The program reflects exceptional diversity, bringing together students from every corner of the world representing a wide range of ethnicities, nationalities, and professional backgrounds. United by a shared passion for human rights, our students foster a vibrant culture of dialogue and exchange that enhances WCL’s global reputation.

Living in Washington D.C - Washington College of Law places you right in the heart of Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States and a city where law, politics, and history come together every day. From the White House to Capitol Hill to the Supreme Court, world-changing decisions are made just around the corner from our campus.

D.C. offers endless opportunities to apply what you learn. You can gain experience through externships at top government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, the private sector, or even at embassies. This is where classroom theory meets real-world impact.

Beyond your studies, Washington, D.C. is a city that never stops inspiring. With its many museums, theatres, sports events, concerts, farmers’ markets, film and food festivals, there’s always something to explore. Fun fact: all Smithsonian Museums, including the Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery of Art and the Air and Space Museum, offer free entry.

You will also find yourself part of a truly global community. The WCL student body brings together people from all over the world, making every class, event, and conversation an opportunity for intercultural exchange. Join student initiatives such as the Academy Student Fellows, the Lunch Bunch, Brown Bag Lunches, Happy Hours, and more. Join the hundreds of events hosted by WCL and AU, both academic and social.

And when you want to escape the city for a moment, you will find plenty of green spaces to explore. The scenic Rock Creek Park in northwest D.C. is perfect for walking, running, or biking, while the stunning Shenandoah National Park offers some of the best hiking on the East Coast. Washington, D.C. is also on the Potomac River, which offers many opportunities to enjoy boating and sightseeing. Take advantage of AU’s Outdoor Club, which organizes a group hike in Shenandoah each semester, or join the WCL Run Club for a Saturday morning walk or run!

• The program offers three flexible academic tracks in two languages (English and Spanish).
• Residential: Offered only in English; eligible for the New York Bar Exam. 
• Hybrid & Online: Maximum flexibility. Available in English and Spanish. Live online classes during fall and spring terms. The program may be completed in 1 to 5 years. No NY Bar eligibility.
• All students are required to attend a 3-week summer residency in late May-June. 

Generally, students (all tracks) can complete the degree between 2 and 10 semesters. Residential and Hybrid track students are required to take classes during the summer term in addition to regular semesters.  Classes start each semester: Spring (January - May) and Fall (August - December).  The Summer term is 3 weeks of daily classes between Memorial Day and mid June each year. 

Students earn credits through regular semester classes (in person or online), externships, independent studies and summer abroad in Geneva. 

Residential students can take the courses required to sit for the New York Bar Exam. Hybrid and Online tracks are not Bar -eligible.

Click here for U.S. Bar Exam Information.

• Follow this step-by-step guideline to submit your application successfully and on time: Who can apply? Check the application requirements here: https://www.american.edu/wcl/academics/degrees/llm/how-to-apply/instructions.cfm
• What documents do you need to apply? Check the application instructions here: https://www.american.edu/wcl/academics/degrees/llm/how-to-apply/instructions.cfm
• Where do you start your application? Apply here: https://www.american.edu/wcl/academics/degrees/llm/how-to-apply/online.cfm
• Submit the required documents electronically through the application portal.  You can submit your transcripts by requesting your law school to send them by email to graduateadmissionsdocuments@american.edu or by uploading a digital copy that you may have on your records.
• Pay a $55 non-refundable application fee. Application fee Waiver Codes may be granted if the applicant attends a webinar or in-person event. Information about upcoming webinars and events can be found in our Events Calendar.
• Be sure to ‘Submit’ your application to be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Graduate Admissions (llm@wcl.american.edu or humanrightsllm@wcl.american.edu).

The tuition of the LL.M. program is calculated based on credits registered per semester. The degree requires completion of 24 credits. For the 2025-2026 academic period each credit costs $2,481 USD, with a total program cost of $59,544 USD for all tracks - in-person, hybrid, and online.