Joint Degrees & Certificates
Penn Law offers numerous opportunities for J.D. students to pursue cross-disciplinary study related to environmental studies.
Environmental Studies Certificate Program
We offer two certificates that focus on environmental issues:
Environmental Policy in the Environmental Studies Institute
Environmental Science in the Environmental Studies Institute
Students interested in environmental studies can take either of these two Certificates, with the Policy Certificate intended for those studying issues in environmental regulation and the Science Certificate for those who would like to keep current their hard science background in the environmental field with continued study. Students take five courses approved by Environmental Studies, with up to two of these possible at Penn Law.
For more information...
Documentation on the Certificate Program – Environmental Policy (PDF)
Documentation on the Certificate Program – Environmental Science (PDF)
Environmental Studies Institute
Joint Degree (Masters in Environmental Science [J.D./M.E.S])
JD/MES
Institute for Environmental Studies
The aim of the JD/Masters in Environmental Studies program is to train leaders who can blend the professional concerns of law and environmental studies. Graduates acquire valuable tools for understanding the interplay between environmental issues and the law at the local, state, national, and international levels. Students in this program are prepared to assume positions of leadership in environmental law and policymaking in both the public and private sector.
Students can earn both degrees in three years. Penn Law gives credit for four relevant courses in Environmental Studies toward the JD degree. MES students complete twelve courses from a list approved annually by the Institute; these include the four courses that will be counted toward the completion of the JD degree, and may include additional Law School courses.
Students apply separately to each department. Applications to the MES program are welcomed contemporaneously with the Law School application or during the 1L year. The LSAT is sufficient for both departments; no additional testing is required.
Here is a typical track for completing the program.
| First year | Summer Courses Between Year One and Two | Second year | Third year | |
| Course Work | 1L | Environmental Studies | 2L & Environmental Studies courses | 3L & Environmental Studies courses |