COURSE CURRICULUM

The LL.M. program at Penn State Dickinson Law is a flexible and rigorous graduate degree designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. legal system. Available at both the Carlisle and University Park campuses, the program allows LL.M. students to study alongside J.D. students, benefiting from a collaborative academic environment while gaining access to a broad array of courses. This flexibility enables students to pursue either a general legal education or focus on specialized areas of interest, with optional concentrations available in several fields. To earn the LL.M. degree, students must complete a minimum of 24 credits, typically achievable on a full-time basis over one academic year, with enrollment of at least 12 credits per semester and a maximum of 17 credits. Students may also extend their studies into a third semester to engage in experiential learning opportunities or prepare for the U.S. bar exam. All LL.M. students are required to complete core courses, including LWLLM 910, Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, and LWLLM 911, Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research, totaling four credits. These core courses provide essential knowledge of U.S. law, analytical skills, and research and writing proficiency, forming the foundation for advanced legal study and practice while equipping graduates for successful careers in domestic or international legal contexts.