Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this specialized legal field engage in a rigorous exploration of the complex regulatory frameworks shaping energy production, environmental stewardship, and the sustainable management of natural resources. The program prepares individuals to navigate the legal challenges at the intersection of policy, science, and governance, equipping them with the analytical and advocacy skills needed to influence decision-making in dynamic, high-stakes environments.
- Energy Law: Examines legal structures and regulatory mechanisms governing the generation, distribution, and consumption of energy, including fossil fuels, renewables, and emerging technologies.
- Environmental Regulation: Focuses on statutes and administrative rules designed to prevent pollution, protect ecosystems, and ensure compliance with national and international environmental standards.
- Natural Resources Management: Explores legal principles governing the use, conservation, and allocation of finite resources such as water, forests, minerals, and wildlife.
- Land Use and Planning Law: Investigates zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and legal frameworks that guide development while balancing ecological and community interests.
- Policy Analysis and Advocacy: Develops the ability to evaluate the legal and ethical dimensions of public policy, with an emphasis on strategic engagement in legislative and regulatory processes.
Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law degrees, including Lawyers and Law Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers 23-1011 | $151,160 | $72,780 - $239,200 | 747,750 | $72.67 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1112 | $126,650 | $58,330 - $239,200 | 22,800 | N/A |
Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,245 in Mississippi to $172,710 in Delaware—a 118% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 770,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 22 institutions offering Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law is found at Texas A & M University, College Station (53 graduates), Lewis & Clark College (23 graduates), University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman Campus (22 graduates), University of Utah (U of U) (16 graduates), and Georgetown University (GU) (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 221 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A & M University |
Postbac Cert.
|
53 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Lewis & Clark College |
Master's
|
23 | Portland, Oregon | Private | lclark.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
22 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
16 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
|
12 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Master's
|
11 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| Pace University |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
11 | New York, New York | Private | pace.edu |
| Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) |
Post-Master's
|
11 | South Royalton, Vermont | Private | vermontlaw.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
9 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Post-Master's
|
9 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| Loyola University New Orleans (LOYNO) |
Master's
|
7 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | loyno.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Master's
|
6 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Master's
|
5 | Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Master's
|
4 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Master's
|
4 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Master's
|
3 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Master's
|
3 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Post-Master's
|
3 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| University of the Pacific (UOP) |
Master's
|
2 | Stockton, California | Private | pacific.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
|
2 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Master's
|
1 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law programs
How much can I earn with a Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law degree?
Salaries for Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law graduates vary by role and location. Lawyers earn a median of $151,160 annually, while Law Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $126,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $172,710 compared to $79,245 in Mississippi. Approximately 770,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law programs?
Currently 22 accredited institutions offer Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Texas A & M University, College Station (53 graduates), Lewis & Clark College (23 graduates), and University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman Campus (22 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 91 in 2010 to a peak of 238 in 2020, before declining slightly to 221 in 2023-24. This represents a 143% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Lawyers, Law Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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