LLM Requirements

To be eligible to receive the LLM degree from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, you must complete the mandatory pre-term program (5 credits) and attend full-time for two academic semesters, taking between 9 and 17 credits per semester.

It is important to note that an F1 visa holder may count only one online or distance learning class toward a full course of study each semester.

Additionally, LLM and LLCM candidates may take no more than one course (3 semester hours) from outside of the Law curriculum during their academic program. For more information on taking a course outside of the Law School, link here.

The Course Track requires 19 credits in addition to the 5 credits earned during the Pre-term program, for a total of 24 credits. One of the 24 credits can be earned as an associate editor on a journal.

The Thesis Track requires 19 credits in addition to the 5 credits earned during the Pre-term program; 7 of the total credits are allocated to work on a substantial scholarly thesis, which must be of publishable quality.

LLM Concentrations

You must take a total of four courses from this pre-approved course list during your LLM at the Law School:

Two of those classes must be foundational classes offered by standing faculty (highlighted in yellow on the course list).
The additional two classes can be selected from the full list of courses approved for the concentration that are taught by both standing faculty and adjuncts.

You may take the Detkin Intellectual Property and Technology Legal Clinic for credit toward the concentration, but it will be counted as only one of the four classes, even if taken for the full year. One-credit classes taught by Bok VIPs will count as half of a class.

LLMs are not required to complete a concentration during their time at the Law School. LLMs who satisfy the requirements of one of the above concentrations will have that noted on their transcript. LLMs are permitted to satisfy no more than one concentration.

LLM Public Service Program

The Toll Public Interest Center is excited to welcome LLMs as participants in the Law School’s commitment to service. As integral parts of the LLM program, public service and pro bono provide you with important opportunities to develop your professional skills while learning more about the communities that exist beyond the walls of the Law School.

Though not a graduation requirement, LLMs are welcome and encouraged to take part in Law School-approved pro bono work. Learn more about placement opportunities at the Toll Public Interest Center.

Academics

LLM Concentrations

Intellectual Property & Technology Law Concentration

Global Security, Sustainability, and Human Rights Concentration

LLM Public Service Program