A Practice-Oriented Approаch

AUA’s LL.M. program aims to help students develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective professional in an ever more competitive globalized market. Our practice-oriented approach emphasized analytical, advocacy and English communication skills that attorneys need to succeed. Courses are designed to expose students to basic skills as well as current trends. The program affords students opportunities to practice those skills through instruction and daily interaction with highly qualified professionals.

The LL.M. is a rigorous academic and professional program. Instructors have high expectations of students. Although many students work while studying, it is often difficult to balance the demands of work, courses and family. The grading scale for coursework is in line with US law school programs. AUA requires students to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to remain in good standing and graduate.

Degree Requirements

The LL.M. degree requires completion of a minimum of 30 credits (roughly 10 law courses) over 4 semesters (2 years), including the Master’s Paper and at least one course in environmental studies in satisfaction of the university-wide environmental studies requirement1.   Usually students take 2 courses each fall and 3 courses each spring earning between 6 and 9 credits per semester.  

There are 4 required courses LW 350 (Business Organizations), LW 334 (European Convention on Human Rights), LW 390 (Master’s Paper), and LW 365 (Administrative Law), typically one per term. The remaining courses toward the degree are electives, selected by students in consultation with their academic adviser.  Students are encouraged to be proactive in designing a program suitable for their career and educational goals. Some may choose to concentrate in public or private law; others may prefer to pursue a more general course of study.  Students may also take courses outside of the LL.M. program with the permission of the Program Chair (usually limited to 1 course for the degree).

Unless otherwise noted, each course carries three credits and academic performance is evaluated through a tests, final exam, and class assignments and participation.

While the majority of students complete all requirements in two years, the maximum period for completion is three academic years.  Degree candidacy will automatically terminate after this period.  A course load less than 6 or greater than 9 credits per semester requires prior approval from the Program Chair. 

All courses must be taken on a letter grade basis.  A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher is required for the granting of the degree.

It is the students’ responsibility to make sure that they have fulfilled all requirements for timely graduation.   If you have any questions, please check with the Registrar’s Office or the LL.M. Program Chair.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, an applicant must meet the AUA General Admission Requirements, detailed on the admissions information page on the AUA website as well as LL.M. Program specific requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in law (preferred) or related field from a recognized institution of higher education
  • Demonstrated English proficiency – IBT TOEFL score of 79, or a 6.5 on the IELTS. Scores cannot be more than 2 years old at the time of application
  • Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) – expected score for successful applicants is 135 or higher
  • Experience in legal practice or a related field is highly desirable
  • Applicant Information

 



[1] These requirements apply to students entering after September 1, 2012.   Students in the transition from the quarter system to the semester system should check with the LL.M. Program Chair, as their requirements have been adjusted for the transition, typically 18 quarter credits + 15 semester credits including at least one course in Environmental Studies.   For the transition cohort (2011-2013), required core courses are LW 300 (ILE), LW 302 (Argumentation), LW350 (Business Organizations), LW 334 (ECHR) or 342 (HR), and LW 390 (Master’s Paper).