The Washington College of Law offers three post-graduate legal education degrees: an LLM in Law and Government, an LLM in International Legal Studies, and an SJD.
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program on Law and Government at American University Washington College of Law benefits from the many opportunities afforded by our location in Washington, D.C., the center of the federal legal establishment. This unique course of study is designed for individuals who already have a JD or JD-equivalent degree who are interested in studying U.S. domestic law either in broad strokes or in a specialized way. Concentrations include Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice, Business and Financial Regulation, and Civil and Constitutional Rights. Many full-time faculty members have extensive professional backgrounds in and around government, which they bring to bear in the classroom. The law school's location also supports a diverse array of speakers and conferences with nationally-recognized experts, courses taught by some of the most knowledgeable practitioners in particular fields, and externships with federal agencies and other institutions.
As one of the top international law LLM programs in the United States, the ILSP offers a comprehensive education in transactional law, human rights, trade, environmental law and Intellectual Property. The program incorporates a rich array of international law courses and seminars, experiential learning opportunities, and special events offering the invaluable opportunity to interact with international attorneys, diplomats, business leaders, and policy makers. Moreover, the faculty and administration have established strong ties to various international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations in the Washington metropolitan area and abroad.
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) Program selects outstanding students prepared to write a doctoral-level thesis in law, who will make original contributions to the legal literature, and who have a strong intellectual commitment to advanced legal study. Applicants are generally required to hold both a JD or JD-equivalent degree and an LLM.
