Master of Laws (General)
The general LL.M. program offers law graduates an opportunity to broaden their backgrounds in certain specialized areas of law by enrolling in advanced courses and seminars and by engaging in specialized research. Although the School of Law awards no specific subject designated LL.M. degrees under this program, most students seeking this degree concentrate in areas such as corporate and commercial law, international law, legal practice and procedure, natural resources law, or property law.
For Degree Requirements
See General LL.M. degree requirements.
Admission Criteria
Admission to this program is by selection. An applicant for admission to the general LL.M. degree program must hold a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school. Full-time students are strongly preferred, and admission for the full-time program is in the fall only. Part-time applicants must demonstrate special academic reasons or circumstances for choosing a part-time track.
Application Procedures
Applicants must include with their applications a letter setting out their interest in entering the graduate degree program, two letters of recommendation, and certified transcripts from their undergraduate and law schools. Each applicant must have, in advance of acceptance, the commitment of a School of Law faculty member to serve as the applicant's academic adviser. The application, along with all supporting documentation, must be received in the Admissions Office by April 15 of the year of intended enrollment.
Financial Aid
The SMU Financial Aid Office is available to assist students in obtaining student loans. No scholarship funds are available for general LL.M. students.
2023-2024 LL.M. Tuition, Fees, and Estimated Expenses (standard course load of 12-17 hours).
For more information see: Graduate Tuition and Fees.
| Tuition | $56,254 |
| Fees | $ 7,248 |
| ESTIMATED EXPENSES | |
| Living Expenses | $20,300 |
| Miscellaneous/Health Insurance | $ 3,000 |
| TOTAL | $86,802 |