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Introduction to the LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law

The LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law is a pioneering program that has been leading the nation in this important area of law for over 40 years. The program connects lawyers to our food system, from farm to plate, and offers an expansive and fully integrated curriculum instructed by nationally recognized scholars and practitioners for full- and part-time students.

Program Overview

The program provides students with a comprehensive analysis and a systemic look at our food system, combining agricultural and food law studies. Students can attend on-campus or by distance, with distance students having the opportunity to participate in live classes by videoconference, and access to recorded classes and online opportunities for flexible programming.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the LL.M. Program in Agricultural & Food Law must have earned a J.D. or LL.B. degree from a fully accredited school in the United States or a J.D., LL.B., or a substantially equivalent degree from a fully accredited school in another country. The Graduate Legal Studies Committee considers factors such as:

• The candidate's past academic performance, particularly in relevant legal studies
• Any past background that would evidence a special interest in agricultural and food law
• Other factors deemed relevant in determining the likelihood of success of the applicant in the graduate law program

Application Requirements

A complete application includes:

• A completed application
• A Statement of Interest explaining the reasons why the applicant seeks to be admitted and demonstrating an interest in agricultural and food law
• Official copies of transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended
• At least one letter of recommendation from an individual who can attest to the applicant's academic and professional abilities

Degree Requirements

To receive an LL.M. degree in agricultural and food law, a candidate must:

• Complete a total of 24-credit hours pursuant to a course of study approved by the director of the LL.M. program, including required courses:
  • LAWW 7860V Food Law and Policy
  • LAWW 7960V Agriculture and the Environment
  • LAWW 73102 Agricultural Perspectives
• Maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 2.50 or better
• Conduct research in a specialized area of agricultural and food law and produce a written product for graded credit

Course of Study

The LL.M. program offers more than 24 credits of specialized agricultural and food law courses each year. The director approves each student's course selection, and an effort is made to accommodate each student's particular areas of interest.

Costs and Funding

The LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law is one of the most affordable LL.M. opportunities available. The university provides an online calculator for tuition and fees information, and distance students are given the in-state tuition rate regardless of their state of residency. The Graduate School at the University of Arkansas and the School of Law provide Graduate Assistantships to a limited number of LL.M. candidates, which include a full tuition waiver plus a stipend.

Dual Degree Program

The School of Law cooperates with the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness to offer a dual-degree program leading to the LL.M. in agricultural and food law and Master of Science in agricultural economics degrees. Each program applies its own admission standards.

Non-Degree Program

J.D. students, practicing attorneys, and graduate students in related disciplines may be allowed to enroll in some of the specialized LL.M. classes for non-degree credit. Students wishing to transfer credits to their degree program must contact their Dean or Department head for approval prior to enrollment.

Nine-Hour J.D. Students

A School of Law student who is within nine hours of completing the total credit hours required to earn a J.D. degree may be admitted conditionally to the graduate law program. This allows students to begin their LL.M. coursework during their final semester of law school. Credits are assigned to either the J.D. program or the LL.M. program but cannot be counted toward both degrees.