Vermont Law School is dedicated to educating students in the understanding, skills, and values needed for private practice and public service. Emphasis is placed on developing professional responsibility and judgment, together with respect for the dignity of all people and the integrity of the natural environment.

Vermont Law School offers the following degree programs:

• The Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, acquired through a three-year (six semesters), full-time, day program. A minimum of 87 credits are needed to obtain a J.D., with a minimum accumulated grade point average of 2.0.
  
  
• The Master of Studies in Environmental Law (M.S.E.L.) degree, acquired through a three-semester, full-time, day program; a part-time program, or on a summers-only basis. A minimum of 30 credits are needed to obtain an M.S.E.L., with a minimum accumulated grade point average of 2.0.
  
  
• The LL.M. in Environmental Law degree, acquired through a three-semester, full-time, day program. A minimum of 30 credits are needed to obtain an LL.M., with a minimum accumulated grade point average of 2.67. A thesis, teaching, or major project, and a two-semester Graduate Seminar are also required.
  
  
• The joint J.D./M.S.E.L., acquired through a three-year (eight semesters), full-time, day program. A minimum of 105 credits are needed to obtain the joint degree, with a minimum accumulated grade point average of 2.0.
  
  
• Dual M.S.E.L./M.B.A. with nearby Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business. Applicants to this program must apply separately to, and be accepted by, both Vermont Law School and the Tuck School of Business. The GMAT test score may be submitted for both degrees. An M.S.E.L./M.B.A. candidate may "share" the equivalent of nine credits between the two programs.
  
  
• Dual M.S.E.L./J.D. programs with the University of South Dakota School of Law, and the University of South Carolina School of Law. Vermont Law School, USD, and USC offer Dual Degree programs that enable qualified law students to earn two degrees in three years: a J.D. from South Dakota or South Carolina, and an M.S.E.L. from Vermont Law School. USD and USC students apply for the M.S.E.L. program during their first year of law school.
  
  
• Dual Masters of Environmental Management (M.E.M.)/J.D. program with the Yale University School of Forestry & Environmental Studies enables students to earn both degrees in four years. J.D./M.E.M. candidates may "share" the equivalent of twelve credits between the two programs. Applicants to this program must apply separately to, and be accepted by, both Vermont Law School and the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies.