Master of Legal Studies in Land Policy: Land Use, Planning, and Development (MLSLP)

Master of Legal Studies in Land Policy: Land Use, Planning, and Development (MLSLP)

CLU’s Master of Legal Studies in Land Policy: Land Use, Planning, and Development (MLSLP) is a non-JD graduate program that prepares professionals to interpret and apply the legal frameworks that shape planning and development. Students learn how land use, zoning, environmental policy, and development law guide decisions that influence communities and the built environment.

The program builds practical legal literacy across planning and land use law, environmental and natural resources law, housing and redevelopment policy, administrative law, and local government processes. Learners develop skills in regulatory compliance, development approvals, and interpreting statutes, ordinances, and administrative procedures essential to planning and development work.

Though not a pathway to becoming an attorney, the MLSLP develops legally informed professionals who can support planning commissions, zoning boards, municipal agencies, developers, and legal teams. Graduates emerge ready to champion thoughtful, responsible development and help shape communities where people and places can thrive.

Master of Legal Studies in Land Policy: Land Use, Planning, and Development Overview

a laptop to state the Online Master of Arts in Social Impact can be taken entirely online

100% Online

Program Length

TUITION AND CREDITS

  • Asynchronous format

  • Interactive learning platforms
  • Discussion forums facilitated by world class faculty

Full-time: 10 months*
Part-time: 20 months

*Full-time status (2 courses per term) must be maintained to complete your master’s degree in 10 months.

  • $550 / credit hour

  • 30 credits long

  • Total Tuition: $16,500

Tuition and Financial Aid Info>

Master of Legal Studies in Land Policy: Land Use, Planning, and Development (MLSLP) Admissions Requirements

  • A completed bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
  • Submission of university transcripts

  • Current resume or CV

  • No GRE or GMAT Required

  • Minimum 2.5 GPA (provisions acceptance may be granted for GPAs under 2.5)
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Master of Legal Studies in Land Policy: Land Use, Planning, and Development Law Courses

  • Legal Frameworks for Public Administration
  • Local Government Law
  • Foundations of Law and Legal Systems

  • Planning and Development Regulation Law

  • Environmental Policy and Law

  • Real Estate Development Law

  • Foundations of Planning Methods and Research

  • Invitation to Inquiry: Foundations of the Claremont Core®
  • Activating the Core® Research Methods
  • Applying the Claremont Core® CLU Capstone

2025-2026 Student Catalog>

Online MLSLP Degree Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of your MLSLP, you will be able to:
  • Interpret federal, state, and local land use regulations

  • Communicate legal analyses to public officials and communities

  • Apply administrative law to real development contexts
  • Analyze legal cases informing land use strategy
  • Evaluate legal constraints on sustainable development

Master of Legal Studies in Land Policy: Land Use, Planning, and Development Faculty

A team of professional educators with a wide range of experience in public leadership and civic engagement contribute to your learning environment at Claremont Lincoln University. Here are just a few you may meet:

Mike Gent, DSW

Antonia Castro Graham, MPA

Heather Hannon, MA, AICP, Teaching Faculty

George “Mac” McCarthy, PhD

Enrique R. Silva, PhD, Teaching Faculty

Diego Lomelli Trejo, MA, Teaching Faculty

Stephanie Varnon-Hughes, PhD

Robert Hibberd, PhD, Teaching Faculty

Jenna Martin, JD, Teaching Faculty

Master of Legal Studies in Land Policy: Land Use, Planning, and Development Career Paths

Master of Legal Studies in Land Policy: Land Use, Planning, and Development (MLSLP) program, you will be prepared to approach your career from a new perspective. The skills and competencies this degree offers you can apply to roles in a variety of capacities including:
  • Urban/Regional Planner
  • Environmental Planner
  • Zoning Administrator
  • Housing Policy Analyst

  • Land Policy and Zoning Analyst

CLU Is the University of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

Claremont Lincoln University is the university of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, a non-profit global thought leader solving social, environmental, and economic challenges. Together, we are mobilizing leaders worldwide to tackle the most pressing climate, land, water, finance, housing, infrastructure, and other issues.

Apply to the MLSLP PROGRAM TODAY

Ready to join the online MLSLP program? Submit your free application today to enroll at CLU and advance your education.

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