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LL.M. Admissions Requirements (for procedures, see Admissions website)
Degree Required: All applicants for the LL.M. program must have an LL.B. or equivalent degree with high academic standing from a recognized university outside of the United States. (AR 102)
English Language Proficiency: All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language satisfactory to the Admissions Committee. If the applicants’ primary language is not English, applicants whose primary language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). English proficiency will be evaluated based on the TOEFL score, application materials, and a short interview, if necessary. A TOEFL score of 100 or higher (Internet-based format) is a presumption of English proficiency.
Transcript Review: In addition to an official transcript, all applicants must supply a WES (World Education Service) or similar evaluation service evaluation of their academic records for all undergraduate, graduate and professional work. This evaluation must include academic records for all undergraduate, graduate, and professional work. The academic records should include classes taken, grades, dates of enrollment, explanation of the grading system and date and degree awarded. If these records are in a language other than English, the records must be accompanied by a certified English translation. (AR 102)
Visas: All students must satisfy the U.S. government requirements for admission to the U.S. and for permission to remain in the U.S. for the necessary duration of study for the LL.M. degree. Obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the student. See International and Off-Campus Programs for more information, http://www.hamline.edu/general-admission/international.html.
LL.M. Credit Limitations and Status
AR 104 provides the following status and credit limitations for LL.M. students:
- Fall and Spring: Full-time LL.M. students: 8-15 credits
- Summer Term: Full-time LL.M. students: 1-8 credits
- January Term (J-term): Full-time LL.M. students: 1-3 credits
Required Grade Point Average
An LL.M. student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in any term in which he is enrolled in courses for the LL.M. program to be in good standing in the LL.M. program. (AR 106)
An LL.M. student dismissed because of academic deficiency in the LL.M. program (i.e., failure to maintain a 2.0 GPA) will not be eligible for readmission to the LL.M. program. (AR 102)
Advanced Standing and Credit Transfers for LL.M. Students
Hamline Law Exchange Students Advanced Standing: A student in an approved Hamline Law exchange program (currently Norway or Sweden) who has successfully completed at least four (4) credits of courses and one full semester at Hamline Law and has subsequently matriculated in the LL.M. program may have four of the twenty-four credits required for the LL.M. degree waived.
Hamline Law Exchange Course Repetition Not Required: An international exchange student who subsequently matriculates in the LL.M. program is not required to retake American Legal System.
LL.M. Students Taking HSB Courses : Hamline LL.M. students may request transfer of HSB courses to the LL.M. degree through the general credit exchange program using the Graduate Course Registration form. The courses approved for transfer from the HSB programs must be from the lists in 7.6.1, 7.6.2, or 7.6.3 or 7.6.4 or be pre-approved in writing by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The student must complete the approved HSB course(s) with a grade of a “B” or better for the course to apply to the LL.M.
Other Provisions Governing Students in Hamline Graduate and Hamline Law LL.M. Programs: To transfer graduate school classes to a law school program, LL.M. and exchange students must request that the graduate school send a transcript directly to the Law School Registrar’s Office. Once the transcript is received, the transfer credits will be posted to the student’s law school transcript.
No Transfer of Other Graduate School Credits to the LL.M. Degree: Under no circumstance will Hamline Law accept a transfer of credits toward its LL.M. degree from any graduate course or program that is not offered by Hamline University.
LL.M. Examinations and Grading
Presumptive Evaluation Methodology: LL.M. students are presumptively graded on the same basis as J.D. students in the same class using the same methods and grading scale. If LL.M. students do not intend to seek a J.D. degree and prefer to give their instructors the discretion to grade them on a different basis, they must indicate that option through the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and work out an appropriate grading methodology with the instructor with the approval of the Associate Dean.
Examination Variances: LL.M. students may be allowed an examination variance for English as a second language as determined by the Assistant Dean for Students and Diversity. LL.M. students must follow the same procedures as J.D. students to receive an examination variance. (See Section 11.4.7.)
Admission of LL.M. Students into the J.D. Program and Transfer of Credits
Admissions Process: LL.M. students transferring to the J.D. program must be accepted into the J.D. program through the normal admissions process administered by the Hamline Law Admissions Committee.
Transfer of LL.M. Credits to the J.D. Degree: In accordance with ABA rules, Hamline LL.M. students admitted to the J.D. program may receive advanced standing only for those courses in which the student was graded using the same testing methods and academic criteria as the J.D. students in the same course and received a grade of C (2.0) or better. No credits earned in a non-Hamline LL.M. program or any other non-Hamline graduate program can be transferred to the J.D. program if they are earned before the student has matriculated as a J.D. student. Any credits earned in a non-Hamline J.D. program are transferable as discussed in Transfer Credits. Hamline cannot award credit toward the J.D. for LL.M. courses outside the 84 month limit to complete the J.D.
No Transfer of Non-J.D. Courses: LL.M. students will not be permitted to transfer credits toward the J.D. degree for LL.M. classes that are not part of the J.D. curriculum (such as the American Legal System course).
LL.M. Credits in J.D. GPA: Credits earned at Hamline Law are articulated into the student record. These credits and grades are computed into the J.D. degree cumulative GPA.
Timing of LL.M. Credit Transfer: A Hamline J.D. student seeking to transfer LL.M. credits to the J.D. degree must apply for advanced standing transfer credit at the end of the first year in the J.D. program.
Required J.D. GPA for Transfer Credits: A student may apply for transfer credit for courses taken in the J.D. program as an LL.M. student only if the student has achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in first-year courses taken as a J.D. student.
LL.M. Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
Payment of LL.M. Tuition and Fees: Payment for tuition and fees or a payment plan must be arranged before a student is allowed to register and start classes.
LL.M. Student Financial Aid: Very limited financial aid in the form of LL.M. tuition scholarships may be available, but no other loans or scholarships are available from Hamline University. Contact the Hamline University Financial Aid Office for information about other financial resources.
Hamline LLM/University of Bergen Master’s in Law Students Dual Degree Program
The University of Bergen, Faculty of Law and Hamline University, School of Law have established a Dual Law Degree Program as outlined below.
Dual Degree students will study at the University of Bergen for a total of four years in its “Integrated Master’s Program in Law” and one year at Hamline University School of Law. Dual Degree students must complete at least the first three years of study in the University of Bergen’s law master’s program which constitutes the equivalent of a bachelor degree in law prior to attending Hamline University School of Law.
Hamline University School of Law will normally admit up to five (5) University of Bergen students to the Dual Degree program each year. If there is demand for a larger number, this may be discussed and must be mutually agreed in advance on an ad hoc basis.
Degrees Conferred
If a student successfully fulfills the requirements of both universities, the student will earn two degrees, one Master’s in Law from the University of Bergen and one Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Hamline Law. The University of Bergen will confer its Master’s in Law degree when the student has met its degree requirements. Hamline will confer the LLM degree when the student has met its degree requirements, including the requirement that the student complete the University of Bergen Master’s in Law degree requirements.
Student Selection for Dual Degree Program
A. Student Selection and Notification
The University of Bergen and Hamline University School of Law will collaboratively select the students for the Dual Degree Program as follows: University of Bergen will recommend well-qualified students for LLM studies at Hamline University School of Law. Hamline University School of Law will reserve the right to make a final decision on admission, considering its admissions policies.
B. Hamline University School of Law Application Requirements
As part of the admissions process, University of Bergen students must submit the Hamline Law LLM application form, a personal statement, a resume, transcripts (in English), financial documentation and a copy of the identification page of the applicant’s passport pursuant to Hamline Law’s LLM application requirements. Hamline University School of Law will waive the letters of recommendation and application fee requirements.
University of Bergen students must also submit proof of sufficient language skills as part of the application. This can be accomplished by scoring at least 600 (paper based) or at least 250 (computer) or 100 (ibt) on the TOEFL exam, or by providing other proof of sufficient language skills, such as a grade 4 or better in the mandatory English language course from an upper secondary school in Norway. Lower language scores may be accepted only with the approval of the Hamline University School of Law Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in accordance with Hamline University School of Law policies.
Program of Study at Hamline University School of Law
Dual Degree students shall undertake an academic program as full time, degree status students. Students are eligible to take all subjects/courses in the Hamline University School of Law curriculum (subject to availability), and shall take all courses required for the LLM degree at Hamline University School of Law unless exempted by the Hamline University School of Law Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Students must maintain full-time status with a minimum of 12 credits of coursework each semester at Hamline University School of Law.
Tuition and Fees
Dual Degree students enrolling at Hamline University School of Law will be responsible for tuition and fees for the LLM program.
Degree Requirements
1. Dual Degree students may be granted credit by the University of Bergen for their Hamline University School of Law study towards their Master’s in Law from Bergen, pursuant to University of Bergen policies.
2. Dual Degree students will be required to successfully complete all degree requirements at Hamline Law to earn the LLM from Hamline Law. While no thesis or oral defense is required in the Hamline Law LLM program, Dual Degree students will be expected to prepare a significant scholarly paper (LAW 9720: Independent study) at Hamline to fulfill the University of Bergen’s degree requirements.
Student Responsibilities
In addition to any tuition and fees as outlined above, participating LLM students will also be responsible for the following:
- Submitting a completed application documents, no later than May 15 for fall admission and October 15 for spring admission;
- Applying for and obtaining the appropriate visa, including any visa or passport fees (Hamline University will provide necessary documents);
- Attending any orientation program offered by Hamline Law;
- Abiding by all laws and regulations of Hamline University School of Law and the United States of America;
- Accommodation, meal, and travel expenses;
- Health insurance coverage which meets Hamline University’s insurance standards;
- Medical insurance and/or medical expenses not covered by the insurance;
- Textbooks, clothing, and personal expenses;
- As applicable, transcript ordering and cost;
- Non-compulsory incidental fees (e.g., student government fees); and
- All other debts incurred by the student during the course of study.
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