U.S. Applicants Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What does LL.M. stand for?
Master of Laws. It is a Latin translation of Legum Magister.
What are the requirements for admission?
Applicants must hold or expect to receive a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school prior to enrollment in the University of San Diego Graduate Law Programs.
What is rolling admissions? Is there a deadline?
USD uses a “rolling admissions” process. The Admissions Committee reads completed files and makes decisions on a continual basis. The priority deadlines for admission are:
- Fall – July 1
- Spring – December 1
- Summer – May 1
Do you have Spring Admission?
Yes. We admit students for the fall, spring and summer sessions.
How do I obtain an application fee waiver?
A request for waiver of the US$50 application fee must be in writing and specifically state the reasons behind the request.
Are application fees waived for USD law students?
All USD law students and alumni receive a fee waiver. The Graduate Programs Office will obtain J.D. transcripts for USD students and graduates applying to the LL.M. program.
What criteria do you consider in making admissions decisions?
The Admissions Committee considers a number of important factors including law school attended, GPA, class ranking, progression in grades, the personal statement, work experience and letters of recommendation.
Do applicants need to submit transcripts from their undergraduate degree?
No, only law school transcripts and ranking are necessary.
What is the maximum number of credits a student can take per semester?
Twelve units, unless granted special approval.
What is the minimum number of credits a student must take?
There is no minimum number. However, candidates must complete the degree within their program time limit.
Do you offer full-time and part-time programs?
Yes, students are considered full-time if they take 9 or more credits and part-time if they take 8 or fewer. Classes are scheduled throughout the day and evening.
May USD J.D. students transfer credits into the tax program?
USD J.D. students may transfer up to 12 credits of advanced tax courses, excluding Tax I. The credits must be awarded within 20 months of enrollment to the LL.M. program. Once admitted, students have 4 years to complete the remainder of the program.
May applicants defer their admission?
Yes, deferrals may be granted for up to one year. To defer, applicants must provide a written request and submit a $200 non-refundable tuition deposit.
When were USD’s Graduate Law Programs established?
The Taxation, General and Comparative Law Programs were established in the fall of 1978. The LL.M. in International Law was established in the fall of 1995. The LL.M. in Business and Corporate Law was established in 2000.
What are the requirements for graduation?
All students must have a cumulative GPA of a B and complete a written work requirement. For more information on specific degree requirements, please consult the Academic Rules in the Student Handbook.
Career Services
What career development programs and services are available for LL.M. students?
USD School of Law Career Services offers LL.M. students information on temporary positions during the school year, summer positions and permanent positions after graduation. Students are provided the opportunity to participate in on- and off-campus interview programs, including cosponsored programs with law schools nationwide. These programs include the USD’s fall and spring on-campus recruiting programs, International Student Interview Program and several other law practice specialty job fairs throughout the academic year. Video mock interviewing, resume and cover letter editing, employer panels and presentations, brown bag lunch and dinner job search discussions are also offered to assist LL.M. students in their job search.
When should LL.M. students contact Career Services?
LL.M. students should contact Career Services during fall or spring registration week, or no later than the first week of classes. By scheduling an initial 30 minute appointment with a career advisor, LL.M. students will be provided with an overview of the job search timeline and be registered with the Career Services e-mail and online recruiting and job listings programs. Throughout their LL.M. program, students are encouraged to regularly meet with an advisor for assistance with their job search.
Financial Aid
What is the cost of attending the University of San Diego Graduate Law Programs?
Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $1,235.00 per credit unit.
What is the minimum enrollment to qualify for financial aid and/or a Merit Scholarship?
You must be enrolled in at least 6 units for financial aid and at least 9 units for a Merit Scholarship.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Although there is no deadline, students who wish to be considered for financial aid, work programs and student loans should file a FAFSA by the March 1 priority filing date. The FAFSA may be filed as early as January 1. You may file the FAFSA online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov or order a form by calling 1-800-4FEDAID. For further questions, please contact the USD School of Law Financial Aid Office at 619-260-4570, lawaid@sandiego.edu or visit their website at www.law.sandiego.edu/finadm/finaid.
How do I apply for scholarships?
The Graduate Programs Office offers Merit Scholarships based on the merits of the applicant’s scholastic and work experience. If accepted to an LL.M. program, full-time applicants are automatically considered for Merit Scholarship funding. This partial tuition scholarship can be awarded to students entering in either the spring or the fall semester, and no additional scholarship application is necessary.
Should I file for financial aid prior to being admitted?
Yes. We recommend that you file your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. You can list up to six schools on your FAFSA. The code for USD School of Law is G06976.
Besides the FAFSA, are there any other forms I need to provide to be considered for financial aid?
Once you are admitted, you will receive an Institutional Financial Aid Application to complete and return to the Financial Aid Office. If you are selected for the verification process or have incomplete information, you may be required to provide additional documents such as your most recent federal income tax return.
When can I expect to receive a financial aid offer letter?
Once your financial aid file is complete, the Financial Aid Office will prepare your tentative award based on the evaluation received from the Department of Education. This process usually takes two to three weeks from the date your file is complete.
How much can/should I borrow?
As a graduate student, you may borrow up to $18,500.00 each academic year from the Federal Stafford Loan Program. In addition, there are private lenders from which you may choose to borrow a private credit-based student loan up to the cost of attendance. It is important to establish a budget, review your outstanding undergraduate loans and consumer debt, and only borrow the minimum amount you need.
What is Work Study?
Federal Work Study is a work program providing on-campus jobs for students with financial need. Students work at various on-campus jobs for an hourly wage starting at $10.00 an hour with a typical award of $4,000.00 annually.
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