Online, Part-Time
Ranked #1 in Oklahoma and #37 Nationally, Oklahoma City University is recognized by US News and World Report as having one of the best online graduate business programs (non-MBA) in the nation. Read More
Master of Science in Energy Legal Studies
30 Credit Hours | 2 Years | Online | Prerequisites not required
Accredited by the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) and AACSB.
Energy professionals understand the collaborative nature of success in the industry amongst all the disciplines and how each discipline regularly encounters the legal environment of acquisitions & divestitures, surface and sub-surface property rights, regulatory compliance, infrastructure, government relations, accounting and much more.
M.S. Energy Legal Studies focuses on the legal principles that underlie the energy industry: contract law, property law, environmental law, administrative/regulatory law, corporate law, and natural resources law. Along with acquiring this significant, substantive knowledge, the Energy Legal Studies enhances students’ abilities to write, speak, and think critically, and to engage in successful negotiations in their careers in energy.
M.S. Energy Legal Studies students represent almost every discipline to be found in the energy industry: acquisitions and divestitures, accounting, regulatory, health, safety and environment, legal relations, government relations, public relations, financial analysts, and many more. Professionals with these backgrounds realize their career path will lead them to positions that will address difficult legal and regulatory compliance issues. Earning a graduate degree in Energy Legal Studies will ensure they will have the working knowledge needed to be successful in those roles as they advance in their careers.
Course Descriptions
MGMT 5723 - Leadership and Management in the Energy Industry
Provides an overview of all sources of energy throughout all generation and delivery cycles. Explores leadership and management in the energy industry with current, high-level energy executives. Evaluates the interactions between land, legal, engineering, geology, geophysics, and product marketing departments of an energy company. Enhances the ability to manage organizations and members. Organizational structure, design, culture, change and development are studied. Future energy sources, environmental issues, social responsibility, industry ethics and leadership issues are examined.
ELAW 5703 - Legal and Ethical Environment of the Energy Industry
Provides an overview of the law, ethics and legal analysis. Examines areas of law and ethics that relate to the contemporary business environment in the energy industry. Areas of study include: contracts, torts, crime, business organizations and the legal and ethical responsibilities of energy industry leaders.
ELAW 5353 - Fundamentals of Contracts
Covers fundamental principles of contract liability; offer and acceptance; consideration; statute of frauds; contract remedies; the parole evidence rule; performance of contracts; conditions; effect of changed circumstances; and other issues related to contract formation and enforcement Prerequisite ELAW 5703
ELAW 6523 - Fundamentals of Property Law
Study of the fundamentals of property: property interests in land and in wealth other than land; formation of interests in land; the estate concept; possessory and non-possessory interests; concurrent interests; the lessor-lessee relation; the allocation and development of land resources. Prerequisite ELAW 5703
ELAW 6533 - Legal Principles of Oil and Gas
Nature of property interests in oil and gas; conveyancing of interests in oil and gas; legal interests created by oil and gas leases; validity of leases; addendum, drilling, and rental clauses; assignment of interests of lessor and lessee; rents and royalties; and conservation of oil and gas. Prerequisite ELAW 5703
ELAW 6543 - Environmental Law and Regulatory Compliance
Introduction to the legal regulation of environmental quality and its intersection with the energy industry. Course considers the foundations of environmental regulation; the scientific predicate for environmental regulation; the objectives of environmental regulation; and the choice of regulatory tools, such as state and federal administrative regulation, taxes, permit schemes, liability rules, and informational requirements. Analyzes the principal environmental statutes, particularly the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Liability Act, and the National Environmental Protection Act Prerequisite ELAW 5703
ELAW 6613 - Energy Contracts & Issues
Applies the fundamentals developed in Contracts and Property and examines contracts used in the energy industry for exploration, production, and development and for investment; the nature of the relationships created by such contracts; the rights and duties of the parties; and governmental regulation of such contracts. Examines the importance of identification of the identity, entity, estate or individuals involved in the ownership, investment or participation in an energy deal and the implications thereof. Prerequisite ELAW 5353, ELAW 6523, and ELAW 6533
ELAW 5453 - Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
Designed to improve students' understanding of the negotiation process and their practical skills as participants in energy deals and negotiations. Integrates intellectual and experiential learning by combining reading and lectures with exercises, role-plays, presentations, and in-depth class discussion.
ELAW 5153 - Legal Research and Citation
Teaches the sources and techniques for legal research and proper citation of those sources. Focuses on the comprehensive, thorough research path necessary to complete the Legal Writing paper and project.
ELAW 5253 - Legal Writing and Analysis and Capstone Experience
Develops and hones students' ability to analyze and write about a complex energy and legal issue. This course will serve as the culmination of the entire program wherein students will receive guidance in writing a research paper and prepare a presentation. The students will work in groups, prepare an energy industry "white paper." and present their work Prerequisite ELAW 5153
Cohort Schedule
On-Campus Residency
As with most leading programs, two on-campus residencies are required. One such gathering will be scheduled at the beginning of the program and another towards the end. These short, but critical, residencies allow for students to network with fellow cohort members, alums, faculty, and energy industry leaders during both of the two-day sessions.
The expense of any travel is not included in the cost of tuition.
Tentative Agenda for Residency (subject to change)
Thursday, August 22
Noon - 1:00 p.m. Welcome Lunch
1:15 - 2:30 p.m. Faculty Introductions and Overview
2:45 - 3:45 p.m. Online Expectations
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Campus Tour and Student ID
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Dinner Reception with Alumni, Students and Faculty
Friday, August 23
8:00 - 8:15 a.m. Meet President Burger
8:15 - 9:30 a.m. Dean Agee Lecture and Guest Executive Discussion
9:45 - 10:00 a.m. Cohort Photo
10:15 - 10:45 a.m. Honor Code and Program Integrity
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Group Project Breakouts
Noon - 1:00 p.m. Lunch and Farewell
Tuition and Fees
| Tuition & Fees 2019-2021 (subject to change) | Per 3-Credit Course | To Earn 30-Credits (10 courses) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition $590/credit | $1,770 | $17,700 |
| General Fees $150/credit | $450 | $4,500 |
| Online Fee $75/course | $75 | $750 |
| One-time Records Fee | *$250 | |
| $2,295 | $23,500 |
All Energy Management and Energy Legal Studies students will be required to attend two on-campus residencies in Oklahoma City, at the beginning and end of the program. The expense of any travel is not included in the above-listed tuition and fees. Books and materials are not included in the tuition forecast. 2/1/2019.
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites are not required.
Applicants must demonstrate a basic understanding of analytical techniques and have strong communication skills.
- Bachelor’s Degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above
- Two years of relevant work experience preferred
- Statement of purpose (minimum 500 words) addressing background in the energy industry, business experience, and purpose for seeking degree
- Full professional resume
- Two letters of recommendation from employers/supervisors
- Qualifying GMAT/GRE score (score may be waived based on work experience)
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (International applicants)
We are currently accepting applications for Cohort 15. Cohort 15 begins on August 6, 2019.
Download Program One Sheet
Online Education Requirements
Oklahoma City University was the first university with graduate programs accredited by the AAPL. The M.S. Energy Legal Studies and M.S. Energy Management degrees provide great opportunities in an evolving industry. These degrees have been ranked once again by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online graduate business programs in the country.
Building upon this success, the nature of the energy industry, and with meticulous adaptation, we are moving our programs online for all students in August 2019. Technology that previously allowed our Oklahoma City-based students to participate with their classmates in multiple states in a hybrid format, now provides even greater flexibility for all students to successfully balance work, life and education. With the majority of the coursework and instruction conducted asynchronously, where appropriate to the course, students will engage in scheduled live class or group work sessions conducted via webcam occasionally throughout the program.
The personal attention we are able to give our students and alumni is critical to who we are as a University. In every industry—energy, education—relationships matter. Whether online or in-person, these connections are a critical part of our programs. This is, in part, why both the M.S. Energy Management and M.S. Energy Legal Studies are taught on a cohort basis—allowing for development of relationships amongst the industry professionals in the cohort.
Technical Requirements
Students should have reliable access to a high-speed, broadband Internet connection. A minimum download speed of 5.00 mbps and minimum upload speed of 2.00 mbps is recommended. Students must have a webcam and microphone. Students are encouraged to use a laptop or desktop computer rather than a tablet or smartphone.
Contact Information
Cindy Treadway
Meinders Graduate Advisor
ctreadway@okcu.edu
(405) 208-5154
Meredith Wegener
Director of Graduate Energy Programs
mwegener@okcu.edu
(405) 208-5593