LL.M. Requirements
To receive the Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, students must complete a total of 24 semester credit hours.
Students holding a U.S. law degree are required to complete:
— a minimum of 18 credits in courses from an approved list of natural resources, environmental, international, and related law courses, seminars, and clinical work;
— at least one seminar requiring a major research and writing project (which may count towards the 18 credit minimum);
Students with a foreign law degree are required to complete:
— the Legal Methods class (3 credits);
— one basic U.S. law course (3 to 4 credits);
— a minimum of 17 credits from the approved list of natural resources and related courses;
— at least one seminar requiring a major research and writing project (which may count towards the 17 credit minimum);
A thesis option is also available. An overall grade point average of B- or better is required for graduation. Persons requesting enrollment in the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law LL.M. program must submit the following items:
— Completed application and fee
— Three letters of evaluation (at least one from an academic source)
— Statement of experience and interest
— Official undergraduate and graduate (including J.D.) transcripts
— For students whose native language is not English, an official TOEFL report from the Educational Testing Service (copies of the TOEFL report are not acceptable)
Applications must be submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website »
Factors considered in the selection of LL.M. candidates include high academic performance, practice experience, work in related fields, and demonstrated potential for graduate-level work. A prior law degree (J.D. or equivalent) is a requirement.
Graduation Requirements
An overall grade point average of B- or better
Degree Requirements
Required Courses: 24 Total Credits
- Complete at least 18 credits from the following types of courses:
a minimum of 18 credits in courses from an approved list of natural resources, environmental, international, and related law courses, seminars, and clinical work - Complete at least one seminar requiring a major research and writing project (which may count towards the 18 credit minimum)
- Up to 6 credits may come from courses in other fields or departments, subject to faculty approval
- The Legal Methods class (3 credits)
- Complete at least one basic U.S. law course (3 to 4 credits)
- Complete at least 17 credits from the approved list of natural resources, environmental, international, and related courses
- Complete at least one seminar requiring a major research and writing project (which may count towards the 17 credit minimum)
A thesis option is also available.
Learning Outcomes
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Effective oral and written communication
- Advanced understanding of the environmental and natural resources law and institutions
- A commitment to the ethical use of environmental and natural resources law