Masters Admissions

Our Master of Environmental Law and Policy and Master of Energy Regulation and Law programs demonstrate strong academics and excellent written skills. Program options include a year (12 months) of full-time study, or may be completed in a part-time fashion. We evaluate each applicant by examining the whole person, and we admit students without consideration of their financial need.

VLS offers tuition scholarships to exceptional Master's candidates each year. In addition to a strong academic record, recipients will demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship and public service. There is no separate application process; all admitted candidates will be given full consideration. Scholarship recipients will be notified by April 1.

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Online Master's Program Admissions

Admission Requirements

Application to Vermont Law School's Master's programs is open to any person who has earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and who meets other entrance requirements. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to do graduate work. Factors that are consider in admission are: GPA from undergraduate and any graduate schools, successful work history after completion of the baccalaureate degree, the required admission essays, and letters of recommendation from academic professors or professional or volunteer experience supervisors. Students must submit official transcripts from all schools attended.

Neither the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) nor the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for the Master's programs; however students who have taken the exam may submit their scores to enhance their application. Scores should be sent directly to the school (GRE & LSAT School Code: 3946) for consideration. Please see the application for detailed instructions and information regarding application requirements, application deadlines, and letters of recommendation. Vermont Law School has an application fee of $60.00(USD).

English as a Foreign Language, International Credentials, and International Students

English as a Foreign Language: If English is not your primary language, you must submit official test results of English as a foreign language (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) scores with your application (TOEFL School Code: 3946). The minimum scores are: TOEFL - 600 paper based, 250 computer based, 100 internet based; IELTS - 6.5; and PTE - 68. International students who received a bachelor's degree from an accredited United States institution are exempted from this requirement. Candidates that have lived and worked in an English speaking country for more than two years should contact the Office of Admissions for potential waiver of this requirement.

International Credentials: Applications with international credentials must obtain and submit an official transcript evaluation through an evaluation agency such as World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. (www.ece.org). In addition to the agency evaluation, all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be submitted. Students applying for the JD or LLM may use the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) foreign credential evaluation services (www.lsac.org).

International Students: International students must submit a completed application by the general consideration deadline. This will allow sufficient time to obtain the additional documentation required to study in the United States. In addition, once accepted, international students must submit the International Student Information form, a copy of their passport, and financial documentation showing sufficient funding for at least one year of study and living expenses. This documentation must be submitted at least two months prior to the start of the semester in order to allow sufficient time for the school to issue an I-20 for the student to obtain an F-1 visa, if needed. An I-20 visa will not be issued without this documentation.

Applicant Notification

Vermont Law School reviews applications on a rolling basis. Once review begins, complete applications will be considered by the Admission Committee and applicants will be notified regarding the admission decision. Vermont Law School does not share information or provide any feedback regarding admission decisions.

If a student is offered admission, in order to secure a place in the incoming class, a total non-refundable tuition deposit of $500 will be required by the deposit deadlines indicated in the offer of admission. The non-refundable deposit will be applied in full toward the student's tuition upon enrollment.

Admissions Questions

Please contact the Admissions Office if you have questions about admissions or programs.
Toll free: (888)277-5985
Phone: (802)831-1239
Email: admiss@vermontlaw.edu