LL.M. Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dickinson Law offer English Language Instruction?

All admitted students should be sufficiently prepared for study in English at Dickinson Law. However, international students enrolled in the LL.M., M.L.S., or S.J.D. programs for whom English is not their first language may request additional time on timed, in-person assessments and the use of a hard-copy English language and/or translation dictionaries.

Is it possible to continue in the J.D. program after completing the LL.M.?

Candidates for the LL.M. degree may seek to transfer into the J.D. program. Criteria for transferring to the J.D. program are set by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The admissions process is extremely selective. See LL.M. Academic Policies for more information.

Is it possible to do the LL.M. part-time?

Yes. The LL.M. program requires a minimum of 24 credits. It can be completed in one academic year as a full-time student or, with permission, in up to four semesters as a part-time student. Part-time students may not be eligible for loans or other external funding. International students may not pursue part-time study in order to remain in compliance with immigration requirements.

How are LL.M. students graded?

LL.M. students receive letter grades for their classes. They are not graded with the J.D. students on a curve. The GPA is recorded on the student transcript, but students will not be ranked. LL.M. students should consult the LL.M. Student Handbook, Supplemental for academic policies and protocols specific to grading.

LL.M. students are not permitted to take required classes on a pass/fail basis. However, they may opt to take non-required courses on a pass/fail basis, provided they obtain approval from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and adhere to the same credit limits as J.D. students. In such cases, students should review bar exam eligibility requirements for these courses.

Which concentrations are offered within the LL.M. program?

Dickinson Law offers a flexible LL.M. degree program designed to give students a high-level understanding of the U.S. legal system. Students must earn a minimum of 24 credits and complete a limited number of required courses. LL.M. students may enroll in a variety of courses that allow concentration in specific areas of law. Students must successfully complete 9 total credits of required and elective coursework to satisfy any specific concentration requirement. Students may earn multiple concentrations. Concentration offerings vary by school location.

How much time is spent in class during the LL.M.?

The American Bar Association (ABA) defines one credit hour as one hour of classroom instruction and two hours of out-of-class student work. The LL.M. program requires a minimum of 24 credits. If enrolled in 12 credits a semester, one should expect to spend approximately 12 hours a week in class and 24 hours a week studying outside of the classroom.

Can I participate in the courses of JD students? What is the average course size?

Yes. LL.M. students enroll in the same classes as J.D. students. Other than the three LL.M. specific required courses, LL.M. students generally take classes alongside J.D. students.

Does Dickinson Law provide disability accommodations?

Yes. Penn State and Dickinson Law welcome students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Students with temporary or permanent medical conditions or physical, cognitive, or psychological disabilities may be able to receive accommodations to eliminate barriers to their success. Accommodated students do not receive an advantage over others; rather, accommodations allow such students to not be at a disadvantage relative to other students as a result of conditions beyond their control. Please see Disability Accommodations Process.

May I extend to a third semester for my LL.M. program?

Yes. LL.M. students may opt to stay for a third semester of legal study with the intent of completing an experiential learning program or preparing for a U.S. bar exam. International LL.M. students may have immigration restrictions. Scholarship support is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.

What are the admission requirements?

To be considered for admission, applicants must have completed, or be in the process of completing, a first professional degree in law. This is generally a J.D. from an ABA-approved, U.S. law school or the equivalent to the J.D. from an international law school. Successful applicants are often licensed to practice law and have professional experience in legal practice.

What are the English language proficiency requirements?

Applicants for whom English is a native language or those who have earned an academic degree from a college or university in which the language of instruction was English meet the language requirement. In some cases, an oral proficiency interview may still be required. For applicants who are not native English speakers and have not received a degree from a college or university whose language of instruction is English, a TOEFL, IELTS or similar score that demonstrates advanced proficiency in English is required. Applicants must provide evidence of a TOEFL score report of 88 or higher, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, a Duolingo English Test score of 120 or higher, or the equivalent.

How many LL.M. students are accepted each year?

The LL.M. program at Penn State Dickinson Law is highly selective. The LL.M. cohort at the Carlisle location is kept intentionally small with generally 20-25 students enrolled each academic year. The University Park location generally enrolls 150-175 students each year.

Can an LL.M. students transfer from another ABA-accredited law school?

LL.M. students attending another ABA-accredited law school may apply to complete the second or final semester of their LL.M. education at Penn State Dickinson Law. To earn an LL.M. degree, a transfer student must complete at least one semester at Dickinson Law as a full-time student, earning at least 16 credits of the required 24 credits. As part of the transfer admission process, the Dickinson Law admissions team will evaluate transferable credits. A minimum grade of B is required for all credits approved for transfer to Penn State Law. Any credits earned at another law school are recorded on the student academic transcript by reference only, and no attempt is made to convert grades to Dickinson Law equivalents. Students who transfer into the LL.M. program are not eligible to apply for transfer into Penn State Law’s J.D. program.

What is the application process?

Prospective students may submit a Direct Application or apply via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

What are the application fees?

Penn State Dickinson Law does not assess any application fees for direct applications. Applicants using LSAC should be aware that certain fees are required. If needed, Penn State Dickinson Law may be able to extend an application fee waiver. For assistance, students should reach out to DickinsonGradEd@psu.edu for more details.

What are the application deadlines?

Dickinson Law admits students exclusively for the fall semester (August). International students who require a visa for study in the U.S. should apply no later than six months ahead of the anticipated semester start date. Applications are reviewed and admission decisions made on a rolling basis, so early submission is highly recommended. Application review will commence in November. From November, applicants can generally expect notification within one week completing their application.”

What is important to address in the personal statement?

Applicants must submit a brief personal statement (1-2 pages) that provides a clear and well-organized rationale for pursuing an LL.M. degree and specifically why the applicant has chosen to do so at Penn State Dickinson Law. This rationale should succinctly explain the applicant’s career plans and the relevance of an LL.M. degree in realization of those plans. Consider the personal statement akin to an interview with the law school. Make a strong first impression.

Are letters of recommendation required?

Yes. Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation in English (or certified translations into English), including one from a law professor with whom the applicant previously studied. Recommenders should have knowledge of the applicant’s academic achievement and potential for a career in law. Each recommender should evaluate the applicant’s capacity for advanced study and potential for fulfilling the professional objectives for which the applicant seeks the degree. To the extent possible, letters should be specific to Penn State Dickinson Law.

Is it necessary to confirm attendance?

Yes. Admitted students who are sponsored (e.g., SACM, Fulbright, etc.) and students nominated by partner institutions of Penn State Dickinson Law must confirm enrollment by submitting an Enrollment Confirmation Form. For all other students, a one-time, non-refundable confirmation deposit of $250 is required to confirm attendance, which will be credited toward the cost of tuition upon matriculation. Please proceed to pay the seat deposit here.

Is it possible to defer admission?

Yes. For any number of reasons, LL.M. students may need to defer admission. In such cases, a student may submit a formal request, explaining the reasons for the deferral, to defer admission to the next admission cycle. Only those students who have submitted a one-time, non-refundable seat deposit will be approved. The seat deposit will be forfeited if a deferral request is not approved. (S.J.D. applications may not be deferred.)

How does the international student visa process work?

Once enrolled, international students will receive notice from iStart, Penn State’s immigration management system for international student and scholar advising. Each student will receive an email message from Pre-Arrival Admissions that will explain what is needed regarding immigration compliance. Once the student has submitted the necessary documentation into iStart, an I-20 (assuming an F-visa type) will be sent within 2-4 weeks. The I-20 is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” that allows a student to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Students on other visa types, including J-1 visas, will require different paperwork but the visa process itself is generally the same.

International students are supported by the Office of International Students and Scholars at Penn State Global for all immigration matters.

Are international students required to have health insurance?

Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Each international student will be automatically enrolled in the Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). To waive out of this requirement, one must submit a waiver request at the start of the semester documenting proof of insurance coverage that meets Penn State’s insurance requirements. SHIP does not cover visual or dental insurance. Direct questions to the Student Health Insurance Office at UHS-insurance@psu.edu.

What are the requirements for immunizations?

Penn State policy requires full time, degree-seeking students to provide documentation of immunization against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR). Students living in University-owned housing are required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to either be immunized against meningococcal disease or to complete a waiver of exemption. Students may complete the immunization documentation on the University Health Services Immunization Requirements web page.

When can I apply for a student visa?

Upon receiving an I-20, students may apply for a student visa within 12 months of their intended arrival. Entry to the U.S. is permissible only within 30 days before the program start date specified on the I-20 or DS-2019 form.

Can I bring my spouse and/or children with me?

Yes. Only spouses and children (under 21) may come as dependents of the F-1 or J-1 visa holder. Health insurance is mandatory for accompanying dependents. For more information, please see: https://global.psu.edu/category/dependents-spouse-children.

How do students get around?

In Carlisle, the school is only a 10-minute walk away from downtown, and most law students live within a walking distance of the school. However, there is no major public transportation available in Carlisle. As such, some students have purchased cars and others have used bikes and rideshare options like Uber and Lyft. The Amtrak train connects Harrisburg to cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. One can get to Harrisburg from Carlisle via taxi or rideshare options like Uber and Lyft.

In State College, CataBus is the exclusive local bus service. For information about bus routes, schedules, or bus passes, see CataBus. LL.M. students may be eligible to apply for a RIDEpass. See the Eligibility Requirements and Registration Instructions. On site Shuttle Service provides free and convenient transportation across University Park for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

Are there student clubs and organizations?

Yes. At Dickinson Law, there are also many student organizations that allow students to become involved. Student organizations make it easier to meet classmates and learn about areas of the law or other interests. There is no limitation on how many student organizations a student can join.

The Student Bar Association (SBA) is Dickinson Law's student government organization. Composed of all law students, the SBA is led by an executive board elected by the student body. The SBA oversees and allocates funding for student organizations and events, and it is the formal liaison between students, faculty, and administration.

Is on-site housing provided?

Yes, though limited. Students are responsible for securing their own housing. To assist with housing, the University maintains extensive housing information on its website. LL.M. students at the University Park location may want to consider graduate housing options at White Course Apartments, an on-site community of the University offering apartments for single students and students with families. Those interested in off-site housing should see University’s Off Site Housing.

The Carlisle location does not provide on-site housing. There is reasonably priced housing within walking distance of the school. View database of available housing and apartments. Please also see the Housing Guide, Fall 2024.

What career support does Dickinson Law provide?

Students seeking career support and guidance should visit the Career Services Office. The Career Services team assists with career planning and preparations through a series of events held throughout the academic year. Schedule a meeting by visiting the Career Services website.

Additionally, Penn State Dickinson Law participates in the annual International Student Interview Program (ISIP) which facilitates the hiring of highly qualified foreign-trained lawyers enrolled in U.S. LL.M. programs. Registration details will be announced during the fall semester for the January event held online or in New York.

Can LL.M. students pursue Optional Practical Training?

Yes. LL.M. students who have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which is temporary employment for purposes of gaining practical experience. Please see Penn State Global for more information.

While LL.M. students are generally eligible for Optional Practice Training, an offer of admission to Penn State Dickinson Law does not guarantee or imply promise of permanent employment in the U.S.

Is it possible to do the bar exam after the LL.M.?

Yes. Earning an LL.M. degree in the United States does not guarantee eligibility to sit for a bar examination. Each U.S. state sets its own eligibility requirements that should be considered. While the Dickinson Law curriculum provides all coursework necessary to qualify for the New York bar examination, students must plan accordingly to ensure that appropriate coursework is completed. For more information, see The New York State Board of Law Examiners.

Can LL.M. students seek employment?

Yes. Employment for F-1 and J-1 students is limited and working without permission is a violation of status and a deportable offense. On-site employment is permitted with certain restrictions. With permission, international students can work on-site up to 20 hours during the semester and up to 40 hours during the winter and spring breaks. As the LL.M. program requires a full-time commitment, students are recommended to work less than 10 hours each week.

Are research or teaching assistantships available?

Assistantships are very unlikely. On occasion, Penn State Dickinson Law faculty members may request hourly-paid research support. Research assistants have previously published in scholarly journals. Though limited, such opportunities are usually announced in Practice Greatness.

Can LL.M. students complete an off-site internship?

International LL.M. students are generally ineligible to conduct off-site internships, whether paid or unpaid. Curricular Practical Training (CPT), employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, is potentially available to F-1 students who have been enrolled full-time for one academic year. Given the duration and structure of the LL.M. degree program, CPT is generally not available to LL.M. students. Please see Penn State Global for more information.

What is the cost of attendance?

For a breakdown of costs, including tuition, fees, books, and living allowances, visit Cost of Attendance. To reduce living expenses, most students establish a personal budget, opt to live with a roommate, shop at discount food stores, walk or bike to school, bring their meals, and more. Penn State offers student discounts on software, computers, clothes, and much more.

Does Penn State Dickinson Law offer scholarships to LL.M. students?

Yes. Penn State Dickinson Law is committed to providing every student access to a world-class education. All LL.M. applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission.

How is tuition paid?

Tuition billing begins in August for fall semester and January for spring semester. Click here for more information on tuition due dates. An e-mail notification will be sent to via official Penn State e-mail when the Statement is available to view and/or pay on LionPATH. Click here for more information on paying tuition and payment options. Scholarships awarded through Penn State Dickinson Law will be reflected on one’s student account. For more information on financial aid, please see here.