Syracuse University College of Law, Syracuse, NY 13244-1030, USA
Phone: 315.443.1962 | Website: www.law.syr.edu
Introduction
Small class sizes, one-on-one interaction with faculty, and access to top national programs highlight an education where the focus of the institution is on you and your success. With an enrollment of approximately 600 law students from over 30 states and 19 countries, the College of Law offers students an exciting and rigorous academic journey that provides the knowledge, discipline, and analytical skills needed to succeed in the legal profession and related fields—preparing the next generation of leaders to meet the demands and maximize the opportunities of our complex global society.
Scholarship in action is the bold vision that propels Syracuse University—a vision for education that's not static or for its own sake, but breaks out of the traditional "ivory tower." It drives us to forge innovative and sustained partnerships across our local and global communities. And that makes SU a place where students become leaders, scholars become collaborators, and the community is continually energized by new ideas.
LLM in American Law—An Advanced Legal Degree for Foreign-Trained Legal Professionals
This full-time program seeks to attract students from a variety of legal professions and nations while offering them the opportunity to study alongside our JD students by choosing from among over 100 regularly scheduled courses and seminars.
The College of Law offers four unique program options for students seeking to pursue the LLM degree.
Option I: LLM in American Law
The College of Law’s LLM in American Law program is a 24-credit program that can be completed in one academic year. Students are integrated into our JD curriculum to enhance their learning experience and provide a basic grounding in American law and the US legal system.
In the fall semester, LLM students are required to take three courses tailored specifically for the program: Introduction to the American Legal System (3 credits), Introduction of US Legal Writing (2 credits), and Practice Skills for the International LLM (1 credit). Students are also required to take Professional Responsibility (3 credits) in either the fall or spring semester. Students in the LLM program must also fulfill a writing requirement, allowing the student to engage deeply with a faculty member, either through independent study or one of the many seminar courses offered, to produce a significant research paper. Based upon their own professional goals and interests, students are able to register for a variety of courses, such as Comparative Disability Law, International Human Rights Law, National Security Law, International Business Transactions, and more.
Option II: LLM in American Law + English-Language Training
Students who wish to refine and develop their English-language skills before pursuing their LLM in American Law may enroll in up to one year of intense English-language training at Syracuse University’s English Language Institute.
The English Language Institute (ELI) offers students premier language instruction in an intimate classroom setting, through conversation groups, and with peer mentors. ELI teaches students from around the world, at all proficiency levels, before they begin their academic program on campus. Courses are offered in the fall semester, spring semester, Summer Session 1, and Summer Session 2 (the “Legal English” Summer Session).
Option III: LLM in American Law + Masters in Public Administration
Candidates who wish to pursue both the LLM in American Law from the College of Law and the Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School in Citizenship and Public Affairs (the “Maxwell School”) may do so in this two-year program option.
The Maxwell School’s MPA is a 40-credit professional graduate degree designed to prepare students to lead and manage in the public sector. Most students complete the MPA in 12 months of full-time study from July to June. Students in the MPA enroll in nine core courses, including Public Budgeting, Public Administration and Democracy, Economics for Public Decisions, Introduction to Statistics, and more.
Option IV: LLM in American Law + iSchool Certificate in Advanced Study
Candidates who wish to pursue both the LLM in American Law from the College of Law and a Certificate in Advanced Study (CAS) from the iSchool at Syracuse University may do so in this extended program option.
The iSchool is a top information school, offering innovative undergraduate, graduate, and CAS programs in a variety of information sciences and information management disciplines. The iSchool offers unique CAS programs that can be completed in full-time, part-time, or distance-learning formats on topics ranging from e-Government Management & Leadership, Information Security Management, Global Enterprise Technologies, and more.
Law School Enrollment
- Total law school enrollment (full time only): 608
Physical Facilities
A law school embedded in a dynamic university, situated in a picturesque setting, Syracuse University has always been a place of bold ideas. Like the region and city that are its home, it is a crucible of discovery, a place that attracts remarkably talented students and gives them the opportunity to test themselves. Syracuse is located in the center of New York State, approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. Located at the top of the famed "SU Hill," the College of Law sits on the 200-acre main campus and commands a panoramic view of downtown Syracuse and the Onondaga Valley.
The College of Law Complex
Students find the law school complex conveniently self-contained. Designed with the hectic life of a law student in mind, the school features comfortable classrooms with wireless access for laptops, and multimedia teaching stations with computer platforms, document cameras, and DVD players. Most classrooms are well-lit with natural light and designed to promote lively discussion and interaction. MacNaughton Hall and White Hall are joined by an open-air courtyard with breathtaking views of the Onondaga Valley and connected by enclosed hallways for passage during the colder months.
The Future of the College of Law—Dineen Hall
The 200,000-square-foot Dineen Hall, opening in fall 2014, will mark the beginning of Syracuse University's west campus expansion. The distinctive new five-story, state-of-the-art College of Law facility is designed to meet the personalized needs of law students, and create a community dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and advocacy.
Cosmopolitan Setting, Small-World Experience
Syracuse offers a robust community and a wealth of cultural activities. The area is situated amid some of New York State's most spectacular scenic and recreational areas. Whether you are a golfer, downhill or cross-country skier, boater, or swimmer, you won't find a better intersection of opportunities. Explore the city-campus Connective Corridor of art museums, downtown farmer's markets, and diverse cultural restaurants—all easily accessible through university-sponsored transportation. And if you feel like staying on campus, our intellectual community attracts some of the most relevant names in music, dance, theater, poetry, and sculpture.
Housing
Campus West on-campus apartments are just two blocks from the current College of Law and will be even closer to Dineen Hall, the new College of Law building opening in fall 2014. Campus West apartments include everything a Syracuse Law student needs: fully furnished apartments, a computer center, a modern fitness room, and retail space such as a convenience store. Other amenities include convenient access to public transportation, community events, and community-wide wireless access.
Student Services and Organizations
LLM students are a part of the law school community, and we encourage them to engage in accordance with Syracuse University's vision of scholarship in action. The College of Law encourages LLM students to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, community service opportunities, and student organizations alongside their JD colleagues. In addition to the knowledge and expertise LLM students will acquire at the College of Law, they will have a wide array of choices when it comes to becoming an active participant in campus life. As part of our 30+ recognized student organizations, students have a variety of opportunities to get involved in ways that supplement their academic pursuits and make valuable connections. We also encourage LLM students to become familiar with the sports and recreational opportunities for which Syracuse University is renowned.
Resources for International Students
The university offers particularized support for international students through the Slutzker Center for International Services. See the Slutzker Center website.
Application Details
- Application deadline: May 15
- Application requirements:
- Completed LLM application
- $75 application fee
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Copy of license (if applicable)
- Personal statement
- Résumé/CV
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Color copy of passport face page
- Official TOEFL or IELTS score (recommended TOEFL score = 100/250/600; recommended IELTS score = 7.0)
Tuition and Fees
- 2014–2015 academic year tuition: $49,500
- Associated fees: $2,050
Contact Information
LLM program questions should be directed to:
Andrew S. Horsfall
Assistant Director of the LLM Program for Foreign Law Graduates
Syracuse University College of Law
Suite 340, White Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
USA
Phone: 315.443.1962
Fax: 315.443.9568
E-mail: llmadmissions@law.syr.edu
LLM website: law.syr.edu/llm-admissions
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