Environmental Law with Vermont Law School (JD/MELP)

Combining Northeastern’s top ranking for practical training with Vermont Law School, home to the country’s premier environmental law program, this partnership is uniquely positioned to train problem solvers equipped not only for today’s challenges, but also tomorrow’s crises. This joint program offers students an array of environmental courses with a strong foundation in law, policy, science, economics and ethics. This multidisciplinary approach constructs the critical skill-sets that will be required for the next generation of environmental leaders.

The carefully sequenced JD/MELP three-year curriculum allows some courses at each school to count for credit in both programs. JD/MELP students take the regular course of law study at Northeastern during their first year. MELP classes at Vermont Law School will generally occur during the summer following the student’s second year. Students complete four co-op work experiences before they graduate, one of which counts as a MELP internship. Students can also pursue independent research projects.

To be admitted to the dual-degree program, students must be admitted to both the Northeastern University School of Law JD program and to the Vermont Law School MELP program. Admission to Northeastern University School of Law does not guarantee admission to the Vermont Law School MELP program.

More Details

The Juris Doctor/Master of Environmental Law and Policy dual-degree program takes advantage of Northeastern University School of Law's position as one of the nation's top public interest law schools and Vermont Law School's position as the top environmental law program.

Admissions Dates

The School of Law considers early action, regular, and transfer applications. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Early action deadline: November 15

Regular admission deadline: March 1* 

Early action transfer deadline: March 1

Regular admission transfer deadline: July 1** 

*This is the priority deadline for first-year students. Applications received by March 1 are guaranteed a decision by April 15. Applications received after March 1 will be processed on a rolling basis.

**This is the priority deadline for transfer students. Applications received after July 1 will be reviewed on a space-available basis. 

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

• Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
  • C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
  • Duolingo English Test (DET)
  • IELTS Academic
  • PTE Academic
  • TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

• 1.Create your application

  Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.

• 2.Submit all required materials

  Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.

• 3.Check your application status

  Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.