Content start here

The Online Master of Laws (LLM) program offers a part-time curriculum to students who have already earned a first degree in law (BA in Law, LLB, or JD equivalent) from a country outside the U.S. Increase your understanding through interdisciplinary study and interaction with legal experts, seasoned academics and policymakers.

Endless opportunities await you. Earn your Online LLM degree at USC.

Earning an Online LLM degree from USC Gould requires completing 21 credit units that provide an opportunity to gain skills in a particular area of law. You can curate your concentration by selecting courses from our available fields of study. The Online LLM program provides an exciting and rewarding academic environment for international attorneys, government officials, business legal counsel, and recent law graduates interested in pursuing graduate studies in U.S. law.

Interested? Learn more.

Receive more information about our Online LLM degree and be notified of upcoming events:

The LLM Benefit

Master of Law (LLM) Degree Outcomes

Through the Online LLM degree, you will develop:

  • Practical knowledge of 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 writing skills

Who Should Get an LLM?

The LLM is ideal for international professionals, including

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

A top-rated law school nationwide, USC Gould is the first law school in Southern California, renowned for its history of innovation and excellence in legal education.

The USC Gould Advantage

When you join USC Gould, you will become part of a dynamic and diverse law school community, learn from world-class faculty, enroll in small and collegial classes, and join the global Trojan Family network of more than 15,000 law school alumni. Our graduates include partners in the world's largest law firms, pioneers in public service, and presidents and CEOs of industry-leading companies.

Top reasons to earn your Online LLM at USC Gould

The Online LLM prepares graduates for leadership roles in a wide variety of global settings, including business, compliance, education, entertainment, finance, health care, human resources and more. Upon completion of the program on the California Bar Track, international attorneys will be eligible* to sit for the California Bar Exam.

*Note: 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. Therefore, we recommend verifying your California Bar eligibility prior to enrolling in our Online Master of Laws (LLM).

  • Earn a master's degree from a premier, top 20-ranked law school, fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • No GRE or LSAT required
  • 100% online - convenient coursework
  • Part-time and flexible - ideal for working professionals
  • Students complete their studies in as few as 16 months
  • Deeply committed and distinguished faculty
  • Scholarships are available and considered for all applicants
  • Access to the global USC Trojan Family network, which includes more than 15,000 USC Gould alums worldwide
  • Create new career opportunities with a degree in U.S. law
  • Admission decision within two to four weeks of application completion
  • Three starts per year - fall, spring, or summer
  • Receive an additional certificate in Business Law, Compliance, Entertainment Law and Industry, Financial Compliance, Health Care Compliance, Human Resources Law and Compliance, Privacy Law and Cybersecurity and more at no additional cost

The Online LLM Advantage

Offered 100% Online

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

In addition to the Online LLM degree, USC Gould offers specialized LLM and master's programs.

Accessible
Anywhere

Our interactive, online learning platform is accessible anywhere you have an internet connection.

Weekly
Conversation

You will engage in weekly live discussions facilitated by your professor.

Collaborative
Classroom

You will have a collaborative online classroom experience - with small classes that allow for greater student and faculty interaction.

Synchronous and
Asynchronous

Our Online LLM classes incorporate both synchronous and asynchronous activities, including interactive modules, message board participation, assignments, group work, virtual office hours, and weekly live classes via Zoom. Although the format offers flexibility in terms of scheduling, our degree is academically rigorous, and each class requires approximately 12-16 hours of work each week.

Weekday
Schedule

Our unique academic week of Wednesday through Tuesday allows students to best maximize their time, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, to complete their course requirements.

Career
Support

Our experienced advisors will provide individualized guidance on course selection to meet your personal and career goals.

Uniquely Student-Centered

At the heart of our educational philosophy is a deep-rooted commitment to student success. Learn more about the student experience from our Online LLM alums:

Students for now — Trojans for life.

When you graduate from USC Gould, you join USC's famed Trojan Family.

An alumni network over 480,000 strong, the Trojan Family spans the globe and will remain one of your most valuable — and lifelong — professional resources. Our more-than 15,000 law alumni share a steadfast commitment to nurturing the next generation of students.

Redefined Blog

Connect with USC Gould

Attend an Event

View upcoming webinars, sample lectures and recruiting events online and in your area

Schedule a Meeting

Set up an appointment with one of our admissions advisors to discuss your program of interest

Next Steps

Apply Now
placeholder image alternative text
Apply Now
Start the online application process.
Upcoming Events
placeholder image alternative text
Upcoming Events
Join an upcoming event
Visit USC Gould
placeholder image alternative text
Visit USC Gould
Come experience life at USC Gould.
Contact Us
placeholder image alternative text
Contact Us
Still have questions? Let us help.