The on-campus LLM is offered on a full-time basis only, and students may begin in the fall or spring semesters. To earn the degree, you must attend all classes in person and successfully complete 21 academic units over two semesters. You may not transfer credit from work completed at other law schools.
USC Gould offers an online LLM for students who want to attend part time or study remotely.
Two courses are required for all students:
You will satisfy your remaining course requirements with Law electives of your choice. Please note that not all classes are offered every year or every semester.
You will find our course offerings on the USC Schedule of Classes.
Students in the 1-Year General LLM may elect to earn a certificate in one of the following specializations:
Each certificate requires the completion of 12 units of law coursework specific to that certificate, as outlined on the certificate curriculum page. This may or may not include classes outside of the law school, depending on the specific certificate curriculum. There are no additional tuition costs associated with pursuing a certificate as part of the degree program. Students are limited to pursuing one certificate with their degree.
In some circumstances, you may enroll in courses outside of the law school, for example in the USC School of Cinematic Arts or the USC Marshall School of Business. However, courses taken outside the law school will not count toward the LLM degree.
We can assist you with choosing courses that help prepare you to sit for the California, District of Columbia (D.C.), New York, Texas, or Washington state bar exams. Please see the Career and Bar page for more information.
Please note that enrollment in an LLM does not guarantee that you will be eligible to sit for a U.S. bar exam. Only the bar administrators of that jurisdiction can confirm your eligibility for that state’s bar exam.
