Vanderbilt University Law School :: LL.M. Program for International Students

"What truly sets Vanderbilt apart from other leading American law schools is the premium we place on faculty supervision and accessibility. And, because of its small size and selectivity, our LL.M. program offers a wealth of other advantages."

Edward Rubin, Dean and Kent Syverud Professor of Law

LL.M. Program for International Students

Each fall, a select group of foreign attorneys and international students from nations around the world comes to Vanderbilt Law School for a special year of advanced legal study. If you are selected, you will spend a challenging and productive year exploring American legal issues and legal research methods in classes with American law students. Beyond the law school, you will have access to advice and support from Vanderbilt University's International Students and Scholars Office which serves the university's thriving international student community. More than that, you will experience life at a major American research university located in a sophisticated and and vibrant city.

LL.M. students have the opportunity to focus on specific areas of law and practice by selecting courses offered by our academic programs. LL.M. students choose from a broad range of electives, including courses in International Legal Studies, Law & Business, and Technology & Entertainment Law.

LL.M. students may choose to complete their degree requirements through either of two options:

Course Track: focus on courses

Students in the Course Track focus exclusively on course work, choosing their courses from the law school's extensive curriculum. You will earn 23 to 27 credits over two semesters, including the required "Introduction to Legal Research and Scholarly Writing" during your first semester. Your faculty adviser or a law school administrator will help you tailor your academic program to your career goals and intellectual interests.

Thesis Track: focus on research

The Thesis Track is for students who wish to complete a substantial research project that culminates in a scholarly paper. You will work closely with a faculty adviser with expertise in your area of study to choose course work that supports your research interests, conduct your research, and write your scholarly paper.Thesis Track students are required to earn 17 to 27 credits over two semesters which must include a substantial research and writing project (4 to 7 credits) and "Introduction to Legal Research and Scholarly Writing."

Only students with strong English language and writing skills who are capable of extended independent research should choose the Thesis Track option. Thesis Track applicants should have a well-developed research focus and indicate their interest in working closely with one or more Vanderbilt law professors in their applications. You may review the faculty profiles to consider whom you would like to pursue an individualized research program at Vanderbilt.

| LL.M. Curriculum |

Learn Legal English

Vanderbilt LL.M. students benefit from an intensive program designed to provide the language and academic skills needed to succeed in a demanding educational program at a top U. S. law school. The program begins with an introductory course at the law school during the summer before your LL.M. courses begin. Provided in association with the Vanderbilt University English Language Center, the program includes intensive instruction in oral and written communication, small group discussions and practice responding quickly and concisely in large group discussions.

To enhance your academic training, your classes in Legal English continue throughout your year at Vanderbilt. These extra classes increase your exposure to the language of U.S. law while you learn its principles and precepts in your law classes.

Law & Business Two-Year Program

LL.M. students can earn a certificate of specialization in Law & Business by completing a second year at Vanderbilt through an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum created by the law school in conjunction with Vanderbilt's Owen Graduate School of Management. This program allows students to study U.S. business law, management techniques, corporate finance and accounting, and the legal principles that affect them. LL.M. students can apply for "special student" status at any point after admission to the LL.M. Program to pursue the Law & Business program.

LL.M. / M. A. in Latin American Studies Joint Degree Program

A student may enter the LL.M./M.A. in Latin American Studies joint degree program by being accepted by both the Law School and the Graduate School. The requirements for this program and the degree include: 11 hours course work in the Law School, 24 hours course work in Latin American Studies, and a thesis for 6 hours credit. Students will normally pursue their course work over the first three semesters, devoting the bulk of their time in the fourth semester of study to the completion of the thesis. Students will be enrolled in each school for two of the four semesters.