Online MLS
in Indigenous
Peoples Law
Develop knowledge of
federal Native American law.
15+ Months
13 Courses
32 Hours
$583-$1059/CH
The OU College of Law’s online MLS in Indigenous Peoples Law is a 32-credit-hour graduate degree that can be completed in 15 months. The program is designed for non-lawyers whose careers or interests intersect with Indian Country. Developing a working knowledge of Native American policy and an understanding of the complex rules of Federal Indian law elevates one’s ability to engage with Indian tribes and Native communities through work in tribal governance, administrative regulation, business practices, and a variety of other fields.
Admissions Deadline
Rolling admissions*
*This program typically has an earlier application deadline than the standard 14 days prior to intended start. Please check directly with the program to ensure your application is received in time.
Program Start Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer
Academic Term
Stay up to date with OU holiday closings, deadlines, and more.
Faculty Expertise
OU Law has long led the country in legal education related to Native American law. Students in the program are taught by OU Law faculty and adjunct faculty carefully selected for their expertise in American Indian, Native American, and Indigenous Peoples law. This group will challenge you, collaborate with you, and provoke you to think deeply about how the law impacts Indigenous Peoples.
Unique Experience
Oklahoma contains nearly 40 tribal nations and the second-largest Native American population in the U.S., making OU’s College of Law an ideal environment for studying Native American law. OU Law is home to the Center for the Study of American Indian Law and Policy, which counsels tribal governments and does legal research in this area.
Flexible Format
Learn in a flexible online program designed for working professionals. You’ll engage in online discussions with professors and fellow students while understanding how the law impacts Indigenous Peoples.
OU Online graduates find employment within six months after graduation*
OU Online graduates report earning an annual salary of $75,000 or more*
OU Online students say the skills they gained in their program made them more competitive in their career field*
*Source: OU Online Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023
Pursue your
Indigenous Peoples
Law Master's degree
The OU College of Law’s Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law is a 32-credit-hour program that can be completed in 15 months. The suggested sequence is below:
Course Offerings
- Introduction to the American Legal System
- History of Federal Indian Law & Policy – Part 1
- History of Federal Indian Law & Policy – Part 2
- Native American Natural Resources
- Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country
- Legal Research in Indian Country
- Religion, Culture, and Indian Law
- The Indian Child Welfare Act & Family Law in Indian Country
- Tribal Courts
- International Indigenous Peoples Law
- Federal Indian Water Law
- Indian Gaming Laws & Regulations
- Civil Regulatory Jurisdiction in Indian Country
Getting Started Today
The online MLS in Indigenous Peoples Law is a selective program that aims to educate the leading legal experts and lawyers. To get started, follow these steps:
STEP ONE:
Contact an Enrollment Counselor to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.
STEP TWO:
Fill out your application here.
STEP THREE:
Provide supplemental materials, including a resume, personal statement, and undergraduate transcripts.
Application Timeline
The admissions committee operates under a rolling admissions process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before the start of classes. However, some programs may have an earlier application deadline. The committee strives to respond to all applicants within two weeks from the time a completed application is submitted.
Questions about Admissions?
For more information on the admissions process, please complete the contact form below, and an admissions counselor will be in touch shortly.
Paying for School
If you would like to compare the estimated cost of your program with a typical financial aid package, use the cost calculator on our OU Online financial aid page.
If you have questions regarding financial aid for your online program, please get in touch with the Online Aid office by emailing onlineaid@ou.edu or calling 405-325-2929.
“As a Native American (I am an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), I’ve always had a drive for a deeper understanding of how we as a people and tribal governments got to the place we are today. I serve in several capacities that interact with tribal governments, local, state, and federal agencies, and other private organizations that have a vested interest in Indian Country. Having this academic foundation has provided me additional confidence and credibility, and I truly see this academia having real-world applications daily. ”
— Wes Parrell, Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law, 2024
same academic excellence
Earning an MLS in Indigenous Peoples Law degree from the OU College of Law gives you the skills to succeed in a growing and evolving field. It also gives you access to career support and an expanded professional network as part of the global OU alumni community. Stand out where the industry is moving while enjoying the potential for higher pay, career advancement, and new opportunities.
Oklahoma residents: $583.50 per credit hour, plus additional fees of $193.80 per credit hour and $117.50 per semester; Non-residents: $1,059 per credit hour, plus additional fees of $193.80 per credit hour and $117.50 per semester
Once accepted into the program, students must submit a $350 nonrefundable deposit within two weeks. Deposits are applied toward tuition expenses and secure a student’s place in the upcoming class.
Tuition Calculator
Our tuition calculator can help you estimate your tuition and financial aid for your program of interest.
Why OU Online?
We are a top-tier public institution offering high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs committed to maintaining academic excellence online.
Our Online Programs
Every OU Online program is built on the foundation of world-class faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.
Our OU Family
When you graduate from an OU Online program, you’ll join the network of 250,000 OU alumni and be forever part of the OU family. Become part of the tradition of excellence that OU has established in its 130-year history.
