Environmental Law Program

Center for Environmental Law

Anchored in New Orleans. Rooted in the Gulf. Shaping global solutions.

Welcome to the Environmental Law Program at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Located in the heart of Louisiana, our program serves as a unified hub for academic excellence and community-driven advocacy. Here, law is more than theory—it is a powerful tool for confronting the urgent challenges of our time. From rising seas and coastal land loss to environmental justice and smart energy use, our program places students at the intersection of scholarship, practice, and innovation.

New Orleans, at the gateway of the Gulf of Mexico, provides a living laboratory where environmental issues are immediate and deeply human. Under this programmatic umbrella, the Center for Environment, Land, and Law (CELL) serves as our vital research and fellowship arm, while our specialized degree paths and experiential policy labs turn classroom theory into real-world impact. Students learn not only from faculty engaged in cutting-edge research but also through hands-on experience with agencies, nonprofits, and communities shaping the future of climate adaptation and sustainable development.

Our students are on the frontlines—protecting local resources, fighting climate change, and analyzing in real time the regulatory challenges facing endangered species. By integrating rigorous legal study with on-the-ground service, we ensure the next generation of lawyers is equipped to rewrite the rules and protect the health of our communities.

We offer a robust menu of courses and immersive experiential opportunities, ensuring graduates are prepared to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and advocate for resilient communities. Whether your goal is to influence legislation, guide corporate responsibility, or contribute to global climate governance, you will find the tools, mentorship, and opportunities here to build your path.

Join a community of scholars and practitioners committed to transforming environmental law and policy—starting in New Orleans and extending across the globe.

ACADEMIC DEGREES

Build your expertise through our specialized academic tracks. J.D. students can earn a Certificate in Environmental Law, while practitioners may pursue an advanced LL.M. For an accelerated path, our Joint J.D./LL.M. program allows students to earn both degrees in record time.

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CELL

As the research and service arm of Loyola’s Environmental Law Program, CELL transforms classroom theory into Gulf Coast advocacy. Home to our specialized fellowships and special projects, CELL provides the physical and collaborative space where students, faculty, and communities unite.

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EXPERIENCIAL LEARNING

Gain frontline experience in our Labs, where students move beyond the classroom to shape real-world law. From legislative drafting to community lawyering, you’ll work alongside experts to tackle Gulf Coast challenges like carbon capture, disaster resilience, and industrial accountability.

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Meet our faculty

The Center on Environment, Land, and Law is staffed by world class faculty and experienced practitioners in the areas of environmental and land use law and policy.

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Degree Requirements

Loyola’s MEL degree requires completion of 30 semester credit hours and a thesis paper of publishable quality. The thesis requirement may be completed as part of an environmental course or by taking the graduate seminar in Health and Environment.

Admission Deadlines

Loyola Law will accept applications for Admission from October 15, 2025, through July 1, 2026. The application portal will promptly close on July 1, 2026, 5 pm CT.

Scholarship Opportunities

All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, with consideration weighted toward their academic achievements and relevant professional experience.

Academic Programs

Specialize in Environmental Law

Certificate in Environmental Law

J.D. students interested in environmental law may elect to earn a certificate.

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Master's in Environmental Law

The Master of Environmental Law (MENV) graduate degree is for those who have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in learning about environmental law, but who do not wish to practice law or obtain a law degree.

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LL.M. with an Environmental Law Concentration

Lawyers interested in developing a specialization in this complex and rapidly evolving areas of law may earn an LL.M. with a concentration in Environmental Law.

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Start Your Application

We can't wait for you to join us! Here's what you need:

Completed program application
A short personal statement explaining your interest in the program
A university transcript from your undergraduate institution
One letter of recommendation, which may be emailed directly to ladmit@loyno.edu (no letters of recommendation are required for Loyola graduates)

Every applicant is automatically considered for scholarship awards. No LSAT or GRE score required to apply. While you're waiting to hear back, please complete your FAFSA.

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