What Is an LLM Degree?
A Master of Laws or LLM degree is a specialized law degree that can be beneficial to current lawyers, as well as judges, diplomats, activists, and other professionals involved in law. These programs are more detailed and focused than master's degrees in legal studies and are often offered in specific areas or can be combined with other joint degrees, such as a Juris Doctor (JD) and LLM joint degree or LLM and Master of Business Administration (MBA) dual degree. Although many of these degree programs are offered on-campus, there are some online LLM degrees available. Typically, students can earn their LLM in 1 to 2 years. Here we will examine and discuss various features and details of these advanced law degrees.
The Best LLM Degree Programs
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgetown University | $51790 | 14% | 95% | 55% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 2 | University of California-Berkeley | $14187 | 16% | 93% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $19293 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | $40182 | 8% | 96% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | Brigham Young University-Provo | $7290 | 67% | 78% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Northwestern University | $56567 | 9% | 94% | 64% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | University of Florida | $12737 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | Duke University | $56888 | 8% | 95% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $8577 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | $19528 | 24% | 95% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | University of California-Davis | $13598 | 39% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | Cornell University | $30022 | 11% | 95% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 13 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $24218 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | Harvard University | $49214 | 5% | 97% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | University of Houston | $9372 | 65% | 61% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | University of Baltimore | $15404 | 78% | 41% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 17 | George Mason University | $15648 | 87% | 71% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 18 | Case Western Reserve University | $46560 | 27% | 84% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $19221 | 57% | 83% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | Indiana University-Bloomington | $10873 | 78% | 79% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | University of California-Irvine | $13349 | 27% | 84% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | University of Chicago | $61548 | 6% | 95% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | University of Connecticut | $19056 | 49% | 84% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of Utah | $8396 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | $22994 | 76% | 71% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 26 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $12180 | 54% | 88% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $18083 | 59% | 85% | 64% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | Illinois Institute of Technology | $30937 | 60% | 70% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | William & Mary | $16440 | 38% | 90% | 56% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | Loyola University Chicago | $19498 | 67% | 74% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 31 | Washington University in St Louis | $54750 | 14% | 95% | 51% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | University of Arizona | $13271 | 85% | 65% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 33 | Santa Clara University | $25056 | 49% | 91% | 68% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | University at Buffalo | $14130 | 61% | 75% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | Vanderbilt University | $49124 | 9% | 93% | 68% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | Yeshiva University | $35100 | 55% | 82% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 37 | University of Colorado Boulder | $13556 | 78% | 69% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | Temple University | $17846 | 60% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $24480 | 57% | 83% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 40 | George Washington University | $31824 | 41% | 82% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | Samford University | $18364 | 83% | 76% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | University of Miami | $38908 | 27% | 83% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | Florida State University | $11553 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 44 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | $12425 | 54% | 86% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 45 | Seton Hall University | $24350 | 74% | 73% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | University of Kansas | $11045 | 93% | 67% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | University of Missouri-Columbia | $10478 | 81% | 71% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | The University of Alabama | $10780 | 83% | 71% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 49 | Arizona State University-Tempe | $12608 | 86% | 63% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | Emory University | $43642 | 16% | 90% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Common Undergraduate Degrees for Law
While applicants to LLM programs usually need to have a JD degree, students also need to earn a bachelor's degree prior to law school. Students may not necessarily need to have a degree related to law, but those who do may be at an advantage and likely already have an interest in the field. Some common undergraduate degree programs in law include bachelor's degree programs in legal studies or criminal justice, as well as online formats, such as online bachelor's degrees in legal studies or online bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.
Admissions Requirements for LLM Programs
Prior to applying for an LLM degree program, students are commonly required to hold a JD degree. Although most programs do not require applicants to have any specific amount of work experience, students who do have some experience outside of law school may be more successful in the program. Some programs have students apply for an LLM Credential Assembly Service to ensure that they meet qualifications. Other admissions requirements and processes vary from school to school, but usually, students need to fill out the appropriate applications and include the required materials. Typically, this means that students need to include their transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and CV or resume.
Why Should I Get an LLM Degree?
One of the biggest reasons that professionals decide to earn an LLM is to further their knowledge of law and focus their expertise in a particular area of the field. These degree programs can even give students some experience with international law. International students looking to learn about the U.S. legal system may qualify for the U.S. Bar Exam after earning their LLM. Finally, LLM degree programs help expose students to legal research and can help them get some of their research published, such as the work they complete for a thesis.
How to Choose an LLM Program
Choosing an LLM degree program can come down to a range of factors, such as location, unique learning opportunities, and the cost of the program. Students who wish to remain close to home will need to find a LLM program in their area, while others who are willing to relocate or earn their degree online may have more flexibility. When comparing programs, students should look at the concentration options offered for various LLM programs that most closely align with their career goals. They may also compare unique features of programs, such as the availability of conferences, internships, field trips, student groups, and additional educational resources. The total cost of a LLM program can also help students make their final decision as they find a program that fits within their budget.
LLM Degree Courses
The curriculum for LLM degree programs is unique to each school and program, but usually consists of some required courses that help prepare students for the specific state's bar exam and some electives. These programs may require around 40 credits of coursework and typically include some research and writing courses. Some programs may give students the opportunity to turn their research into a thesis or complete independent writing projects. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in clinical experiences to gain real-world experience or incorporate international law into their studies. Learn more about the curriculum below.
LLM Foundational Courses
While there are not usually standard core LLM classes across multiple programs, each program commonly has a core set of classes that aim to equip students with some of the foundational skills and knowledge of the field. Some or most of these required courses may be completed the first year of the program, and, depending on the program, some required courses are designed to prepare students specifically for the state bar exam. General required courses could include topics in criminal law, contracts, procedure, legal research, and the U.S. legal system. Other more specific courses to prepare students for state bar exams could include topics in constitutional law, American law, business organizations, the legal profession, and more.
LLM Specialist & Elective Courses
Elective courses allow students to focus and customize their studies to better fit their personal interests and career goals. Usually, elective courses explore different areas of law in greater detail. Programs that offer multiple elective courses may not offer different LLM concentration areas, but use the electives to allow students to individualize their degree instead. Some examples of possible elective courses include:
- International law
- Income taxation
- Intellectual property
- Cybersecurity and cyber crimes
- Health care compliance
- Music law
- Mergers and acquisitions
Licensure & Certification for LLM
Although most students who enter a LLM program already hold a JD, they may not have taken the bar exam yet. In order to practice law and work as a lawyer or judge, students must earn a law license by passing a bar exam and be 'admitted to the bar'. Each state and jurisdiction has its own requirements for the bar exam, so students will need to meet requirements in the state or states that they intend to practice in. Usually, to qualify, students need to complete law school from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited institution. They must then pass one or more written bar exams and be approved by an admitting board. Typically, in order to maintain their license, students must complete continuing education every 1 to 3 years.
Concentrations Offered for an LLM Degree
Several different LLM programs offer various concentration areas or specialized tracks to give students the chance to focus their studies in a specific area of law. These concentrations are intended to match students' career goals and help prepare them for working with a certain type of law and legal issues. Some programs may award a certificate of specialization in the student's chosen field at the end of the program. Typically, students who hold a JD qualify to take any concentration that is available, except for those specifically designed for foreign lawyers. Some examples of available concentrations include:
- Health law
- Asian and comparative law
- Intellectual property
- Tax
- Cybersecurity law
- Business law
- Human rights and comparative constitutional law
- Latin American and international law
Post-Graduate Options After Master of Laws
Although a JD and a LLM can be a terminal degree in the field of law, some students may wish to continue their studies in law-related areas and focus more on research. Doctoral degrees are a great way for students to conduct more research and become qualified to work in academia. Students who are interested in law may consider earning a doctoral degree in criminal justice or other related areas. Due to these advanced degrees being research-based, most of them are offered on-campus, but there are some online doctoral degrees in criminal justice available.
What Can I Do with an LLM Degree?
Typically, students who earn a LLM degree go on to work in a specialized area of law. They may become a specialized attorney in any number of areas, such as a career in immigration law or science law. There are even careers available in law that overlap with other subject areas, such as careers in law and economics. While most graduates go on to become lawyers or judges, some students may also work in positions as activists, government officials, bankers, businessmen or women, and other positions that benefit from an in-depth understanding of the law and legal system. Below, we explore some of the career options in more detail.
Job Outlook for an LLM
In general, the job outlook for graduates with a LLM degree is positive, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a job outlook of 5% for all legal occupations from 2019 to 2029. Specific positions in the field may have a slightly higher or lower outlook, but, in general, the flexibility of a LLM degree helps prepare students for a number of legal careers, which increases job potential. Lawyers, for example, have a job outlook of 4% over the same decade, which is as fast as the national average. The BLS also reported that judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates have a job outlook of 3% from 2019 to 2029.
How to Become a Lawyer
Lawyers have to earn a JD degree and pass their state's bar exam. Those that earn an LLM degree usually focus on a specific area of law. In addition to passing the bar, lawyers usually gain real-world experience during law school by participating in internships, part-time jobs, and other unique learning experiences. These professionals usually advance their careers over time with experience. As of 2020, the BLS reported that lawyers made a median annual income of $126,930.
Lawyers help represent their clients for various legal issues in the court of law. They help advise businesses, individuals, or agencies about how to handle different legal disputes. This requires them to conduct research to understand and interpret the law, communicate clearly with their clients, and present their findings verbally and in written form to the court. Lawyers are also qualified to produce various legal documents for clients, such as wills, contracts, and lawsuits.
How to Become a Judge
Judges also usually need to hold a law degree. These professionals have to have multiple years of experience as a lawyer and a law license to qualify for the position. Judges are also typically elected or appointed to their positions and may be required to undergo some training as a new judge. It is also fairly common for judges to be required to complete continuing education while serving on the bench, but requirements vary from state to state. Advancement usually comes with experience as judges move up into larger jurisdictions. Per the BLS, as of 2020, the median annual salary for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates was $141,080.
Judges oversee the legal process in a court of law and make legal decisions. They help negotiate and resolve disputes between parties, which requires them to conduct legal research. As they oversee cases, they have to carefully review information related to the case, listen to arguments, and determine what laws apply and how. They usually deliver their findings in written and verbal form.
LLM Program Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources
Paying for a LLM degree program can be expensive, so students should be sure to explore all of their financial aid options. In order to qualify for federal loans from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students usually need to be enrolled at least half-time. Students can also explore the availability of private loans or other possible discounts available at their school(s) of interest. For instance, some schools may offer federal work-study programs or fellowship opportunities that help pay for expenses. There are even some schools with LLM programs that offer tuition waivers for students in a specific concentration area. It is also fairly common for law schools to offer various scholarship grants. Some of these awards may be given based solely on financial need, while others may examine factors of academic merit. Schools that offer various LLM concentrations may have additional private scholarship opportunities available for students in a given concentration area, such as the Roland Hjorth Scholarship for LLM students in the tax program at the University of Washington.
