Master of Laws (LLM) Degree Programs

Gain the necessary experience to work in a variety of global industries and settings, including business law, compliance, cybersecurity, education, entertainment, financial compliance, health care, human resources and more.

LLM programs, or Master of Laws, are postgraduate law degrees for lawyers to expand their expertise, specialize in specific legal areas, and enhance their professional credentials. These programs are ideal for those seeking to advance their legal careers or further their academic journey in the legal field. If you're looking to deepen your legal knowledge and broaden your career opportunities, one of our LLM programs could be the perfect choice for you.

Eligibility

Students who have earned a JD, LLB or equivalent prior to enrollment in our program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SLE is a four-week program that strengthens students’ English speaking and writing proficiency while helping to build a foundation for future legal studies in the United States or your LLM at USC Gould.

Format: Full-Time - 4 Weeks
Eligibility: Undergraduate degree
Start: Summer

Learn more: SLE

The Visiting International Program for Lawyers (VIP) helps legal and business professionals from around the world build a broad foundation of knowledge of the laws and legal system of the United States.

Format: Up to 1 Year | On Campus
Eligibility: Undergraduate degree
Start: Fall | Spring

Learn more: VIP

Through the LLM degree programs, you will develop:

The ability to perform legal research and analysis necessary for work in a variety of legal settings
Understanding of legal professionalism and ethics, and the responsibilities required of representatives of clients and officers of the court
Improved writing and public speaking skills

The LLM is ideal for international professionals, including:

Attorneys
Judges
Government officials
Prosecutors
Corporate legal counsel
Bankers
Recent law graduates

Yes. "LLM" is the standard abbreviation for the Master of Laws degree. It is derived from the name of the qualification in Latin, “Legum Magister”, with “legum” as the plural of "lex," meaning law.

While a JD degree is a first law degree in the U.S., an undergraduate LLB degree is a first law degree in many other countries. Typically, the Master of Laws (LLM) is for international students who have obtained an LLB or equivalent and are looking to develop a deeper, master’s degree-level understanding of the U.S. legal system.

Yes, USC Gould School of Law offers the option to earn a Master of Laws (LLM) online in a 100% digital format that combines self-paced (asynchronous) and real-time (synchronous) components. For students interested in studying in Los Angeles, California, learn more about our Master of Laws on-campus programs.

Depending on specifications and certificate tracks, the Online Master of Laws (LLM) can be completed in as few as 16 months. For those interested in pursuing a Two-Year Extended LLM, USC Gould offers an on-campus master program. Law graduates in the 2-year program will earn a certificate along with a general or specialized LLM.

Applicants to USC Gould's Master of Laws (LLM) must have earned their first degree in law (e.g. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or License in Law) from outside of the United States. If you earned your JD from a law school in the U.S., then please consider our on-campus, specialized LLM programs: Alternative Dispute Resolution, International Business and Economic Law, or Privacy Law and Cybersecurity.

The Master of Laws (LLM) is designated for those with a first professional degree in law outside of the United States, such as Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or License in Law. The Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is for non-lawyer professionals hoping to gain a greater understanding of law. If you have additional questions regarding masters of law programs, contact us at gipadmissions@law.usc.edu.

The Master of Laws (LLM) is a valuable degree for professionals seeking leadership roles in the global market.

Through the LLM you will develop:

Practical knowledge in the theories, history and use of American law
A strong understanding of the U.S. legal system, government, historical context and foundational values
Insights into how the American legal system differs from other legal systems around the world
Fluency with advanced legal terminology through exposure to substantive texts, cases, statutes and memoranda
The ability to perform legal research and analysis necessary for work in a variety of legal settings
An understanding of legal professionalism and ethics, and the responsibilities required of representatives of clients and officers of the court
Improved English language and legal writing skills

Read more about degree outcomes and career opportunities for LLM graduates.

Upon completion of the program on the California Bar Track, international attorneys may be eligible to sit for the California Bar Exam. USC Gould School of Law cannot determine your eligibility to sit for the California Bar exam since each applicant is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the State Bar. We recommend verifying your eligibility prior to enrolling in one of our Master of Laws (LLM) programs.

Explore our flexible, legal master's programs for professionals — who do not have prior law degrees — in any field seeking to redefine or specialize their careers.

Explore Legal Master's Degrees

General LLM student, Jennifer Gasu, stands in front of foliage and smiles at the camera in brown blazer

Student Spotlight: Jennifer Gasu (LLM 2024)

Spotlight on Jennifer Gasu, LLM 2024

April 4, 2024

LLM in ADR Alumna, Hazel Navarez, smiles at camera in front of green foliage.

Alumni Spotlight: Hazel Navarez (LLM in ADR, 2023)

Meet Hazel Navarez, an aspiring legal professional from the Philippines who graduated with an LLM in Alternative Dispute Resolution in December 2023.

February 5, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Paul Diouf (LLM in IBEL 2023)

Paul Diouf is an accomplished alum whose journey from Senegal to Paris to USC Gould School of Law in Los Angeles has been fueled by a passion for international business law and a desire to help people succeed.

January 12, 2024

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