Get answers to your questions below about LL.M. programs offered, their locations, credit hours, admission, enrollment deadlines, tuition and fees, grades, part-time or full-time, web-based courses, distance education, and additional contacts.
General Questions for all LL.M. students
What programs are offered in your LL.M. program?
The Graduate Program offers four degree programs: a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property Law; a Master of Laws in Taxation; a Master of Laws in Corporate Law & Finance; and a Master of Laws in Homeland and National Security Law.
How much is tuition?
Tuition in the Graduate Program is $1,200 per credit hour for students entering January 1, 2021 and beyond. Guest students pay the same tuition rate.
Where and when are the LL.M. classes offered?
Terms begin in September, January, and May. Generally LL.M. courses are taught “live online” allowing students to participate from a location that is convenient for them. WMU-Cooley's physical campuses are located in Lansing and Tampa Bay. The classes are typically offered on the weekend, during weeknights, or in an accelerated format.
What courses are available?
Courses are offered on a rotating basis throughout the calendar year. Course length ranges from two days to between three and fifteen weeks. Not all courses are offered every term. The schedule for each term is generally available on the Graduate Program's website roughly two months before the term begins. Students needing to make longer term arrangements should contact the Graduate Program.
How large are the classes?
Classes are small, generally less than 15 students, although the required courses may be larger.
How are classes conducted?
The LL.M. classes are offered entirely “online synchronous.” Courses are live, faculty-led, and utilize an online course management system. Students will typically be required to participate in weekly assignment postings, text readings, online research, bulletin board discussions, chat sessions, virtual office hours, and virtual study groups. For online classes, students are required to attend class at regularly scheduled times each week, but they attend online through their home computer. The online synchronous student can interact fully with the instructor and other students in the course; therefore, students are required to purchase a webcam and a headset to participate in class.
When are classes offered?
The classes are typically offered on the weekend, during weeknights, or in an accelerated format.
What is required to graduate?
Graduation from WMU-Cooley Law School with an LL.M. degree requires:
- Completion of 24 credit hours
- An overall cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 or "B" on the total hours taken and completed
Is there a thesis requirement?
The Master's Thesis/Research Project is an elective course.
Can you study on a part-time or full-time basis?
Either. A graduate student is considered a full-time student when enrolled in six credit hours and half time with three credit hours. Students enrolled in the graduate program cannot register for more than 14 credits during a term. All students must complete the academic requirements for the LL.M. degree within two calendar years after entering the program. The LL.M. can be completed within one calendar year, but the full-time student could be faced with time conflicts between courses offered. Not all courses in the curriculum will be offered every term. Please refer to the Academic Regulations of the Master of Laws Program and the WMU-Cooley Law School Student Policy Manual for specific rules and regulations.
When are students admitted?
A student may begin in September, January, or May.
What are the admission requirements?
Admission to this program will be based on, among other things, graduation from an approved law school; law school grades; undergraduate major and academic performance; a writing sample; a written personal statement; and a letter of recommendation. Applicants who did not graduate in the top half of their law school class will be asked to demonstrate academic capability not reflected in their law school performance. For admission, the applicant must possess an earned J.D. (or LL.B.) degree from a law school that is approved by the American Bar Association, or be admitted to practice law in one or more states or territories of the United States and have graduated from a law school in the United States determined by Cooley to be reputable and qualified.
Can I take a few classes without earning an LL.M. degree?
Yes as a guest student. The Graduate Program at WMU-Cooley Law School offers qualified applicants the opportunity to take classes without earning a degree. These applicants may be practicing attorneys who want exposure to advanced legal courses or non-Cooley students wanting to transfer course credit to their degree-granting institution. An admitted guest student can earn up to eight credits without earning the LL.M. degree.
Can international students apply to the LL.M. program?
International students may apply to the LL.M. program at Cooley. International students should plan ahead because of the time required for the application, admission, and enrollment process. In special cases, the Associate Dean or his designee may admit to the LL.M. degree program an applicant who has earned a J.D. or LL.B. degree from a law school in a common law-based country, or an equivalent degree from a law school in a non-common law-based country, at which the applicant has compiled a distinguished academic record or has clearly demonstrated by experience, academic performance or other qualifications the ability to perform well in the LL.M. program. The ability to demonstrate proficiency in speaking and writing English is required of applicants who are not native English speakers. The Law School may establish one or more methods to determine the requisite proficiency.
How do I receive additional information about the LL.M. degree programs?
Please contact WMU-Cooley's Graduate LL.M. Programs office by e-mail at LLM@cooley.edu or by calling (517) 371-5140, ext. 2703.
How do I know if I am admitted to my LL.M. program?
You will receive an email and a mailing from the Office of Graduate and Extended Programs.
How do I enroll once I am admitted to my LL.M. program?
You must follow the instructions in the packet of information you receive from the Office of Graduate and Extended Programs in order to enroll in the LL.M. program. It is important to do so in a timely manner. Make sure that you complete all the forms and other paperwork and return them to the designated office.
How much are tuition and fees?
There is no application fee. A $25 non-refundable enrollment fee is charged to reserve a seat. WMU-Cooley charges a $20 non-refundable student activity fee each term. Tuition for graduate courses is $1,200 per credit hour for students entering January 1, 2021 and beyond. Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Is financial aid available?
Applicants who have questions regarding the availability of financial aid for LL.M. students should contact the Financial Aid Office e-mail finaid@cooley.edu or telephone at (517) 371-5140, ext. 2248.
What courses are available?
Courses are offered on a rotating basis throughout the calendar year. Course length ranges from two days to between three and fifteen weeks. Not all courses are offered every term. The schedule for each term is generally available on the Graduate Program's website roughly two months before the term begins. Students needing to make longer term arrangements should contact the Graduate Programs office.
How do I register for courses now that I am enrolled in my LL.M. program?
The Graduate Program Registration Schedule and relevant forms is available on the Cooley Connect portal. Carefully review the information in the registration schedule. Once you have looked over the LL.M. class schedule, complete the registration form [REQUIRED FIRST TERM ONLY] or register online for the classes you wish to take. Instructions on how to submit your registration form are indicated on the form.
What is a JD Plus course?
In order to take a traditional JD class for LL.M. credit, the student is expected to complete the requirements of the JD class, with an added Graduate Program requirement to accommodate the expectations of the graduate student. Typically, the “plus” portion of the class will consist of an added paper requirement that will be submitted at the end of the class that will combine the subject of the elective with the student’s LL.M program of study. In some situations, the added requirement for the graduate student may be a topic-related project.
How do I know if I am enrolled in my courses?
You will be able to access your class schedule on the Cooley Connect portal. Also, you can contact the Office of Graduate & Extended Programs by email at LLM@cooley.edu or by telephone at (517) 371-5140 ext. 2703 or ext. 4701.
How do I get my textbooks and first class assignments?
You can obtain your textbooks through the Bookstore’s online system or by calling them directly at (517) 371-5140 ext. 4129. Also, “First Week’s Assignments” listing book requirements are posted during registration on the Cooley Connect portal. Contact LLM@cooley.edu if you have any questions.
Can I take the bar examination after I earn an LL.M. degree?
Completion of the LL.M. degree does not qualify a graduate student to apply for permission to take the bar examination in every state. Each state applies its own criteria for allowing applicants to take the bar examination and for admitting attorneys to practice law. Lawyers from other countries seeking to practice law in the United States should obtain information regarding the requirements for admission to the bar in the state in which they wish to practice. Information regarding certification for bar examinations is in the WMU-Cooley Law School Student Policy Manual.
How are grades determined and what is the grading scale?
The grade for the course will be determined based upon performance in the course as demonstrated by a grade on any examination and/or course paper(s) and/or class participation.
LL.M. Guest Students
What are the admission requirements for guest student status?
Guest student applicants must possess a J.D. degree. Also, the Guest (Non-Degree) Student Application must be completed and submitted to WMU-Cooley's Office of Graduate and Extended Programs. There is no application fee.
What is the difference between a non-degree seeking guest student and a guest student visiting from another law or graduate school?
A guest student visiting from another law or graduate school intends to transfer the credit earned at WMU-Cooley to the guest's school. The non-degree seeking guest student is usually a practitioner who wants to enroll in courses for continuing legal education and is not intending to earn a WMU-Cooley's degree.
Does a non-degree seeking guest student have to earn a grade in a course?
Not necessarily, but it is recommended that a grade be earned. A non-degree seeking guest student may decide to pursue the LL.M. degree and so would want the grade. However, with permission a limited number of highly qualified students may be allowed to audit a course without earning a grade.
Why is it a benefit to be a guest student?
A guest student has the opportunity to earn up to eight credits. These credits could be transferred to the student's law or graduate school. A non-degree seeking guest student has the chance to enhance their practice and decide whether to earn the LL.M. degree.
Can a guest student change status to full admission as a degree seeking student in the Graduate Program?
Yes, if all admission requirements for full, degree-seeking admission are met. An application for admission into the Graduate Program must be completed and submitted to the Graduate Programs Office. Apply for Admission by clicking here. Admission to the Graduate Program will be based on, among other things, graduation from an approved law school, law school grades, undergraduate major and academic performance, a writing sample, a written personal statement, and a letter of recommendation. Applicants who did not graduate in the top half of their law school class will be asked to demonstrate academic capability not reflected in their law school performance. For admission, the applicant must possess an earned J.D. (or LL.B.) degree from a law school that is approved by the American Bar Association, or be admitted to practice law in one or more states or territories of the United States and have graduated from a law school in the United States determined by WMU-Cooley to be reputable and qualified. In special cases, the Associate Dean or his designee may admit to the LL.M. degree program an applicant who has earned a J.D. or LL.B. degree from a law school in a common law-based country, or an equivalent degree from a law school in a noncommon law-based country, at which the applicant has compiled a distinguished academic record or has clearly demonstrated by experience, academic performance or other qualifications the ability to perform well in the LL.M. program. The ability to demonstrate proficiency in speaking and writing English is required of applicants who are not native English speakers. The Law School may establish one or more methods to determine the requisite proficiency.