months while working full-time. Deepen your expertise in Native American legal issues, including natural resources, criminal jurisdiction, gaming law, and the Indian Child Welfare Act.

OU Law offers a dynamic online learning experience led by nationally and internationally recognized faculty. With small class sizes and a collaborative virtual environment, you’ll build meaningful connections while gaining specialized legal knowledge that sets you apart.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

12+ Months

Credit Hours:

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring, & Summer

cost

Oklahoma residents: $612.65 per credit hour, plus additional fees of $201.30 per credit hour and a $2,617.50* per-semester fee.

Non-residents: $1,111.90 per credit hour, plus additional fees of $201.30 per credit hour and a $2,617.50* per-semester fee.

*The LLM semester fee is reduced by $2,500 after the 4th semester.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

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

About the Online LLM in Indigenous Peoples Law

The online LLM in Indigenous Peoples Law is a 25-credit-hour program designed for practicing attorneys who want to deepen their expertise in federal Native American law. This specialized degree helps legal professionals stand out in a competitive job market, especially among those with experience in Indigenous law.

If you do not hold a law degree but are seeking to gain a strong understanding of indigenous peoples law, you may be interested in the Online Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law program.

OU Law, located in the heart of the original Indian Territory, offers a unique setting for the study of Native American legal systems and Indigenous issues. With nearly 40 tribal nations and the second-largest Native American population in the United States, Oklahoma provides a dynamic environment where Indian law intersects with nearly every area of legal practice.

Delivered in seven- or eight-week modules with two modules per semester, the curriculum allows for short breaks between sessions. Courses are taught by leading legal scholars and practitioners with deep expertise in Indigenous law and policy. Students gain a comprehensive foundation that supports expanding their practice into this vital and evolving field.

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 Indigenous Peoples Law Degree

Earning an online LLM in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma College of Law equips you to build a career centered on Native American legal issues. You will be prepared to work with or provide legal counsel to tribal governments, advocacy organizations, and institutions focused on Indigenous rights and policy. You’ll be prepared for a career in these areas:

In-House Legal Counsel
Policy Advisor

Chief Legal Officer
Law School Instructor

Program Outcomes: What You’ll Learn

The online LLM in Indigenous Peoples Law program offers a comprehensive legal overview of critical topics that prepare you to guide clients through the complexities of Federal Indian Law. You will develop a deep understanding of tribal sovereignty, jurisdictional challenges, natural resource rights, and the legal frameworks that shape Indigenous governance.

By the end of the program, you will be able to:

Analyze and apply key principles of Federal Indian Law in real-world legal contexts
Advise tribal governments, organizations, and clients on legal matters involving Indigenous rights and policy
Navigate the intersection of tribal, federal, and state legal systems with confidence
Interpret and advocate for legal protections under the Indian Child Welfare Act, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and other foundational statutes
Contribute to legal reform and policy development that supports Indigenous communities

Course Details

The Master of Laws in Indigenous Peoples Law delivers an in-depth exploration of federal Indian law and policy. The curriculum covers criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian Country, natural resources and gaming law, international Indigenous rights, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and more. This program equips legal professionals with the specialized knowledge needed to navigate the legal landscape impacting tribal nations and Indigenous communities.

History of Federal Indian Law and Policy I

Credit Hours: 2
Traces the development of British colonial and United States policy towards indigenous peoples in North America from the Seventeenth Century through the major policy initiatives of the Nineteenth Century.

Native American Natural Resources

Credit Hours: 3
Covers basic doctrines of Indian law and a variety of issues relating to tribal interests in and jurisdiction over environmental resources. Topics include tribal rights to land; land use and environmental protection in Indian country; economic and natural resource development issues; hunting and ﬁshing rights; and international perspectives on indigenous resources. Consider the roles of tribal, federal, and state governments.

Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country

Credit Hours: 3
Traces the development the rules governing the exercise of criminal jurisdiction in Indian Country by three sovereigns: federal government, state government, and tribal government. Materials examined include historical treaties, major federal statutes, and U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Students should ﬁnish the course with the ability to understand, analyze and contribute meaningfully to discussions regarding criminal jurisdiction problems in Indian Country.

International Indigenous Peoples Law

Credit Hours: 3
Explores the development of international law rules relating to the rights of indigenous peoples from the early 20th Century through the present, focusing on modern international institutions and instruments, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Indian Gaming Laws & Regulations

Credit Hours: 3
Examines litigation, history of tribal gaming, critical rulings on tribal/state compacting, and scope of gaming conﬂicts. Explores tribal compacting experiences around the country, focusing on Oklahoma tribes and the Oklahoma Model Gaming Compact of 2004. Distinguishes regulatory roles of tribes, states, and the feds. Explores differences in Class II and III gaming, regulations, and disputes. Explains the ﬁnancing and development of tribal gaming facilities.

History of Federal Indian Law and Policy II

Credit Hours: 2
Traces the development of British colonial and United States policy towards indigenous peoples in North America from the major policy initiatives of the Nineteenth Century to the present day.

Religion, Culture & Indian Law

Credit Hours: 3
Examines the roles of law and policy on Native American religious and cultural practice. Explores issues relating to tribal interests and jurisdiction over Native religion and culture, including information concerning preservation, restoration, and destruction of sacred sites and indigenous remains, laws and practices pertaining to species protection and sacred species, institutionalized persons, entheogens, and protection of cultural and intellectual resources.

Civil Jurisdiction in Indian Country

Federal Indian Water Law

Credit Hours: 3
Explores the context, decisional and statutory law, and overarching polices that shape water law. Examines foundations in both federal Indian law and basic principles of water law, including relevant substantive and procedural law, and mechanics and social issues relating to water resource management. Also, explores state and federal powers and roles in relation to American Indian tribes and water resources.

The Indian Child Welfare Act & Family Law in Indian Country

Credit Hours: 3
Indian Child Welfare Act, passed by Congress (1978), grants tribes and parents of Indian children special rights within state court systems. ICWA raises signiﬁcant issues for courts, and often serves as the ﬂashpoint of tribal/state disputes. Students will understand the clash of sovereigns and the state laws involving children. Covers the requirements of ICWA and the varying ways states have interpreted them.

Why Choose OU for Indigenous Peoples Law

The OU College of Law distinguishes itself as an excellent choice for pursuing a Master of Laws in Indigenous Peoples Law. Coupled with OU’s dedication to innovation, the OU College of Law offers a Juris Doctor program that consistently ranked among the best value law degrees.

Faculty Expertise

Faculty members are carefully selected for their expertise in Native American and international indigenous people’s policy and law. They draw from their in-depth experience and research to address the latest legal and political changes in indigenous law and policy.

Robust Student Support

OU Online and the OU College of Law accommodate the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your legal expertise while maintaining full-time employment. Our programs offer robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center.

Global Alumni Network

You’ll gain access to a global network of indigenous legal and business professionals when you join the OU Online community. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful community of over 250,000 alumni worldwide, joining leaders working in multinational corporations, law firms, government agencies, and NGOs, helping you expand your legal career.

Flexible Format

The Master of Laws in Indigenous Peoples Law is delivered in a fully online, flexible format designed to meet the needs of working professionals worldwide. Earn your degree in as little as 12 months as a full-time student or 15 months while working full-time. Study from anywhere while gaining specialized legal knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of Federal Indian law.

Tailored Experience

Courses in the Indigenous Peoples Law LLM program are asynchronous for maximum flexibility, yet highly engaging. Through interactive discussions, optional live lectures, one-on-one support, and collaborative online activities, you stay connected while learning at your own pace. You’ll progress through the program as part of a small, focused cohort of professionals who share similar goals and interests in Indigenous Peoples law.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your degree in Indigenous Peoples 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 a $2,617.50* per-semester fee.

Non-residents: $1,111.90 per credit hour, plus additional fees of $201.30 per credit hour and a $2,617.50* per-semester fee.

*The LLM semester fee is reduced by $2,500 after the 4th 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 support you through every step of the funding process—so you can stay focused on your education and career goals.

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 to the LLM in Indigenous Peoples Law is reviewed with care to build a cohort where every student can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the learning experience. The admissions process is holistic, considering more than just GPAs, test scores, and other numerical indicators. We value diverse experiences, perspectives, and professional goals that enrich the academic environment and reflect the complexity of Indigenous legal issues. Minimum qualifications for admission to the LLM program include the following:

A Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school or a first professional degree in law from a country outside the United States.
A B- or higher cumulative GPA or equivalent for courses counted toward the law degree or standing at median class rank or higher.
The committee may consider exceptional circumstances in admitting a student cumulative whose GPA relating to the law degree is below a B-.

Application Timeline

The admissions committee follows a rolling admissions process*, reviewing applications as they are received. While admissions may remain open until two weeks before classes begin, some programs may set earlier deadlines. The committee aims to respond to all applicants within two weeks of receiving a completed application, ensuring a timely and supportive admissions experience. *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

Complete the online application.

Step 3

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