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Master's Degree in International Law
Master's Degree in International Law
Master's-level international law programs are typically intended for law school graduates who want to specialize or expand their practice. Review the benefits of earning an international law degree, and explore some of the course topics you'd study. Check the prerequisites to enroll in an international law master's degree program, which usually include holding a law degree.
What Type of Master's Degrees Can I Earn in International Law?
Most programs that deal with international law award Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Studies or LL.M. in International Law. You can also earn your Master of Laws (LL.M.) on an international and comparative law track. These programs usually aren't available online due to in-person requirements that cover legal writing, research and clinical practice.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Fields of Study</b></td><td> Master of Law in International Studies or International Law</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Purpose of the Degree</b></td><td> Designed for US or foreign lawyers to expand the scope of their practice</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Typical Coursework</b></td><td> Legal procedures, comparative law, foreign legal systems, and resolution studies</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Admission Requirements</b></td><td> A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is typically required, as well as practical experience</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% growth (<i>for lawyers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$126,930 (<i>for lawyers</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIBenefitByEarningMyDegree">How Do I Benefit by Earning My Degree?</h3><p>The primary purpose of earning your master's degree in international law is to expand your practice as a lawyer to cover international issues. Other programs are designed specifically to provide foreign lawyers sufficient training to practice in the United States. Once you graduate, you can apply the skills you've acquired for clients in international cases, governments, human rights organizations, multinational businesses or nongovernmental entities.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanILearn">What Can I Learn?</h3><p>The material covered by master's degree programs in international law varies by intended audience. For example, programs designed for students with a law degree from outside the country can expect to focus on the courts, legal procedures, and the U.S. Constitution. If you earned your law degree through a domestic school, you can expect to learn about international law, foreign legal systems, dispute resolution and international current events in terms of culture, business and politics. You can also earn your degree on a specialized track that addresses immigration, trade or human rights.
</p><p>Regardless of what type of program you enroll in or your background, you spend time learning how to compare legal systems. You also learn how to research an issue where particular laws, treaties, constitutions or policies remain unclear. Most programs allow you to practice international law and work with clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoINeedToEnroll">What Do I Need to Enroll?</h3><p>Admissions requirements vary by program; however, they are very selective and most programs only admit a small number of students. In most cases, you need to have a Juris Doctor before you apply. Typical requirements include a written statement of intent, and some programs look for a certain amount of experience practicing law. In rare cases, you may be able to enroll without a law degree provided that you have a doctorate, scholarly aptitude and a need for legal education to advance your career.</p>
