JD/LL.M. Dual Degree Program
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Madrid, Spain

This program, offered jointly by WCL and the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid Faculty of Law, allows students from WCL to enroll in a unique JD/LL.M. dual degree program with a specialization in European Union Law.

Each year up to two (2) WCL students will be selected for this dual degree program. Those students who successfully complete two years of study at WCL and 1.5 years of study at Universidad Carlos III will be awarded the JD degree at WCL and the Master en Derecho de la Union Europea (Master UE) degree at Carlos III. This selected group of students will have the opportunity to study in a different country, acquire the legal skills to practice law in the United States, learn European Union law and create professional networks in Spain.

The goal of this program is to create high quality legal professionals within the field of European Union law, to provide a real-world exploration of comparative law, to present opportunities for building international professional networks and to develop specialists with a deep understanding of the dynamic institutions and politics of the European Union.

The J.D. / LL.M. Program

Academic Requirements

Students must complete two academic years at WCL and 1.5 academic years at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). WCL students must demonstrate intermediate-level Spanish proficiency and must be in good academic standing  to be admitted to the program.(Please note: If you are an International JD student at WCL and will be applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), contact the Director before applying. A modified timeline may apply.)

Outgoing students enrolled in the program must complete a minimum of 59 credits during their two years of residence at WCL and 120 ECTS credits during their 3 semesters at UC3. While at UC3, students must enroll in classes offered in the Master UE program and must also complete an internship component. WCL will transfer 27 credits from UC3 to the JD degree.

For more detailed information on the UC3 portion of the program, please see: http://www.uc3m.es/portal/page/portal/postgrado_mast_doct/masters/Master_en_Derecho_Union_Europea.

Tuition and Expenses:

  • Students will pay 3 years of regular full-time tuition and fees to their home institution. There will be no additional tuition payment either for the extra semester or to the host school. WCL students enrolled in the program will pay the same amount of tuition as regular WCL students and will remain eligible for financial aid and grants as if they studied all 3 years at WCL. Students may be required to pay additional student fees at the host institution.
  • All participating students are required to have health insurance while at WCL and at UC3. Health insurance coverage is the sole responsibility of each student and students must show proof of coverage. WCL students may enroll in the Universidad Carlos III health insurance program at their own expense.
  • Travel and housing expenses are the students' responsibility. Upon their arrival to Madrid, UC3 will provide WCL students with information on housing.

Application Process:

Students must be admitted to WCL's regular JD program before applying to any International JD Dual Degree program.

Students must complete the application package below. Students will be contacted for interviews following review of the application (mid-to-late February).

Once accepted to the Program, students must also complete an application provided by UC3.

When to Apply:

Eligibility: First and second year WCL students in good academic standing with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and intermediate-level Spanish proficiency. All WCL international JD students should contact the Program Director before applying.

DEADLINE: Friday, January 27, 2012 at 5pm EST.

Application Package:

  • 2013-2015 Madrid Program Application
  • Statement of interest in English and Spanish. (No more than one page stating the reasons for applying.)
  • Letter of Recommendation (Letters should be from either professional or academic references. No relatives.)
  • Current résumé.
  • Updated WCL academic transcripts.

Submit Applications to:

Theresa Kaiser
Director of Study Abroad & International Exchange
American University Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Office of the Dean
Washington, DC 20016
intdualdegree@wcl.american.edu / Fax: 202-274-4005