Online master of laws program

Q: Does having an LLM make you a lawyer?

No, an LLM, unlike an MLS, requires applicants to have a JD or an international equivalent for admission. Most online LLM degree-seekers are recent law school graduates or experienced lawyers working toward advancing their careers. If you cannot enroll in an LLM program, consider an MLS. An MLS is worth it if you need legal training, but not a JD, to reach your career goals.

Your JD doesn't have to be the end of your legal education. Dive into online LLM programs that can help you advance your career or specialize.

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Why earn an LLM degree online?

Develop an advanced specialization

Online LLM programs can offer you the opportunity to pursue a specific area of law, allowing you to become an expert in your specialization and increase your professional credibility.

Qualify to practice law outside your home country faster

LLM credentials are ideal for internationally trained lawyers who want to transition to U.S. practice fast or for U.S. professionals working outside the country.

Stay updated in your subject area

Good lawyers know that learning the law does not stop once they pass the bar. Online LLM programs help these professionals stay current on the latest developments in the field.

Do you want to advance your legal career but have no idea where to start? If so, consider online master of laws (LLM) programs. This course of study offers concentrations in different fields of law and can help you develop your expertise.

Learn how an online LLM program can offer you a strong return on investment (ROI) and set you up for career success.

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What jobs can you get with an online master of laws degree?

Lawyers seeking to specialize in a targeted practice area often pursue LLM degrees. The credential can help lawyers specialize in:

Mediation and negotiation
Mergers and acquisitions
Judicial jurisprudence
Regulatory compliance

Additional career paths may be available depending on the LLM concentration you choose.

Salary potential and career outlook for LLM degree-holders

A specialized LLM degree can lead to higher-than-average salaries.

Many factors, including the broader economic climate and the political environment, can impact the career outlook for online LLM program graduates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects all occupations to grow by 4% between 2023 and 2033. Many of the positions you may qualify for with an LLM are forecasted for even greater growth over the next decade.

Below, find potential career paths with salary and job outlook data from the BLS and O*NET Online:

Salary potential and career outlook for LLM degree-holders
Career	Median annual salary (May 2024)	Projected job growth (2023-33)
Lawyer	$151,160	8%
Judge	$135,160	3%
Compliance officer	$78,420	3-5%
Mediator or arbitrator	$67,710	6%

How to calculate the ROI of your LLM degree

Calculate the potential ROI of earning an LLM degree before committing to an online program. This step is essential, especially if you took out student loans . Fortunately, research suggests a strong ROI for potential degree-seekers.

A 2023 Law School Survey of Student Engagement reports that the vast majority of learners rate their educational experience as excellent or good. These figures suggest you can receive an excellent education at an in-state, public university. Attending a public school may mean paying less out of pocket and achieving a positive ROI much faster than your peers.

Keep in mind that an LLM may not lead to an immediate salary boost. A 2022 Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity white paper reports that professionals with a graduate degree experience the greatest ROI in the latter stages of their careers. These findings suggest that an LLM helps lawyers with their long-term financial goals, such as retirement.

What should you expect from an online LLM program?

LLM programs can help you become an expert in a focused practice area while building an academic foundation for career growth. Credit requirements vary, but most LLM programs can be completed in one calendar year or three semesters.

Concentration tracks are common, but the availability of specific concentrations varies among schools. Popular examples include , , and . Your preferred concentration may not be available online, so keep this in mind as you research programs.

You can also find LLM programs that function like extensions of a juris doctor (JD) degree program. By pursuing this type of generalist program, you can prepare more fully for your bar exam and earn an elevated credential that may help you land your first job or advance into a senior role.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students paid an average of $33,707 per year to pursue a graduate degree in law in 2020. However, the cost may be higher or lower depending on your residency status, whether you study part or full time, and whether you have prior credits that can count toward your degree.

Admission requirements

LLB graduates: Some LLM programs admit international applicants with a bachelor of laws (LLB). They may accept you even if you have not yet passed the bar-equivalent exam in your home country.
U.S.-licensed lawyers: U.S. lawyers must hold a JD degree from an American Bar Association-accredited university. Other admission requirements include recommendation letters. Some programs also require applicants to have 2-3 years of legal experience.
Internationally licensed lawyers: Universities may use the same admission requirements for internationally licensed lawyers as for LLB graduates. You may also need to pass the TOEFL to prove English-language proficiency and submit a certification of finances to show you can pay for your education.

Core courses

LLM programs differ significantly from other graduate-level, non-JD options, such as a (MLS). Before choosing a study path, consider which degree offers the best value for your career goals.

The core and elective courses you'll take depend heavily on the LLM concentration you choose. However, most programs include classes like:

U.S. law and legal institutions: Examine U.S. legal systems and institutions in detail. This course builds a strong foundation in U.S. common law and its applications.
Legal reasoning, analysis, and writing: Build on existing knowledge and explore advanced topics in legal reasoning, case analysis, and professional writing standards for LLM students.
Evidence analysis: Learn about evidentiary standards used in the U.S. federal court system. This class also covers methods for using evidence in legal proceedings, including witness examinations and cross-examinations.
Advanced legal research: Develop superior legal research skills to work with both primary and secondary legal sources.
Professional ethics: Engage with issues related to legal conduct standards, privileges, and duties. This course enhances students' knowledge of ethical standards for practicing attorneys.

Concentrations offered

Criminal law: A criminal law concentration can help you prepare for a career as a defense attorney or prosecutor. Courses may include domestic violence, criminal justice, and theoretical criminology.
Contract law: Concentrating in contract law prepares you to negotiate and draft contracts for your clients. Coursework involves drafting sample contracts using risk prevention best practices.
Intellectual property law: An intellectual property law concentration may require copyright, internet, and patent law courses. Your education prepares you to draft patent applications and counsel clients.
: A business law concentration trains you to negotiate and draft legal contracts. Coursework emphasizes business associations, securities regulation, and business bankruptcy.
: Consider an international law concentration if you want to work in transitional justice or human rights. Courses may include Chinese business law, food justice, and civil litigation across borders.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get an LLM without a JD?

You can enroll in an LLM program without a JD if you have completed equivalent legal education in a foreign country. Otherwise, you need a JD to apply to online LLM programs.

Is an online LLM worth it?

An online LLM may be worth it, depending on your goals, because it helps you specialize and stay current in your chosen law specialty. This degree shows potential employers and clients that your knowledge and skills surpass those of other law school graduates.

Does having an LLM make you a lawyer?

No, an , requires applicants to have a JD or an international equivalent for admission. Most online LLM degree-seekers are recent law school graduates or experienced lawyers working toward advancing their careers.

If you cannot enroll in an LLM program, consider an MLS. An if you need legal training, but not a JD, to reach your career goals.

Can I obtain an LLM degree online?

Yes, many law schools offer accredited online LLM programs. The American Bar Association (ABA) publishes a list of ABA-approved non-JD programs, which includes LLM programs. Consult their list to find online LLM degree offerings.

Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?

Earn a MicroMasters® program certificate instead! MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.

Last updated July 22, 2025