Master of Laws, LLM (Online)
Degree: Master of Laws (LLM)
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.
Additional information can be found on the LLM Admission page of the school's website.
Program Requirements
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 Criminal Justice and 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
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LAWS 4901 | Foreign Graduate Seminar | 2 |
| LAWS 4903 | U.S. Contract Law | 3 |
| LAWS 4912 | U.S. Legal Research, Writing, and Analysis | 2 |
| Elective courses as specified by chosen academic plan and approved by program director | 17 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
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
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LAWS 4300 | Intellectual Property Survey | 3 |
| or LAWS 4302 | Patent Law | |
| LAWS 4301 | Copyright Law | 3 |
| or LAWS 5319 | International Intellectual Property | |
| LAWS 4303 | Trademark Law | 3 |
| or LAWS 5319 | International Intellectual Property | |
| LAWS 4903 | U.S. Contract Law | 3 |
| LAWS 4901 | Foreign Graduate Seminar | 2 |
| LAWS 4912 | U.S. Legal Research, Writing, and Analysis | 2 |
| LAWS 4922 | U.S. Legal Scholarly Writing | 1 |
| Elective courses as specified by chosen academic plan and approved by program director | 7 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
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
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LAWS 4401 | Business Associations | 4 |
| LAWS 4904 | Doing Business in the United States | 3 |
| LAWS 4903 | U.S. Contract Law | 3 |
| LAWS 4901 | Foreign Graduate Seminar | 2 |
| LAWS 4912 | U.S. Legal Research, Writing, and Analysis | 2 |
| LAWS 4922 | U.S. Legal Scholarly Writing | 1 |
| Elective courses as specified by chosen academic plan and approved by program director | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
LLM in Criminal Justice & International Criminal Law
The Master of Laws (LLM) program in Criminal Justice & 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: Criminal Justice & International Criminal Law
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LAWS 5121 | International Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 |
| Elective courses as specified by chosen academic plan and approved by program director | 21 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
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 Criminal Justice & 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.