Below are the general requirements of the LLM degree. The requirements of each LLM specialization and the advanced professional certificates are detailed in the LLM Specialization Requirements section.
Credit Requirements
To earn the LLM degree, students must complete at least 24 credits in fall and spring, and meet the specific requirements of their specialization.
All students are required to attend classes regularly, satisfactorily complete all requirements for their courses, and take examinations at the scheduled times. Violation of these rules may result in a failing grade in the course in question.
Examinations are required in all courses, except in seminars or other courses where the preparation of a paper based on independent research may be counted for part or all of the requirements.
LLM Full-time
The typical credit load for full-time LLM students is 12 credits per semester. It is highly advisable to take no more than 11-12 credits during your first semester, as you become acclimated to the Law School environment. To register for fewer than 11 or more than 15 credits, students must obtain approval from the Office of Graduate Affairs via a Credit Load Permission form.
Please note that full-time LLM students who register for more than 30 credits in fall and spring will incur charges in addition to the flat rate charged each semester. Students taking 10 or more credits/semester are charged the flat rate of tuition.
It is especially important for international students to note that in accordance with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), all international students must be registered for 9 credits (the minimum credit load required by the University for full-time administrative enrollment status) within two weeks of the start of Introduction to US Law, or if they have waived out of Introduction to US Law, within two weeks of the first day of classes of the Fall semester. For the Spring semester, students must be registered full-time within two weeks of the start of classes.
LLM Part-time
Part-time students may register for a maximum of six credits per semester. Students who are working full-time are strongly advised to limit their course load to two to four credits per semester. Part-time students are required to take their examinations as scheduled. Rescheduling is permitted only in limited circumstances (see the Postponing Examinations portion regarding Examinations in the Law School Academic Policies for more information). Therefore, part-time students should clear their exam schedules with their employers before finalizing course schedules.
Please also review the Schedule of Classes carefully, as certain required courses for some programs are not offered in the evening.