Curriculum
The LL.M. Program with Customized Study Concentration at Loyola gives graduates from U.S. law schools the opportunity to take their education even further. Candidates work with faculty to developing a tailored training program that fits their individual interests and goals. LL.M. candidates experience all the same benefits of our renowned J.D. Program—personal attention, a rigorous curriculum and the option to earn a certificate in one of four approved tracks.
A total of 24 credit hours is required for this degree. It is anticipated that the degree will be completed in one academic year (two semesters), but candidates may take longer, with the permission of the Director. All of the required 24 credit hours may be taken from among any courses in the College of Law’s course catalog, except courses that are associated with service on the school’s recognized law journals. LL.M. candidates must also complete a two-hour writing project on a subject of their choice. The writing project may be fulfilled by taking a two-hour law school seminar for credit or a two-hour independent legal research project (LAW L898) under the supervision of a faculty member.
LL.M. candidates who intend to qualify to sit for a bar exam, should notify the program Director, Coordinator, and Associate Dean before starting the program.
Externship Credit
Up to four credit hours may be earned through a pass / fail externship with a law firm, court, or government agency. The College of Law cannot promise that externships will be available to the LL.M. candidates, but will make best efforts to help ascertain any opportunities that may become available.
Completing a Thesis
LL.M. candidates may be able to complete a more extensive thesis under faculty supervision for up to a total of six hours credit (this would be instead of the two-hour writing project, not in addition to it). The thesis may be completed after the candidate’s one-year period of residency on the Loyola campus, but the LL.M. degree will not be awarded until the thesis is satisfactorily completed.
Concentrations
LL.M. candidates may choose a concentration that includes those courses which are presently required by one or more of the four certificate programs approved for Loyola’s LL.M. candidates. Those who meet the requirements of a certificate will receive both the LL.M. degree and the certificate. Offerings are as follows:
- International Legal Studies
- Social Justice
- Law Technology and Entrepreneurship
If a candidate wishes to obtain two certificates, then he or she would need to enroll for more than the minimum degree requirement of 24 credit hours.
With the permission of the Director or the Associate Dean, an LL.M. candidate may pursue an individualized course of study that does not meet the requirements of any of the existing certificate programs in the College of Law. Those who desire to pursue such a program would be required to submit along with their application a proposed program of study that includes: (1) the courses selected for customized study; and (2) a general statement outlining the area of concentration for a seminar or a directed writing program of at least two credit hours. Upon successful program completion, the candidate will be awarded the LL.M. degree, but will not obtain a certificate.
Please visit the LL.M. website for additional information.