Online Master of Laws (LLM) in U.S. Law or Select Courses
Washington University School of Law is ranked #16 by U.S. News & World Report. Gain hands-on experience and access our prestige, faculty knowledge, student organizations, alumni network, and other resources with our Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. Law online degree program.
Our esteemed faculty personally designed this program for international students and lawyers seeking a fundamental understanding of the U.S. legal system. Students will develop the skills to research, write, and communicate like a U.S. lawyer and earn a degree from a top U.S. law school without having to relocate or leave their current job. Upon graduation from the program, students may be eligible to sit for the bar examination in California.
Schedule an individual consultation to learn more. We have availability across all time zones. Email onlinegradlaw@wustl.edu for personalized assistance and scholarship information.
Curriculum
The online Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. Law curriculum is designed for international lawyers looking to build a foundation in U.S. law as well as communicate and research like a U.S. lawyer. The same expert faculty that teach on campus also lead our online courses. Classes learn using the discussion-based Socratic method, the preferred method of instruction in U.S. law schools.
Degree Requirements
The LL.M. is a 24-credit legal studies program that students can complete in as little as 18 months.
All LL.M. students will:
Academic advisors are always available to help students decide on the best courses for their career aspirations.
Enrollment Deadlines & Start Dates
- Summer Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
- Summer Semester Start Date: June 2, 2025
- Fall Application Deadline: Aug. 11, 2025
- Fall Semester Start Date: Sept. 8, 2025
LL.M. FAQs
- What’s the Difference Between an LL.M. and JD?
The two most common law degrees in the United States are the LL.M. and the JD degree. Foreign lawyers seeking a working knowledge of U.S. law typically pursue an LL.M. in U.S. Law, whereas domestic law students who want to become practicing lawyers typically pursue a JD.
LL.M.
Typically completed in one year of full-time study, LL.M. programs are ideal for law school graduates (JD or equivalent) and attorneys who want to specialize in a specific area of law. International attorneys with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), for example, often pursue an LL.M. in U.S. law as a shorter path to taking the exam and becoming a practicing attorney in the United States or to have greater understanding of U.S. law while practicing in their home countries.
JD
Typically completed over three years, JD programs prepare students to practice law in the United States. JD students learn research and writing methodologies, build the analytical and practical skills to assess a client’s legal problems, and prepare to advise or represent a client in dispute resolutions. JD students must pass their state bar exam to begin practicing law.
- What is an LL.M. Equivalent To?
An LL.M. is roughly the equivalent of a master’s degree in law. It is not equivalent to a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
The LL.M. is ideal for international lawyers who want to expand their mastery of U.S. law and become practicing attorneys without having to pursue a full three-year JD degree in the United States.
- What Does It Cost to Attend an LL.M. Program?
WashU Law’s online LL.M. graduate program is 24 credits, with costs per credit hour being $2,917.
For more information on tuition and the financial aid application process, please click here.
- How Long Does an LL.M. Law Program Take to Complete?
Students can complete WashU Law’s 24-credit LL.M. program in as little as 18 months.
- Can I Sit for the Bar Exam with an LL.M.?
Students who complete our online LL.M. degree may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in California.
- What are the Career Benefits of Earning an LL.M. Degree?
International students and practicing lawyers can further their legal education with an LL.M. in U.S. Law. Knowledge and experience gained over the course of earning these credentials grants graduates greater insight into U.S. legal practices and standards, granting a competitive edge to those who practice law in the United States and abroad.
- What Career Opportunities are Available After Earning an Online LL.M. Degree?
Our program attracts students from a variety of backgrounds with different career goals and legal interests. The LL.M. program prepares students to leverage knowledge of U.S. law on the job and equips them to advance their careers in a variety of ways.
These include:- Practicing law in the United States
- Working in international law firms
- Practicing at home with greater insight into American Law
International students and lawyers who complete our program enjoy working both in the U.S. and abroad with a richer understanding of the U.S. legal system. This specialization provides a solid foundation for industries and fields like:
- Environmental law
- International business law
- Comparative law
- Human rights
- Intellectual property law
In addition to preparing students for the bar examination in California State, our LL.M. program helps students advance their careers through personalized career guidance and networking opportunities with our community of accomplished alumni who live and work all over the world.
- Can I Apply for a Part-Time Online LL.M. Program as a Transfer Student?
Anyone can apply for part-time enrollment into our programs. However, none of our online law programs accept transfer credits.
Start Your Journey Today
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