LL.M. in American and Transnational Law (Online) University of Dayton School of Law

Earn Your LL.M. in American & Transnational Law — Online

See why the University of Dayton School of Law has the top Online LL.M. Program and find out how you get your degree without having to ever leave your home.

Program Highlights

For students interested in completing their LL.M. degree in American and Transnational Law, the University of Dayton School of Law offers a 100% online program.

Online LL.M. Program Highlights include:

• Curriculum: Focused on U.S. Law and U.S. Legal Practice
• Flexibility: All courses are offered (100%) online in an asynchronous format, allowing students to access course content on the days and times that work best for them
• Efficiency: Earn the degree in as little as 1 calendar year—three available semesters starting in January, May, and August
• Preparation: Online LL.M. curriculum is aligned with the current requirements of both the California and Washington state bar exams*
• Financial Aid: Guaranteed generous financial aid scholarships afforded to those who apply by priority deadline. Free online reading materials provided (no textbooks required!)
• Study Guides: Free supplemental online resources
• Support: Free Career Services, Academic Success, and Library support for all online LL.M. students
• Expertise: Courses taught by accomplished professors and legal practitioners with experience teaching via an online platform

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the Program, Application Process, Bar, and Career Opportunities.

*Eligibility requirements for bar admission vary by state. Dayton Law cannot guarantee bar admission. Students are responsible for contacting the state bar to determine their eligibility.

LLM vs JD

The main difference between an LL.M. and a JD is that a JD program is a first degree in law in the U.S. and, as such, covers general law concept. The traditional JD Program is completed in approximately three (3) years. An LL.M. is a graduate-level degree, that is focused on a specific area of expertise. Most LL.M. programs can be completed within one (1) year.

Dayton Law’s Online LL.M. Program allows foreign-educated attorneys with a non-U.S. law degree to sit for the bar exam in certain states. And for those who obtain a JD in the United States, an LL.M. offers a path to specialization and advancement.

Online LL.M. Student Profile

This Online LL.M. Program is perfect for foreign-educated law school graduates interested in:

• Taking the US bar exam in certain jurisdictions
• Careers in global law practice (business, immigration, trade, investment, IP, etc.)
• Learning more about U.S. law and legal practice
• Establishing a path to U.S. bar eligibility
• Earning a graduate law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited U.S. law school

With a 100% online program, students can obtain their degree and take the next step both professionally and academically, without ever having to leave their jobs, home, or families.

United States Legal Practice Certificate

In addition to earning the LL.M. degree, students completing the Online LL.M. Program within three years also earn (at no additional cost) a Certificate in United States Legal Practice.

Benefits of U.S. Legal Practice Certificate:

• Develop skills and knowledge in a specific area of law without requiring additional time or tuition.
• Become more marketable to employers and clients by providing a credential attesting to their competence, commitment, and training.
• Receive recognition for the successful completion of a specialized course of study.

Bar Exam Readiness — California and Washington

Students obtain a solid foundation in the areas of law that are most commonly tested on the bar examination, plus practical experience in the type of legal writing and communication tested on the bar examination and used in United States legal practice. The online curriculum is aligned with the current requirements of both the California and Washington state bar examinations.*

*Eligibility requirements for bar admission vary by state. Dayton Law cannot guarantee bar admission. Students are responsible for contacting the state bar to determine their eligibility.

Flexible, Asynchronous Format

• Take classes on your schedule: All courses are offered in an asynchronous online format during three semesters per year (Fall, Spring, and Summer).
• ABA accreditation: Graduates of non-ABA accredited law schools (including foreign-educated attorneys) holding a first degree in law or equivalent are required to complete 12 courses (30 credits) to earn the LL.M. degree.
• Degree in as little as 1 year: Based on course availability and sequencing, students may complete the 30 credits in as little as one year (3 semesters).
• Various free support tools & services: Reading materials are available, online and for free, within each course. In order to stimulate class discussion and the exchange of ideas, each course also includes interactive components, including weekly office hours, discussion boards, announcements, live online review sessions, and more!

Online Courses: (12 Courses- Total Credits 30)

Core Courses - Credits

• Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Institutions for LL.M. Students - 2
• Legal Analysis, Reasoning, Research, Writing, and Communication For LL.M. Students - 2
• Professional Responsibility for LL.M. Students - 2
• Business Associations for LL.M. Students - 2
• Evidence for LL.M. Students - 2
• Real Property for LL.M. Students - 3
• Torts for LL.M. Students - 2
• Trusts and Estates for LL.M. Students - 2
• Civil Procedure for LL.M. Students - 3
• Constitutional Law for LL.M. Students - 3
• Criminal Law & Procedure for LL.M. Students - 4
• Contracts & Sales for LL.M. Students - 3

In addition to being at the forefront of internationalizing online legal education, the University of Dayton School of Law had the biggest jump in rankings in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report for Best Graduate Schools rankings.

Human Rights Center of Excellence

We partner with various schools across the globe in an effort to illuminate the topic of Human Rights—Dayton Law’s Online LL.M. program is proud to have highly accomplished legal scholar Carlos Bernal among its faculty. Professor Bernal is a top 5 most cited constitutional law scholar in the world and is highly decorated in Colombia. He has been awarded Colombia's Order of Boyaca and the Medal Jose Maria Cordova. The Order of Boyaca is Colombia's highest honorary distinction for eminent citizens and for nationals of friendly countries of Colombia; Queen Elizabeth II of England and U.S. President Joe Biden are recipients.

Opportunities Abound

Graduates of the Online LL.M. Program can expect to be well-prepared for careers in the following fields:

• Law firms with global law practice
• Practice in areas of federal law like immigration, trademark, and veterans appeals
• Transnational Practice Areas