Guide to Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs
Law professionals have worked hard to meet the demands of their clients, but as new trends take over the industry, opportunities continue to pop up for those with specialized degrees.
Perhaps you have your eyes set on a job in environmental law, or you want to use your law degree to help beef up national cybersecurity. A Master of Laws or LL.M. degree can help to get you on your way to reaching your professional goals, no matter the niche you’ve carved out for yourself. An LL.M. equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to work efficiently in the specialty area you choose for yourself.

Pepperdine University
Caruso School of Law
Online LLM in Dispute Resolution
Online LLM in Dispute Resolution from ABA-accredited Straus Institute. Become an effective mediator in 12 months. JD required.
- JD degree or international equivalent required
- No GMAT or GRE required
- Complete in as few as 12 months

American University
Washington College of Law
Master of Legal Studies
American University’s online Master of Legal Studies program prepares students to apply legal concepts to their everyday role. The program can be completed in 12 months. No GRE/LSAT required to apply.
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- No GRE/LSAT scores required to apply
- Four tracks available: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology
- Three certificates available: Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology
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What is an LL.M.?
The LL.M. is the standard abbreviation for a Master of Laws. An LL.M. degree is earned by people who already have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or an equivalent professional law degree and want to specialize in a particular field of law. While you don’t need an LL.M. to practice law, the expertise you gain from this advanced degree could potentially make you more attractive to law firms or clients. Master of Law programs may share similarities when it comes to admissions requirements. But they can differ too.
Types of LL.M.
There are two types of LL.M. programs: the general LL.M., or the individualized study LL.M., and the specialized LL.M.
The general LL.M. may allow students to study a customizable course schedule if their interests do not fit within a specialized LL.M program. Both domestic and international students may choose this type of LL.M. Some international lawyers might choose this type of LL.M. to expand their mastery of the U.S. legal system.
As the name implies, the specialized LL.M. provides coursework centric to a concentration, such as tax, environmental, international business or trade law. Regardless of the type you choose, LL.M. programs are for J.D. holders or international lawyers seeking to specialize their knowledge in an area of law and practice in the United States.

Washington University
Washington University School of Law
Online Master of Laws in Taxation
Washington University’s online Master of Laws in Taxation program prepares students to solve complex tax law issues and adapt to changing legislation. Complete the program in as little as one year.
- Complete in as little as one year
- Complete 100% online
- JD required to apply
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Typical Curriculum
From concentrations in Tax Law to International Law, the curriculum of an LL.M. student will vary, depending on their focus area. While students have the freedom to choose electives that align with their professional and intellectual interests, there are core courses that all LL.M. students have to take so they can gain an understanding of major legal terminology and best practices. Examples of these courses include:
- Legal Research, Writing and Analysis in the U.S.
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
Many schools offer students a wide range of elective courses to choose from. Some LL.M. electives are:
- Tax Audits, Appeals and Litigation
- Estate Planning
- Election Law
- Energy Law
- Corporate Finance
- Trade Secrets
- Counseling and Legal Strategy in the Digital Age
In addition to the courses LL.M. students take, some programs require students to complete an externship within a legal organization, governmental agency, nonprofit or corporation where their direct supervisor is a lawyer. This opportunity, often lasting 10 or more weeks, gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience and put the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to use.
Program Length
The traditional LL.M. degree is designed to be a single year of advanced study. However, depending on the school or university and the number of credits required, graduation times can vary. Some universities offer full-time classes so the degree can be completed in a year or even less than a year. Other universities offer part-time and online options for students who need a longer, more flexible schedule.
LL.M. Requirements
Generally speaking, the LL.M. degree is geared toward experienced attorneys or people who require an additional education within their particular field that they can immediately apply to their current jobs. Students who seek an LL.M. have already earned their J.D. degree or work within a field that incorporates law. For those looking to apply to an LL.M. program, know that the requirements vary from school to school.
While a J.D. degree is required of prospective U.S.-based students, some schools will consider international students only if they hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or international equivalent of the J.D. and can meet the other requirements that they’ve laid out. Taking the GRE or LSAT is not part of the application process for an increasing number of schools, as these exams are typically taken prior to earning your JD or other graduate degrees.
Online LL.M. Programs
There are plenty of online LL.M. programs for candidates to consider. These programs offer a legal education that is similar in scope and breadth to those that are offered in a traditional in-class setting. Online LL.M. degrees offer course option flexibility and more time to complete the program. However, there are some schools that still require on-site participation and group work, so it is important to research the university you want to attend to determine if it meets your specific needs and circumstances.

Washington University
Washington University School of Law
Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Taxation
Washington University’s online Tax MLS equips non-lawyer professionals with a specialized overview of tax law. Bachelor’s required.
- Complete in as little as 18 monts
- Bachelor’s degree required to apply
- No GRE/LSAT score to apply

Fordham University
School of Law
Master of Studies in Law
Earn an MSL in Corporate Compliance online from Fordham Law School in as few as 12 months. Graduate prepared to handle compliance-related responsibilities in a variety of corporate industries. No GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores required to apply.
- GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores not required to apply
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- Minimum two years’ compliance-related work experience recommended
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If you are interested in earning a degree online, check and compare the online LL.M. programs that are offered by the law schools below.
University and Program Name | Location | Concentrations | Enrollment Type | Test Requirement |
---|---|---|---|---|
Albany Law School Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Albany, New York | Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Financial Compliance and Risk Management Government Affairs and Advocacy Health Law and Compliance Human Resources: Law, Leadership, and Policy Degree | Full-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
American University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Washington, District of Columbia | Advocacy Derechos Humanos Y Derecho Humanitario Gender, International, and Comparative Law Intellectual Property and Technology International Arbitration and Business Law International Business and Trade Law International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law International Legal Studies Law and Government Legislation | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT, GMAT or GRE Required No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Employment Law | Atlanta, Georgia | Employment Law | Full-Time and Part-Time | LSAT or GRE Required |
Baylor University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Waco, Texas | Litigation Management | Full-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Boston University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Boston, Massachusetts | Banking and Financial Law Taxation | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Drexel University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Cyber Law and Data Privacy Health Care and Pharmaceutical Law | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
George Mason University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Fairfax, Virginia | Global Antitrust Law and Economics U.S. Law | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Georgetown University Executive LL.M. | Washington, District of Columbia | Securities and Financial Regulation Taxation | Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Hofstra University Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Health Law and Policy | Long Island, New York | Health Law and Policy | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Liberty University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Lynchburg, Virginia | International Legal Studies | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Loyola University Chicago Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Chicago, Illinois | Business Law Child and Family Law Compliance & Enterprise Risk Management Health Law Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW) | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Michigan State University Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Global Food Law | East Lansing, Michigan | Global Food Law | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
New York University Executive LL.M. in Tax | New York, New York | N/A | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Nova Southeastern University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Davie, Florida | Intellectual Property, Cybersecurity, and Technology Law | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Pepperdine University
Online LLM in Dispute Resolution SPONSORED | California | N/A | Full-Time Part-Time | No LSAT, GMAT or GRE Required |
Regent University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Virginia Beach, Virginia | American Legal Studies | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Samford University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Homewood, Alabama | Custom Concentration Financial Services Regulatory Compliance Health Law and Compliance Higher Education Law and Compliance Legal Operations | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Seton Hall University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | South Orange, New Jersey | Financial Services Compliance Health Law | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Stetson University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Deland, Florida | Advocacy Elder Law International Law | Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Texas A&M University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | College Station, Texas | International Tax Risk Management Wealth Management | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
University of Alabama Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Tax Concentration in Business Transactions Taxation | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
University of Arizona Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Tucson, Arizona | General Studies | Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
University of Arkansas Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Agricultural and Food Law | Fayetteville, Arkansas | N/A | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
University of Baltimore Master of Laws in Taxation for Attorneys | Baltimore, Maryland | N/A | Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
University of Illinois Master of Science in Law | Champaign, Illinois | N/A | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
University of Miami Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Coral Gables, Florida | Arts and Sports Law Entertainment Estate Planning International Arbitration International Law Maritime Law Real Property Development Taxation Taxation of Cross-Border Investment | Part-Time | LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
The University of Oklahoma Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Norman, Oklahoma | Energy and Natural Resources Law Healthcare Law Indigenous Peoples Law International Business Law U.S. Legal Studies | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
University of Southern California LL.M. in Alternative Dispute Resolution | Los Angeles, California | N/A | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Vermont Law and Graduate School Master of Laws (LL.M.) | South Royalton, Vermont | Energy Law Environmental Law Food and Agriculture Law | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Villanova University LL.M. in Taxation | Villanova, Pennsylvania | N/A | Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Washington University
Online Master of Laws in Taxation SPONSORED | Missouri | N/A | N/A | No LSAT, GMAT or GRE Required |
Western Michigan University Tax Law LL.M. | Lansing, Michigan | N/A | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Western New England University Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Elder Law and Estate Planning | Springfield, Massachusetts | Elder Law and Estate Planning | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
Widener University Master of Laws (LL.M.) | Chester, Pennsylvania | Corporate Law Regulatory Analysis and Compliance Global Financial and Cyber Crimes Health Law Regulatory Analysis and Compliance | Full-Time and Part-Time | No LSAT/GMAT/GRE Required |
This list of online LL.M. programs was last retrieved in November 2021.
Is an LL.M. Worth It?
With an LL.M., you will gain knowledge and experience that may set you apart from professionals without this advanced degree. An LL.M. can provide additional career options, networking opportunities and competitive salary increases.
The median annual wage for legal occupations in 2020 was $84,910, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Among lawyers, the top 10% earns more than $208,000. Your LL.M. may also open doors for you to work outside of traditional legal settings. For example, you may be interested in finance and decide to work as a Private Banker or Financial Advisor.
Your specialized education could help you to provide customized financial services to individuals and ensure compliance with tax laws. Private bankers can work in investment banks, wealth management firms, and more. As of 2020, the median annual salary for personal financial advisors is $89,330, according to the BLS.
Also, the LL.M. can be an attractive option for foreign lawyers who not only want to gain U.S. connections, but also have the opportunity to learn how the American legal system operates.
Like most graduate degrees, an LL.M. will come with its hurdles, such as securing finances and putting in the time to complete the degree. But consider earning this degree if you strongly believe that it can help you achieve your professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about LL.M. Degrees
There are other advanced law-related degrees you can pursue. Make sure you know what each degree offers and the similarities they share with one another before applying to a specific program.
While both are master’s degrees, the MLS and the LL.M. have some differences such as:
• Non-lawyers earn an MLS while lawyers typically earn the LL.M.
• An LL.M. degree requires a J.D. degree and offers a specialization for a lawyer to use in practice, while the MLS educates students to understand how the law affects and interacts with their work.
Every university has its policies about transferring credits for graduate-level courses between degree programs. If you want to move your credits, review the requirements of the specific LL.M. program you are looking to attend, and see if any of your MLS credits or coursework will be accepted.
In few jurisdictions, an LL.M can provide a pathway to sit for the bar exam – but it does not guarantee eligibility. Individuals who pursue the bar with only an LL.M are generally international candidates who are actively practicing law in their home countries and have the background and education to sit for the exam. Other special cases can also be those who have earned a non-accredited J.D. program and had not previously qualified for licensure. Most states require a J.D. degree from a law school, apprenticeship status, and good standing with your state board. Review the requirements of your state to see what is needed before you take the bar exam.
Many candidates seek an LL.M. to earn a specialized degree in a particular field. Declaring your LL.M. concentration narrows your scope of study and provides you with additional qualifications within that field. However, you can still choose to earn a traditional and more general LL.M. if you are not quite sure about a specialization.
Applying to an LL.M. program does not require the bar. Earning a JD is meant to prepare students for the rigorous testing of the bar exam, while a typical LL.M program offers an additional year of in-depth study. Holding a JD and having previous law experience is a main requirement of being accepted into an LL.M program.
Not all of the people who obtain a law degree go on to become practicing lawyers. Often, understanding law concepts can be a useful skill to have in a variety of industries that require legal advice and trained professionals. Some non-lawyer jobs include a consultant, marketing executive, financial advisor, or law professor.
Information on this page was last retrieved in November 2021