Program structure

The Environmental Law Program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of environmental law and policy. The program is structured to include classroom instruction, experiential learning, and research and writing components, culminating in a Concentration in Environmental Law.

Classroom Instruction

Students begin with a foundational course in Environmental Law, which serves as a prerequisite for the concentration. Beyond this core course, the program offers a diverse array of electives and seminars, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the environmental law field. Regularly offered courses include:

• Administrative Law
• Advanced Legal Research: Environmental Law
• Climate Change: Emerging Issues
• Energy Law
• Natural Resources Law
• U.S. Water Law

These courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who are experts in their respective areas.

Experiential Learning

The program emphasizes practical experience through its award-winning Environmental Law Clinic, where students engage in real-world cases involving issues such as pollution, climate change, and environmental justice. Additionally, the program offers externship opportunities with various organizations, including:

• Environmental Protection Agency
• Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation
• Natural Resources Defense Council

These placements allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in professional settings, enhancing their practical skills and professional networks.

Research and Writing

To fulfill the concentration requirements, students must complete a substantial research paper on an environmental law topic. This component is designed to develop students' analytical and writing skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to scholarly and policy discussions in the field.

Extracurricular Activities

Students are encouraged to participate in the Maryland Environmental Law Society (MELS), the nation's longest-standing environmental law student organization. MELS is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the planet through community service, awareness, and legal education, focusing on eco-centered community service, career development, diversity, and networking.

By integrating rigorous academic coursework with hands-on experiential learning and research opportunities, the Environmental Law Program prepares students for successful careers addressing complex environmental challenges.

For more detailed information, please visit the Environmental Law Program's webpage.

Fees and Funding

The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law offers a comprehensive Environmental Law Program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of environmental law and policy. Recognized among the nation's top programs by U.S. News & World Report, it provides an extensive curriculum covering areas such as pollution control, natural resources law, and international environmental regulations.

Tuition and Fees

For the Juris Doctor (JD) program, tuition and fees based on the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows:

• Full-Time JD Program:

  • Maryland Residents: $34,301
  • Non-Residents: $50,630

• Part-Time JD Program:

  • Maryland Residents: $22,518
  • Non-Residents: $33,147

Additional mandatory fees include registration fees, bar success fees, malpractice insurance, student accident insurance, and student health insurance premiums. For a detailed breakdown, please refer to the JD Tuition & Fees page.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The University offers various financial aid options, including need-based assistance, merit-based scholarships, and grants:

• Need-Based Financial Aid: Administered by the University's Office of Student Financial Assistance, this program combines grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. To apply, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and designate "University of Maryland, Baltimore" (code 002104) as the recipient institution.

• Merit-Based Scholarships: The Office of Admissions awards these scholarships to incoming students based on academic excellence and other achievements. Notably, the Leadership Scholars Program has provided over 500 scholarships to students with outstanding accomplishments in academics, professional life, and public service.

• External Scholarships: A variety of external scholarships are available to law students. The school provides a curated list of such opportunities on the JD External Scholarships page.

For personalized assistance regarding financial aid, students can contact Maryland Carey Law’s Student Financial Planning Manager, Marilyn Jones, at mmjones@law.umaryland.edu or 410.706.0873.

For more detailed information on tuition, fees, and financial aid, please visit the Admissions & Aid section of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law website.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law offers several scholarships and grants to support students pursuing environmental law, with a focus on promoting diversity within the field.

Environmental Law Diversity Program

Established to enhance diversity in environmental law, this program provides financial assistance to students committed to this practice area. Funded by the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), the program includes:

• EIP Environmental Diversity Scholarships: Awards up to $10,000 per year for students who contribute to the diversity of the environmental law field and demonstrate a commitment to practicing environmental law post-graduation. Preference is given to 2L and 3L students, though incoming students may also be considered.l

• Environmental Diversity Fellowships: Summer grants up to $5,000 for students who secure unpaid positions with non-profit or government entities focusing on environmental matters. Preference is given to diverse students working on environmental justice issues.

Fedder Scholars Program

Funded by a $1 million commitment from alumnus Joel D. Fedder and his wife, Ellen, this program supports:

• Fedder Lecture and Dinner: An annual event featuring prominent environmental scholars.

• Fedder Scholars Grants: Financial support for students to participate in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Academy of Environmental Law Colloquium, where they present papers and engage with global environmental law scholars.

Additional Scholarships and Aid

The School of Law’s Office of Admissions oversees merit-based scholarships and grants. All applicants are automatically considered for these awards during the application review process. To be eligible for any form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, work-study, or loans, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and designate the University of Maryland, Baltimore (code 002104) as a recipient institution.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Scholarships & Aid page.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Juris Doctor (JD) program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or expect to graduate during the current academic year.

Application Components:

1. Application Form: Submit through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) portal.

2. Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $70, payable via LSAC.

3. Standardized Test Score: A valid score from either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Test scores are valid for five years. For GRE submissions, use ETS code 5765.

4. Transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be sent directly to LSAC.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required, with a maximum of four accepted. Recommenders should be instructors or employers familiar with the applicant's academic or professional work. Personal references are discouraged.

6. Credential Assembly Service (CAS): Register with LSAC's CAS, which compiles transcripts, test scores, and recommendations into a report for the law school.

7. Personal Statement: A double-spaced essay, up to 750 words, detailing the applicant's background, experiences, and motivation for pursuing a law degree at Maryland Carey Law.

8. Résumé: Outline educational background, employment history, skills, honors, and accomplishments.

9. Optional Essay: Applicants may respond to one of several prompts to provide additional context about their experiences and perspectives.

Deadlines:

• September 1: Application opens.
• February 1: Deadline for Carey Law Scholars Binding Program and Binding Early Decision Program.
• April 1: Priority application deadline.
• August 1: Final application deadline.

The Admissions Committee evaluates candidates holistically, considering academic records, test scores, professional and educational experiences, and personal attributes that will contribute to the law school community.

For detailed information, please visit the JD Admissions page.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Environmental Law Program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, prospective students must follow the standard application process for the Juris Doctor (JD) program. The Environmental Law Program is integrated within the JD curriculum, allowing students to specialize in environmental law during their studies.

Application Process:

1. Eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or expect to graduate during the current academic year. The law school does not consider applications from individuals who are not in good standing or have been dismissed from another law school within the past five years.

2. Application Components:

   • Application Form: Submit through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) portal.
   • Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $70, payable via LSAC.
   • Standardized Test Score: A valid score from either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Test scores are valid for five years. For GRE submissions, use ETS code 5765.
   • Transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be sent directly to LSAC.
   • Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required, with a maximum of four accepted. Recommenders should be instructors or employers familiar with the applicant's academic or professional work. Personal references are discouraged.
   • Credential Assembly Service (CAS): Register with LSAC's CAS, which compiles transcripts, test scores, and recommendations into a report for the law school.
   • Personal Statement: A double-spaced essay, up to 750 words, detailing the applicant's background, experiences, and motivation for pursuing a law degree at Maryland Carey Law.
   • Résumé: Outline educational background, employment history, skills, honors, and accomplishments.
   • Optional Essay: Applicants may respond to one of several prompts to provide additional context about their experiences and perspectives.

3. Deadlines:

   • September 1: Application opens.
   • February 1: Deadline for Carey Law Scholars Binding Program and Binding Early Decision Program.
   • April 1: Priority application deadline.
   • August 1: Final application deadline.

The Admissions Committee evaluates candidates holistically, considering academic records, test scores, professional and educational experiences, and personal attributes that will contribute to the law school community.

Environmental Law Program:

Once admitted to the JD program, students can pursue a Concentration in Environmental Law. This concentration requires a minimum of 17 credits, including foundational courses, electives, experiential learning through clinics and externships, and a substantial research paper on an environmental law topic. Detailed information about the program structure, courses, and opportunities is available on the Environmental Law Program's webpage.

For further assistance, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@law.umaryland.edu or (410) 706-3492.