LLM FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the Master of Laws (LLM) program

What does LLM mean?

Master of Laws, which is a translation of the Latin term Legum Magister.

Why pursue an LLM?

Students pursue an LLM for many reasons: to develop a robust understanding of the American legal system, to seek eligibility for a bar examination to practice law in the United States, and to gain valuable, legal work experience in relevant areas of law.

Will I be eligible to take the bar exam to qualify me to practice in any state?

Will I be eligible to take the bar examination to qualify me to practice law in a particular state?

Either the LLM in Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship or the LLM in American Legal Studies can qualify you to take the bar examination in several states, including New York, California, and Washington. Students who wish to take the bar exam in the United States should carefully review the eligibility requirements of the particular jurisdiction in which the student to take the exam. Students are responsible for determining the requirements of any state bar to which they intend to apply for admission and for arranging their law school curriculum so as to fulfill the bar’s educational requirements. Your academic advisor will meet with you to create a curriculum designed to meet the requirements of the jurisdiction in which you wish to practice.

Note that students in the LLM in Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship will need to take more than 24 credits in order to complete the LLM and meet bar eligibility requirements. Once you know which state bar exam you would like to take, you can meet with an advisor to discuss the relevant credit requirements.

What are the admission requirements?

To be eligible for admission, candidates must hold a degree in law.

Students may apply via our Application Portal. Application requirements include:

1. Completed application form
2. Personal statement
3. Resume or CV
4. One letter of recommendation
5. Official transcripts from all academic institutions where the candidate has studied law
6. Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) (waived for students whose first language is English, who attended an educational institution in which English was the primary language of instruction, or who worked in an English-speaking environment for one year or more).

Is the LSAT required for admission?

No. Students applying to the LLM program are not required to submit an LSAT.

Is the TOEFL required for international applicants?

Yes. But the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be waived for students whose first language is English, or who attended an educational institution in which English was the primary language of instruction, or who worked in an English-speaking environment for one year or more.

When is the deadline for my application?

Applications are accepted and decisions are made on a rolling basis.

What is the tuition and other expenses?

Seattle University Law School charges tuition by credit ($1,963 per credit*). To complete the requirements for the LLM degree, the total cost is $47,112* for 24 credits. You will also incur additional costs including food, housing, and transportation (approximately $32,000). You may find detailed information about current tuition and fees via the Law Business Office.

*2024-25 academic year

Are scholarships available?

A limited number of merit scholarships are available to incoming LLM students. Scholarships are awarded at the time of admission.

How do I apply?

You can apply via our online Application Portal. 

What loans are available for international students?

International students are not eligible for U.S. federal loans, however there are several private loans available to students:

• Student Loans For International Students - MPOWER Financing
• Sallie Mae | Education Loans, College Planning & Online Banking
• Law Loans - Law School Loans | Discover Student Loans

When can I begin the program?

If accepted, students may begin their studies in the Fall or Spring semester.

Can I get work experience while obtaining my LLM Degree?

Students interested in obtaining work experience during their LLM program may apply to do so with the appropriate approvals as required by the Externship office, the International Student Center (if applicable), and or the Center for Professional Development. Students can click here to learn more about externships.

International students on an F-1 visa can make appointments with the Center for Professional Development and the International Student Center to discuss post-graduate employment opportunities and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

How many credits are required to graduate?

Each LLM degree program requires a minimum of 24 credits. Students may choose to make more than 24 credits in order to be eligible to sit for a bar examination in a particular state.

Can I attend part time?

Yes, students may complete their studies by attending classes part time or full time.

Can I attend in the evening?

Yes, the program is designed to accommodate working students who wish to attend classes in the evening.

Can I work while pursuing an LLM degree?

There are evening class options as well as the option to pursue the degree part-time which might allow a student to work while pursuing their LLM degree.

How long will it take to graduate?

Full-time students can complete their studies within 9-12 months (2 semesters). Part-time students can complete their studies within 18-24 months (3-4 semesters).

Are classes online?

Classes are generally taught in-person though some classes are offered online. Several state bar associations will not allow an applicant to qualify for the bar examination if the applicant took online classes, so it is recommended students determine the requirements of the state bar if they wish to take the examination. The Director of Graduate Programs can assist you with this process.

Can I take the same courses as students in the JD Program?

Yes. Unlike many other law schools, where LLM students are separated from other students, at Seattle University School of Law you are welcome to take courses at the law school with JD students, including clinical courses that provide valuable legal training under the supervision of a faculty member.

Will I have access to classes that prepare me to take licensing exams in the US?

Yes. Seattle University School of Law is committed to providing LLM students with individualized counseling and support in preparation for the Uniform Bar Exam. Our Bar Studies program is designed to provide the foundation you need to approach the bar exam with confidence. The Director of International Programs and Graduate Studies will work with you to determine bar eligibility and design a customized course of study for the bar exam. The law school also offers a free, two-month ‘Supplemental Bar Exam’ course twice each year to LLM students and recent graduates to assist you in your bar exam preparation.

What are my housing options as an LLM student?

Limited on-campus housing is available for LLM students. Once admitted into the LLM program, if you are seeking campus housing, it’s important to apply early. For more information, including information about application procedures, see Housing and Residence Life.

For information about off-campus housing, the law school has compiled a helpful resource guide. See Guide to living in Seattle.

What is your mailing address?

LLM Programs
Seattle University School of Law
Sullivan Hall
901 12th Avenue
P.O. Box 222000
Seattle, WA 98122-1090

Where can I get more information?

Email: llm@seattleu.edu

Phone: 206-398-4079