University of Arizona Joins the EMLE Consortium
The University of Arizona Center for the Philosophy of Freedom is honored to make the U of A the first institute in the Americas to be an accredited member of the European Master in Law and Economics (EMLE) program. The EMLE Consortium is a highly regarded interdisciplinary program that integrates the study of law and economics through a global network of prestigious universities. This exciting development marks a major milestone in the university’s global engagement efforts and solidifies its excellence and dedication to interdisciplinary graduate education.
“This program opens doors—for the university, for our students both local and international, and especially for you, [EMLE students]. Profitez bien!”
— Saura Masconale
The launch of the six-week program was celebrated April 24 at the Cork & Craft restaurant on the U of A campus with campus leadership and the newly arrived international EMLE students.
Graduates of the EMLE program earn degrees from three universities of their choice, across three continents, preparing them for impactful international careers in academia, public policy, and the private sector. Sponsored by the European Commission, the EMLE program is anchored by a prestigious global consortium of universities and institutional partners, offering students a robust academic foundation and post-graduate opportunities.
As part of the final leg of their journey, students may choose to spend their third term at the U of A, where they complete their master’s thesis under the guidance of faculty and earn a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree with a concentration in Law and Economics from the James E. Rogers College of Law. This culminating experience not only reflects the interdisciplinary and international spirit of the program but also affirms Arizona’s place as a vital contributor to the future of global legal and economic scholarship.
At the welcome event Saura Masconale, associate director of the Freedom Center, faculty with the Political Economy and Moral Sciences department, and affiliated faculty with the James E. Rogers College of Law, greeted the students saying, “This was not a small task – it took us almost 3 years but here we are, welcoming our first cohort of EMLE students, coming from all over the world: Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Tunisia, the Netherlands, Vietnam, Mongolia, China, and Russia. Please join me in cheering them on.”
As part of the EMLE term in Arizona, students will complete their planned theses and are offered dedicated courses taught by top-tier faculty from across North America and the U of A campus such as Justice, Law, and Capitalism and Regulation of Emerging Technology.
A cross-campus collaboration led by Masconale — with key support from Kirsten Limesand, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate College; Keith Swisher, Director of the MLS program; and Jason Craig, interim dean of the James E. Rogers College of Law — along with faculty from Arizona and partner institutions and a dedicated administrative team, made the Arizona term possible.
“It’s an incredible honor for the University of Arizona to be selected as part of the EMLE consortium,” said Limesand. “The partnership between the Center for the Philosophy of Freedom and the James E. Rogers College of Law is a model for bringing innovative ideas to the education of our next generation of leaders. The Graduate College is thrilled to welcome our inaugural cohort of 11 EMLE students to Tucson!”
Additional expertise for the program’s launch has been found in Simone M. Sepe, professor in the College of Law and academic coordinator for the EMLE Arizona program, who has brought a wealth of global experience and scholarly expertise to the program. He developed an innovative EMLE curriculum, inviting colleagues from across campus and nationally, to deliver lectures.
Among this first cohort of Arizona EMLE students is presented a range of research interests that reflect the breadth and depth of the program—as well as the relevance to today’s world. Topics include the governance challenges of sovereign wealth funds in Mongolia’s state-capitalist economy, the legal and economic analysis of cyberwar insurance, and the impact of the European Green Deal on global competitiveness in light of U.S. policy shifts. Other students are exploring subjects such as data property rights and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping future legal and economic frameworks.
Beyond the classroom, students in the EMLE program are part of a vibrant intellectual community. Their work is more than academic — it is part of a global conversation about how law and economics intersect in today’s most pressing challenges. These students are not only studying systems — they are preparing to shape them. Their presence enriches the university community and affirms the value of international education in building a more thoughtful, interconnected world.
“We are excited to welcome these outstanding students to our campus,” said Director of the Freedom Center, Dr. Mary Rigdon. “The EMLE program is designed to foster a global perspective on the interplay between law and markets, and we are confident that our students will play a vital role in shaping the future of these critical sectors. This partnership was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of Saura Masconale, whose work has been integral in launching this transformative educational initiative.”
At the welcome event on Thursday, Masconale released the EMLE students to mingle and network with campus leadership saying, “This program opens doors—for the university, for our students both local and international, and especially for you, [EMLE students]. Profitez bien!”
