Master of Laws Degree (LL.M.)
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is designed primarily for international students who have a law degree and wish to enhance their understanding of the American legal system. Students in the LL.M. program take classes with students enrolled in the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, and are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities with J.D. students.
LL.M. students must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0/4.0 or better. Students complete the program as a full-time student in 1 to 1 ½ years. International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa must attend the university as full-time students. The full-time course load for LL.M. students is 8 credit hours.
The LL.M. program allows students to choose their own area of concentration. With the assistance and approval of the program director, students will develop a specific area of study that coincides with their individual needs and interests.
INTERLINK
For students who need to improve their English prior to beginning law school, Valparaiso University offers a program called Interlink. The INTERLINK Language Center at Valparaiso University (VU) provides international students with ESL (English as a Second Language) training, cultural orientation and academic preparation as well as conditional admission to assure a successful and memorable educational experience in the United States.
In addition to general ESL preparation, Interlink also offers a course in English for Law. The English for Law course provides preparation for both the LL.M. and J.D. degree programs. The main objective of the nine-week course is to build participants’ legal vocabulary, classroom discussion skills, and presentation capabilities.
Since its creation in 1998, the English for Law course has provided outstanding advanced English instruction and academic preparation for international students who plan to pursue either the LL.M. or J.D. degree. By providing international students with advanced English instruction tailored to meet the needs of a law student, students are better prepared for the rigors of law school. In addition, students attend law courses, read cases, and learn how to prepare for the demands of an American law school.
This academic preparation has been extremely valuable for numerous students because of the differences between the study of law in the United States and their own country. The students who have completed the course have gone on to achieve great success in law school. For more information on Interlink, please click: http://interlinkesl.com/vu/
Admissions and Cost information
For information regarding admission and cost of attendance, please click: http://www.valpo.edu/law/
International Student Support
Valparaiso University Law School enjoys a close relationship with the main campus’ Office of International Programs. The Office of International Programs is dedicated to serving the special needs of international students and helping to create a supportive environment in which to live and study. The Office coordinates all visa paperwork, and provides a welcoming community for students to connect with other international students outside of the law school. For more information on International Students and Scholars, please click: http://www.valpo.edu/international/international_students/index.php
Living in Valparaiso
The city of Valparaiso, with a population of approximately 31,000, offers a thriving downtown with numerous dining and entertainment options, a safe and diverse college town environment, and close proximity to Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Valparaiso Law students take advantage of numerous externship, internship, and pro bono opportunities in the city of Chicago 55 miles to the northwest, in the state capital – Indianapolis – in the summers, and in Valparaiso itself – the county seat – where the courthouse and many social service agencies are located within walking distance of the Law School.
For more information about living in Valparaiso, please click: http://www.valpo.edu/law/prospective-students/p-admitted-students/p-valparaiso-community
