LLM Degree (Academic Year)
A candidate for the LL.M. degree completes a program of resident study consisting of 21 units (foreign-trained students) or 20 units (US-trained students). The program is tailored to the individual needs of each candidate, taking into account educational background and career objectives. Academic year candidates have the option of undertaking one of two different tracks:
- Course Work Only:
Students satisfy unit requirements by taking law school courses within a specific area of legal study. Summer LL.M. program students are automatically enrolled in this track. Required courses for foreign-trained students include: Introduction to U.S. Law/Topics in American Law (3 units), and Legal Research and Writing (1 unit). Students who have graduated from a law school in the U.S. may have these courses waived.
more about courses - Thesis Track (academic year LL.M. program only):
Students complete 12 units of law school courses to be approved by the student's thesis advisor as well as 8 units of independent study units with the advisor. In addition, foreign-trained attorneys must complete Intro to U.S. Law/Topics in American Law (3 units). The thesis track is not available for students enrolled in the Summer LL.M. program at this time.
Fall semester at Berkeley Law begins in early August, and international LL.M. students are required to arrive one week prior to the beginning of classes to attend Orientation and take the one-unit course, "Introduction to U.S. Law". Academic year classes are conducted on the semester system: typically, fall semester runs from August to December, and spring semester runs from January to May.
More about the LL.M. thesis track
The LL.M. thesis track offers the opportunity to write a substantial research and writing project called a thesis. This track is appropriate for those considering academic or government careers, or those interested in research in depth on a particular subject. Thesis track students are associated with a member of the law faculty who will serve as an adviser.
For the thesis option of the LL.M., eight of the required 21 units are allocated to the thesis. The remaining units are satisfied by selecting courses within a specific area of legal study.
