The Academic Program
Academic Calendar
Classes for international LL.M. students begin in mid-August and end in mid-May. After receipt of the LL.M. interested students may enroll in bar preparation classes for the bar exam they wish to take. Classes for the 2009 entering class will begin August 21, 2009, with Orientation beginning approximately one week prior.
Program Academic Requirements
Students in the LL.M. Program must take a total of 24 credits during their year of study in the United States. Those credits are allocated as follows:
- 2-credit Research Writing and Advocacy (Fall Term). The course may be waived by an LL.M. Program co-director.
- 2-credit Legal Writing Requirement; and
- 20 credits of elective credits, including regularly scheduled courses and seminars as well as directed studies.
Areas of Focus and Elective Courses
LL.M. candidates have the opportunity to gain a broad overview of the U.S. legal system. Candidates may also focus their studies in any of the following areas:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Corporate Law
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Family Law
- Health Law
- Indigenous Law
- Intellectual Property and Communications Law
- International and Comparative Law
- Public Law & Regulation
- Tax Law
To see the full list of course offerings at MSU Law, click here.
Practical Experience
LL.M. candidates are encouraged to participate in one of the Law College’s experiential programs after meeting the prerequisites and application requirements. The College offers the following clinical opportunities:
- Chance at Childhood Family Law Clinic
- Small Business/Non-profit Legal Clinic
- Rental Housing Clinic
- Tax Law Clinic
- Indigenous Law and Policy Center
As a condition of their visa, international students are not permitted to work for pay while in the United States. However, numerous career development opportunities in the forms of externships and volunteer positions exist in the greater Lansing area in all areas of the law.