The National Jurist…
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is launching several degree programs focused on Indian gaming and tribal self-governance, something no law school has offered before.
Students can choose to take a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree program or a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree program in the subject. A certificate will also be offered.
“ASU Law is committed to serving the educational needs of our tribal nations,” said Dean Douglas Sylvester. “With the addition of our Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs, we are building upon our world-class Indian Legal Program to ensure that our students receive the best possible education and real-world experience while they are here.”
ASU Law says tribal initiatives have successfully addressed challenges that echo from repudiated federal policies, and it is supporting those tribal initiatives by developing advanced degree programs focused on Indian gaming and tribal self-governance for professionals who desire an advanced, concentrated curriculum in these areas.
Indian gaming continues to grow. According to the American Gaming Association, there are more than 500 tribal casinos operating in 29 states.
The Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs will equip professionals with a background in federal Indian law and comprehensive courses designed to help graduates seamlessly integrate into the job of their choice.
Graduates may serve as in-house counsel, senior or mid-level executives for tribes or tribal entities, tribal elected officials responsible for overseeing these aspects of their tribal operations and other professionals with careers that intersect with these areas, such as congressional staff and federal, state and local employees.
“History has also shown that tribes can better meet the needs of their citizens when the federal trustee works to promote tribal sovereignty and self-determination. We believe that both our programs will provide critical education for those working for the tribes or in Indian gaming,” Sylvester said.
