Degree: Master of Laws (LLM)

Program Overview

The School of Law offers a wide variety of options for both general and focused advanced studies of law.  Our Master of Laws (LLM) programs offer opportunities for advanced study for those who have earned a prior law degree in either the USA or abroad. Depending on the student's prior educational background and interest areas, we can create a program of study to provide opportunities for exploring a new area of expertise or to allow both general and targeted explorations of USA laws and policies to serve as a source of comparative study and enhanced educational credentials.

Program Requirements

LLM Programs for foreign-educated lawyers

The School of Law offers four different Master of Laws (LLM) programs to students who have completed legal training outside of the United States.  These programs allow students to spend one year in an intensive study program to gain exposure and immersion into the legal theory and practices of the U.S., and to engage in comparative study of the U.S. and other international legal systems.  Building on a base of required courses specific to the International LLM programs, each student will develop an individual plan of study leading to a Master of Laws degree in one of four programs:

• LLM in United States and Global Legal Studies
• LLM in Intellectual Property Law
• LLM in International Business Law
• LLM in International Criminal Law

Each LLM student’s course of study will be determined by the program director in consultation with the student and will be based on the student’s prior legal education, goals, and interests. After completion of the degree requirements, students may elect to spend a summer internship with a law firm or corporate legal department in the United States. Further information and admission materials may be requested from the Foreign Graduate Studies Program office.

LLM in United States and Global Legal Studies

Students in the United States and Global Legal Studies program have the option to pursue a particular curricular concentration by consulting with the director of Foreign Graduate Studies and choosing a focus area in their elective courses. This program is for students interested in U.S. law who hope to improve their legal research, writing and analytical skills. This is the best degree to prepare for a US bar exam. Students may also earn a certificate of concentration in the subject area of their choice.

Required Coursework: U.S. & Global Legal Studies

LLM in Intellectual Property Law

This program is best for students interested in the doctrine and policy of U.S. intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.

Required Courses: Intellectual Property Law

LLM in International Business Law

This program is designed for students interested in the academic analysis and practical applications of U.S. business law and international business transactions.

Required Courses: International Business Law

LLM in International Criminal Law

The Master of Laws (LLM) program in International Criminal Law is a one-year advanced study program to students who hold the JD degree from a U.S. law school, or equivalent training from a school outside of the USA. It provides students with an in-depth knowledge of international criminal law and procedure, international humanitarian law, and national security law, and will equip them to practice international criminal law before international tribunals or national courts. Students will plan their course of study by working closely with the Program Director.  Selected students will also have the opportunity to participate in one of our International Criminal Tribunal Externships during one of their semesters in the program.

Required Courses: International Criminal Law

LLM Programs for U.S.-trained lawyers

The School of Law offers six different Master of Laws (LLM) programs to U.S.-trained lawyers looking to gain specialized education and experience in a particular area of law. This degree is helpful for lawyers who are looking to shift to a new field of law, restart a career after taking time away from practicing law or seeking to augment their JD degree from a lower-ranked school. Students are admitted directly into one of six degree programs:

• LLM in Financial Integrity Law
• LLM in Health Law
• LLM in International Business Law
• LLM in International Criminal Law
• LLM in International Law
• LLM in Intellectual Property Law

Specific degree requirements for each of these programs will be developed in consultation with an assigned faculty advisor, and will be based on the student's goals and interests, available courses, and prior coursework completed.  The degree requires a minimum of 24 credits earned over at least two semesters of study.