​LLM Programs

After obtaining a JD degree, the Master of Laws (LLM) degree offers individuals specialization options.

Eligibility

U.S. applicants to our LLM programs must possess a juris doctor (JD) from a U.S. law school.

  • Admission to our LLM programs is competitive and is based primarily upon previous excellence in law studies
  • Admitted applicants have excellent academic credentials and may also have significant professional experience
  • Almost all of our admitted U.S. applicants are in the top half of their class of a nationally ranked law school
  • Applicants currently enrolled in U.S. law schools may apply for admission after completing two years of law school at a U.S. law school

Full-Time or Part-Time Student Status

  • An applicant may apply to be either a full-time (9 or more credits) or a part-time student (8 or fewer credits)
  • The choice to apply as a full-time or part-time candidate is not a factor used in the admissions process
  • Some evening courses are available in most programs, but the part-time option is not exclusively an evening program
  • All students (full-time or part-time) are responsible for completing all degree requirements within the time limit specific to each degree

Eligibility

International applicants to our LLM programs must possess the equivalent of a U.S. law degree from an accredited institution outside the United States.

  • Admission to our LLM programs is competitive and is based primarily upon previous excellence in law studies and significant professional experience
  • Applicants must have graduated in the upper half of their law school class or must otherwise establish qualifications indicating their ability to complete graduate law work successfully
  • Applicants must establish English proficiency through successful completion of a TOEFL iBT or Academic IELTS exam if: [1] the applicant's native language is not English, or [2] the applicant graduated from an international law school. The minimum suggested TOEFL iBT score is 93 (583 paper-based), and the minimum suggested Academic IELTS score is 7.0. Applicants who do not meet the minimum suggested score should consider additional English study before embarking on an LLM program. One such program to consider is the Intensive Legal English program offered by UCSD-Extension in San Diego. USD also has an English Language Academy which offers programs such as Intensive English and Business English.
  • In exceptional cases, the TOEFL/IELTS requirement may be waived. If you are from a country where English is an official language, if you studied law at an institution that teaches only in English, or if you have additional extenuating circumstances, you may inquire about a TOEFL/IELTS waiver by emailing llminfo@sandiego.edu. Please note that an approved waiver makes the recipient permanently ineligible for language-based exam accommodations. 

Full-Time or Part-Time Student Status

  • An applicant who will obtain an F-1 student visa must be a full-time student (9 or more credits per semester)
  • An applicant who is a permanent resident or U.S. citizen may apply to be a full-time or part-time student
  • Other visa types may have additional restrictions on enrollment
  • All students (full-time or part-time) are responsible for completing all degree requirements within the time limit specific to each degree

Visa Processing and Health Insurance

International applicants may refer to our additional information page for details on student visa processing and our health insurance requirement.