Program Overview

Introduction to the LL.M. in Business Law On-Campus Program

The LL.M. in Business Law is designed for today's evolving legal landscape, including regulatory compliance, transactional practice, complex business litigation, financial regulation, and cybersecurity. This program prepares attorneys for roles in areas of growing demand.

Program Highlights

• Each student is paired with a faculty mentor who helps design an individualized course plan based on professional goals and academic background.
• A mandatory, ungraded orientation provides an overview of program requirements.
• LL.M. students will be able to participate in the College of Law's Business Law Clinic, learning transactional skills and earning academic credit by helping advise business and social entrepreneurs.
• Students in the LL.M. in Business Law program may apply to the J.D. program as transfer law students. The LSAT is not required.

Degree Requirements

• LL.M. students will be required to complete a writing component.
• Non-U.S. students are also required to take Legal Research and Writing and Introduction to American Law.
• Students must attend a non-credit, one-week orientation prior to the beginning of the fall semester, and then successfully complete 24 credits.
• Each LL.M. candidate must complete the following two online courses before graduating:
  • Regulatory Compliance Governance
  • Risk Management and Compliance An LL.M. thesis is not required for this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LL.M. Program?

The FSU LL.M. program is a master's degree program aimed at providing specialized legal training for people who hold a first degree in law (J.D. or LL.B. or equivalent).

How long does it take to earn an LL.M. degree?

All LL.M. programs require the successful completion of 24 credit hours. Full-time students are expected to complete the program within one academic year. Part-time students must complete the program within three calendar years.

How many LL.M. programs does the law school have?

We offer three on-campus LL.M. programs: LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers, LL.M. in Business Law, and LL.M. in Environmental Law and Policy.

Who is eligible for admission?

Our LL.M. programs accept both domestic and international students, except that the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program is only open to foreign law graduates.

How do I apply?

Students must apply online. If students encounter any problems, they can contact the admissions office for support.

When is the deadline?

The application deadline is June 15. International students are encouraged to apply by May 15.

How much does an LL.M. program cost?

The estimated tuition and fees are $16,565 (24 credits) for in-state students and $32,574 (24 credits) for out-of-state students.

Are there any scholarships available?

Yes, merit-based scholarships are offered. All applications are considered for the merit-based scholarships.

For International Students

What type of visa do I need? How long will it take?

LL.M. students outside of the United States generally require F-1 visas or J-1 student visas.

Will this degree allow me to take the bar examination or practice law in the United States?

LL.M. degrees permit foreign lawyers who've completed the LL.M. program to take the bar examination in some jurisdictions.

Do I need to take an English language proficiency test?

International students whose native language is not English and who did not receive a bachelor's degree or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution within the United States are required to take either the TOEFL or the IELTS.

Can I transfer to the J.D. program?

Graduates of the LL.M. program whose first degree in law is from a non-U.S. college, university or law school, are eligible to apply to transfer to the College of Law J.D. program.