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Degrees from the University of Southern California Law School

Academics

The University of Southern California is redefining legal education to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global workforce. USC Gould School of Law offers JD and LLM law degrees as well as master’s degrees and an undergraduate legal studies major. Whether you’re a student exploring law as a career, or a seasoned professional looking to grow your skill set, our law programs in California and online offerings provide a robust legal education guided by the nation’s leading legal minds and expert practitioners.

Juris Doctor (JD) Degree

Preparing Lawyers and Leaders

Among the nation’s top law programs, the juris doctor degree at the USC Gould School of Law trains tomorrow's leaders and innovators in legal practice, public service, government, and the business and nonprofit sectors. Students in our JD program develop a strong grasp of the foundations of law and prepare for a seamless transition into careers that fit your passions.

Learn more: JD Program

Master's Degrees

USC Gould offers a wide range of distinguished graduate and international programs for students interested in gaining expertise in the law and U.S. legal system.

Master's Degrees for Law Graduates

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General LLM

Our on-campus LLM degree is offered completely in residence at our USC University Park campus in Los Angeles, California. 

Format: Full-Time | On Campus
Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent
Start: Fall | Spring 

Learn more: General LLM
Two-Year LLM

Spend one year learning about the U.S. legal system and mastering legal English prior to enrolling in the one-year comprehensive LLM curriculum.

Format: Full-Time | On Campus
Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent
Start: Fall

Learn more: 2-Year LLM
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LLM in Alternative Dispute Resolution (LLM in ADR)

Our LLM in ADR is designed for law graduates interested in building strength as an advocate in ADR processes, including as a mediator or arbitrator.

Format: Full-Time | Part-Time | On Campus
Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent
Start: Fall  

Learn more: LLM in ADR
LLM in Business Law

The Master of Laws in Business Law (LLM in Business Law) is designed for legal professionals who are interested in learning about the diverse legal, business, and negotiating skills required to succeed in business law.  

Format: Full-Time | On Campus
Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent
Start: Fall | Spring 

Learn more: LLM in Business Law
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LLM in International Business and Economic Law (LLM in IBEL)

Our LLM in IBEL degree focuses on the relevant laws, policies and business best practices that shape international commerce and trade.

Format: Full-Time | On Campus
Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent
Start: Fall | Spring

Learn more: LLM in IBEL
LLM in Media and Entertainment Law (LLM in MEL)

Our LLM in MEL degree is designed for legal professionals who seek to develop or advance their legal skills and training in film, television, music, sports, and other creative industries.

Format: Full-Time | On Campus
Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent
Start: Fall | Spring

Learn more: LLM in MEL
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LLM in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity (LLM in PLCS)

Our Master of Laws (LLM) in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity educates students on the integral laws, policies and best practices that shape privacy law and cybersecurity.

Format: Full-Time | On Campus
Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent
Start: Fall | Spring

Learn more: LLM in PLCS
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Online LLM

USC Gould's Online LLM degree is taught in a 100% digital format that combines self-paced (asynchronous) and real-time (synchronous) components.

Format: Part-Time | Online
Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent
Start: Fall | Spring | Summer

Learn more: Online LLM
Master of Comparative Law (MCL)

Our MCL degree is ideal for international students who have already earned their Master of Laws (LLM) degree and want to continue their studies of U.S. and comparative laws.

Format: Full-Time | On Campus
Eligibility: LLM
Start: Fall | Spring 

Learn more: MCL

Legal Master's Degrees for All Professionals

Master of Studies in Law (MSL)

Our MSL degree educates professionals outside of the legal field to be familiar with the numerous ways that law and policy influence business. Note: Graduates will not be licensed to practice law.

Format: Full-Time | Part-Time | Online | On-Campus
Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree
Start: Fall | Spring | Summer

Learn more: MSL
Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)

The MDR degree immerses students in immediately applicable legal approaches to dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation and arbitration.

Format: Full-Time | Part-Time | On Campus
Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree
Start: Fall 

Learn more: MDR
Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation (MIELR)

Offered by USC Dornsife Department of Economics jointly with USC Gould, the MIELR degree equips graduates with skills to address the complexities of big data, Al and machine learning innovations through a legal lens.

Format: Full-Time | On-Campus
Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree
Start: Fall | Spring

Learn more: MIELR
Master of International Trade Law and Economics (MITLE)

Offered by USC Gould jointly with USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Department of Economics, the MITLE degree provides students with the knowledge and skills relevant to the laws, policies, and business practices that shape international trade and economics.

Format: Full-Time | On-Campus
Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree
Start: Fall | Spring

Learn more: MITLE

Bachelor's Degree

USC Gould offers on-campus undergraduate programs including a major in legal studies for students interested in learning about the U.S. legal system and its impact on society.
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

The USC Gould Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BS Legal Studies) prepares undergraduate students with an in-depth understanding of the legal system including the infrastructure, the reasoning process and the substantive commitments that the legal system has made.

Learn more: BS Legal Studies

Additional Academic Opportunities

For professionals and students who are interested in supplementing, or strengthening, their skills and career opportunities, USC Gould offers a variety of educational pathways.

Certificates Continuing Legal Education Non-Degree Programs

USC Gould School of Law

699 Exposition Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90089-0071

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Copyright © 2025 USC Gould. All Rights Reserved.

USC Gould School of Law

699 Exposition Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90089-0071

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Copyright © 2025 USC Gould. All Rights Reserved.