Vermont Law School offers students the opportunity to earn both a Juris Doctor degree and a Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP) degree in three academic years, the period of time ordinarily required to earn the JD degree alone. To earn both degrees on this accelerated schedule, JD/MELP students are permitted to count up to nine credits of environmental course work toward both degrees. In addition, MELP students take classes in the VLS Summer Session and/or pursue an externship during the summers after their first and second years.

The JD/MELP degree program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in environmental law, take full advantage of the large and diverse environmental law curriculum at VLS, and supplement their study of environmental law and policy with interdisciplinary training in science, economics, communications, and public advocacy.