The Ohio State University - Moritz College of Law

The LLM program at Ohio State Moritz College of Law is designed for foreign law graduates and lawyers to advance legal education and career prospects at one of the best public law schools in the U.S. The Moritz College of Law is ranked #1 law school in the state of Ohio, the #30 law school in the country, and an integral part of U.S. top-20 public university, , The Ohio State University.

Our LLM program takes pride in providing a career-oriented curriculum to international students. With combined offerings of doctrinal courses in major legal practice areas (such as corporate law and litigation, corporate compliance, dispute resolution, and intellectual property)  and experiential learning courses (such as the Mediation Clinic, the Legislation Clinic, and the Public Interest Externship program, moot court competitions,) the program equips LLM candidates with essential lawyering skills and real-life work experience that meet the demand of the global legal market. LLM students also have the opportunity to sharpen their legal analysis, research, and writing skills through a broad array of seminar courses or working for the Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution or Journal of Criminal Law as an editor or author.

A flexible degree, the LLM program allows students to design their curriculum that best suits their career goals. A student may select from over 100 courses in all major areas of U.S., transnational and international law, and pursue a general curriculum or a specialized curriculum in six academic concentrations. Our most popular concentrations are Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Corporate Law, and Intellectual Property Law. Drawing upon the #1 ADR program in the U.S., our LLM program has trained high-achieving ADR practitioners and scholars in the U.S. and overseas. We also take pride in our highly ranked “specialty” programs in the country: Alternative Dispute Resolution – #1; Criminal Law – #12; Contracts/Commercial Law – #27; Constitutional Law – #21. LLM students may also choose to combine specialized subject areas with bar exam subjects to qualify to sit for bar exams in New York, Washington DC, Ohio, California, and a few other jurisdictions in the US.

Upon completion of the LLM program, LLM students may apply to transfer to the JD program and have up to 30 credits counted towards the JD degree, without having to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

LLM students typically complete 24 credits during two semesters to earn the LLM degree. LLM candidates who want to do more than one concentration or/and take more bar exam courses may enroll in a third semester to complete up to 30 credits.

Other benefits of studying at Ohio State Moritz College of Law:

• Renowned faculty specializing in cross-cutting areas of law, who are influential academics and practitioners in the US and globally. Watch this video to learn more about our faculty.
• The LLM program offers students an intimate educational experience where meaningful interaction between faculty and students is the norm. Each LLM student is matched with a Faculty Advisor who serves as both an academic and professional mentor. The Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Affairs provides one-on-one academic and bar exam advising and ensures the academic needs of our LLM students are met.  Students are offered resources and career counseling that helps them navigate the job search process post-graduation. 
• Unique networking, mentoring, and career and professional development opportunities. The “Mentoring &  More at Moritz” program and the LLM Mentoring Program provide group and individual mentoring to LLM students. LLM students will be matched with practitioners in Columbus and other cities in the US. The mentors will provide career advising, connect the mentee with potential employers, and serve as a resource for LLM students in building professional networks and relationships.
• An inspiring intellectual environment enriched by LLM alumni and students representing over 60 countries, and a vibrant campus life with 7,000 international students at OSU.

We invite you to explore the LLM experience at Moritz and watch the exciting campus life at The Ohio State University.

The Ohio State University is the third largest and top-20 public university in the U.S. The Ohio State University boasts a network of 64,000 students and over 500,000 living alumni. Around the world, we are known as Buckeyes.  

The Ohio State University has three Gateways: the China Gateway (Shanghai), the Brazil Gateway (Sao Paulo), and India Gateway (Mumbai) to connect alumni, current students and prospective students together.  

Welcome to Ohio State! 

The Moritz College of law is a diverse and dynamic community of students and scholars where you can expect to take classes from faculty known nationally for their scholarship and teaching. The faculty is equally dedicated to preparing students for the legal profession and to exploring the cutting edge of their disciplines. Many of the books used by law schools across America were written by Moritz professors. They publish dozens of scholarly papers each year, which influence judges, attorneys, and other scholars. 

In addition to the moot court and clinical programs, many Moritz courses offer opportunities for experiential learning, incorporating client projects, simulations, and role-play. 

Judges, practitioners, politicians, and other experts in the law frequently visit Moritz to share their thoughts. Viewing the law from a different perspective and watching public debate helps students obtain a clearer understanding of their coursework. Almost every day during the school year, there are extracurricular activities during the lunch hour and in the evening. 

The Moritz College of Law is home to one of the nation's finest Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs and offers many opportunities for students to learn and practice ADR techniques while in law school, culminating in the Certificate in Dispute Resolution.

Over 50 student groups give students the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and develop relationships. They are organized around law practice areas, public service, affinity, and ethnicity--offering a place for everyone to get involved.

The Moritz College of Law proudly brings together students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds to learn, teach, challenge, collaborate, and work together. As a result, members of our community are uniquely ready and able to address a wide spectrum of issues facing our diverse world.

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The faculty at Ohio State Moritz College of Law empowers students to be forward-thinking scholars and practitioners. The faculty immerse students in the most pressing challenges of law and policy and inspire them to provide innovative legal solutions to global legal issues. The faculty is composed of 54 full-time professors who held leading roles at federal and state government, corporations, and global law firms before joining Moritz College of Law. The faculty body also includes award-winning authors who bring innovative research and practical experience to the classroom.

The faculty take great pride in maintaining meaningful interaction and long-lasting relationship with every student. The faculty are available during weekly office hours or by appointment to discuss course materials, provide advice on academic and career pathways in a particular practice area, and help students with networking for career and professional development. Each LLM student is also matched with a Faculty Advisor who serves as both academic and professional mentors. The faculty strive to ensure an enriching intellectual environment for LLM students where they can develop to become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and dynamic legal scholars.

Admission Requirements

The LLM program is designed for students who have:

• obtained an LLB (or its equivalent) from a foreign country;
• completed, in a foreign country, the university-based legal education required to take the equivalent of the bar examination in that foreign country;
• qualified to practice law in a foreign country; or
• the equivalent thereof as determined by the LLM Admissions Committee.

Application Deadlines and Process

For international applicants:

• June 1 for Fall admission
• October 15 for Spring admission

For U.S. citizens/U.S. permanent resident applicants:

• July 15 for Fall admission
• December 15 for Spring admission

We encourage you to start your application for the Moritz LLM program early, especially to meet the deadline or priority dates for scholarship application.

All applicants must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). To apply, please set up your LSAC account and complete the LL.M. application via LSAC’s online application portal. For detailed instructions on how to apply, please review carefully our How To Apply webpage and LSAC’s Step-by-Step Guide to apply for an LLM program.

Application Checklist:

Applicants must submit the following items:

• Application form
• Nonrefundable law school application fee ($50 for international students and $40 for U.S. citizens or permanent residents) or a fee waiver code (obtained directly from Moritz College of Law by contacting moritzllm@osu.edu). 
• Official copies of academic records (and English translations) in sealed envelopes from all previously attended academic institutions
• English scores sent from the testing agency
• Resume 
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Scholarship essay(s) if applicable

Tuition and Expenses, 2022-2023 Academic Year 

Non-Ohio Residents 

• Tuition and fees for non-Ohio residents: $ 48,572 
• Student health insurance: $3,530 
• Meals and housing: $12,168 
• Books and printing/copying: $2,400 
• Miscellaneous expenses: $5,416 

Total Estimated Expenses for non-Ohio residents: $72,086 

Ohio Residents 

• Tuition and fees for Ohio residents: $33,320 
• Student health insurance: $3,530 
• Meals and housing: $12,168 
• Books and printing/copying: $2,400 
• Mscellaneous expenses: $5,416 

Total Estimated Expenses for Ohio residents: $56,834 

If you reside in Ohio and believe that you may qualify to pay Ohio resident tuition, please review the process to apply for “Ohio Residency for Tuition”. Learn how to apply for Ohio Residency here.  

The Moritz LLM program offers multiple scholarships to enable students from all over the world to join legal studies at a world-class institution:

• Legal Leadership Scholarship (100% tuition)
• Moritz LLM Scholarship (50% tuition)
• Regional Scholarships (up to 40% tuition)

Please see Scholarships page for information on scholarship application requirements and deadlines..

OSU and Moritz College of Law are in located in Columbus, the capital city of the state of Ohio. It is the largest city in Ohio and the 14 largest city in the U.S. with a metropolitan population of 2+ million people. The city boasts a fast-growing economy, diversity, and a vibrant intellectual, academic, cultural and sport life, positioning Moritz perfectly to give international students a vibrant law school experience that extends beyond the classroom.   

Compared to other American cities, Columbus is very affordable and boasts rental homes and apartment complexes in a variety of costs and amenities. The city has an extensive bus system that is free for Ohio State students. In addition, Columbus is within a one-day drive or a one-hour flight from 60 percent of the U.S. population.  

While Columbus affords all the advantages of a major metropolitan city, it still maintains the famous charm and friendliness of the Midwest. As a result, it is a great place to study--and to call home. 

International students can apply to live on-campus in Residence Halls, where you will expect to meet lifelong friends and find yourself calling your residence hall “home”. View on-campus housing options here. International students can also choose to live in off-campus housing, as there are many affordable private housing options near campus. View LLM-Exchange Students Housing Guide here. 

When you join our LLM program, you become a Buckeye family and benefit all the good things that OSU has to offer to its students and alumni, domestic and international alike. At OSU, international students have access to the following: 

• Residence Halls: International students can apply to live on-campus, where you’ll expect to meet lifelong friends and find yourself calling your residence hall “home”.  
• A large student center, the Ohio State Union, where all student meetings and activities take place, including space for prayer and meditation. 
• Buckeyes sports: Sports are a big part of campus life, with Ohio State Buckeyes participating in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) in all sports and the Big 10 Conference in most sports. 
• Work-life balance: Enhance your well-being through activities at OSU's award-winning Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC). Enjoy its large indoor and outdoor facilities: pools, sauna rooms, running tracks, sports equipment, spacious parks and outdoor space.  

OTHER PROGRAMS

The Master in the Study of Law degree (MSL) program from the OSU Moritz College of Law is designed for non-lawyer professionals whose careers interface with the law on a regular basis but where becoming a practicing attorney is not necessary. The MSL degree allows students to gain working knowledge of U.S. legal practices, laws, and regulations, understand the law’s implications for their profession, and build necessary skills to address contemporary legal issues. The MSL degree program typically attracts students currently working in a wide range of sectors, including: business, HR, healthcare, journalism and media, IT, tax and financial services, and other heavily regulated industries. These candidates mostly are looking to the MSL degrees as the next logical step to elevate their careers within their industry or organization, or in some cases to advance to another organization or industry that requires similar skill sets. The MSL curriculum is thoughtful and practical, and taught by top faculty at the nationally ranked Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University.  

The MSL degree includes the following optional concentrations:  

• Compliance 
• Dispute Resolution 
• Intellectual Property and Technology Law 
• Legal Environment of Business 
• Health Law 

Application Deadlines:  

• Domestic applicants (US citizens; green card holders; H1B visas or other non-F1/J1 visas):  
  • Fall semester: July 29 
  • Spring Semester: December 15  
• International Applicants:  
  • Fall semester: June 1  
  • Spring semester: October 15 

Visit our website for information about admissions requirements and process, program costs, academic requirements and curriculum, and program modalities and duration. Please contact us at moritzmsl@osu.edu for more information.  

The In-Person Summer Program: “The Foundations of U.S. Law & Practice” is a non-credit, non-degree program designed to provide participants with a broad exposure to major concepts in U.S. law and American legal training. The program is an in-person, three-week intensive program. Participants are enriched academically and culturally through approximately 70 hours of instruction by Moritz faculty member, focused on: 1) A survey of the U.S. legal system; 2) US and international law on dispute resolution; 3) An overview of U.S. corporate and business law; and 4) Legal English and practical, hands-on lawyering skills development. Registrants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program; and there is no final exam nor grade. 

In 2023, the program will take place from June 5-23, 2023. Participants can attend the program for one week, two weeks, or all three weeks. Visit our website at https://moritzlaw.osu.edu/apply-now/foundations-us-law-practice or email us at moritzfoundations@osu.edu for details about the schedule, the faculty, the application process, costs, and other information.  

The online program on Foundation of U.S. Law and Practice is a non-credit, non-degree program designed for law students as well as practitioners from around the globe who are interested in deepening expertise in four areas of law: corporate law, intellectual property law, international business law, and dispute resolution. The Foundation Program consists of 4 asynchronous modules that allow course takers to conveniently study and gain the needed expertise at any place and at any time of their choice. Each module is also offered in a self-paced mode that allows participants to progress through the module at whatever pace meets their own needs and is most comfortable for them. Throughout the module, course participants will interact with readings, videos, and quizzes, and more. 

Participants can choose to take all four modules for a price of $500 total, or individual modules $150 each.