Columbia Law School offers both a full academic year LL.M. and an Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law. The table below provides key information on both programs to help you decide which is right for you.
Program Calendar
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Executive LL.M. students take two online courses in March and April, followed by a 12-week Summer Residency (May through August) on campus at Columbia Law School in New York City. Students complete their study with one additional online course in September.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- Full Academic Year LL.M. students are in residence on campus at Columbia Law School in New York City beginning in August through May of the following calendar year.
Weekly Schedule
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Online courses: Blend of live lectures and self-directed work. Summer Residency: 4 three-week modules. In each module, students will attend classes Monday through Friday for the first two weeks, with the third week reserved for study and assessment.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- Monday through Friday
Professional Qualifications/ Admissions Criteria
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Designed for mid-career lawyers with at least five years of professional experience. Candidates are expected to have a clear idea of their career trajectory and the role a deeper knowledge of U.S. business law may plan in their career advancement.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- Seeks students with at least one year of professional experience after earning their first law degree. Often, though, the program attracts those with significantly more experience.
Total Credits
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- 24 credits
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- 24 credits
Academic Focus
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Specialized program of study in Global Business Law, which is reflected in the courses available, the programming offered, and in the training provided. Experiential and other exploratory options will not be available.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- Students are encouraged to explore and take a range of courses, including experiential offerings and public law courses. Students may, but are not required to, focus in a particular area of law.
Required Courses
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Introduction to American Law (3 credits), American Contract Law (3 credits), Corporations (3 credits), Colloquium (4 credits), and Professional Responsibility (2 credits). There may be other requirements necessary to sit for a U.S. Bar Exam. Please contact the Executive LL.M. Office for more information.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- Introduction to American Law (2 credits) and Legal Research and Writing (2 credits). There may be other requirements necessary to sit for the NY Bar Exam. For details, see the LLM Degree Requirements and Rules.
Electives
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- 3 courses only (9 credits) A limited number of electives such as Corporate Finance, Negotiations, Advanced Corporate Law: Mergers & Acquisitions, etc. will be available. The curriculum and structure do not allow for courses to be taken outside of the Law School.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- 20 credits Students are able to choose from hundreds of courses - from Administrative Law to Human Rights to Bankruptcy Law. Students may also take classes in Schools across the University.
TOEFL Score Requirement
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Same as Full Academic Year LL.M.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- TOEFL iBT: 105 overall score, with 26 on Reading and Listening and 24 on the Speaking and Writing sections. Paper-based TOEFL: 620 overall score, with 59/60 on the Structure/Writing and Reading sections, 60/61 on the Listening section, and 5.0 on the TWE.
Entering Class Size
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Approximately 30-45 students
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- Approximately 300 students
Student Life
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Executive LL.M. students only take classes within intimate cohort. Executive LL.M. students do not take classes with J.D. or Full Year Academic LL.M. students. Executive LL.M. students are invited to participate in social events, receptions, and career workshops tailored specifically for the Executive LL.M. cohort during the Summer Residency period.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- LL.M. students take classes with J.D. students. They are able to participate in journals and student organizations, and can take part in clinics and other experiential learning opportunities. They also have the opportunity to take advantage of programs, speakers and other events throughout the academic year.
Living Costs*
* Individual budgets may vary based on your own personal preferences and spending habits.Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- $10,200
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- $23,119
Tuition*
* Tuition only, additional mandatory fees applyExecutive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- $72,560
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- $67,532
Housing and Meals
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Course materials are included in tuition and fees. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the Summer Residency class weeks and the cost is included in your tuition and fees. Housing is not included in the tuition and fees.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- Housing, meals and most course materials are not included in the tuition and fees.
Career Services
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Dedicated Executive LL.M. career counselor; access to Columbia Law School job database; several career-focused events throughout the Summer Residency.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- Ongoing access to career counselors and programs sponsored by the Office of Career Services and the SJI Career Office; participation in LL.M. Interview Program; access to Columbia Law School job database.
Bar Exam Eligibility
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- The Executive LL.M. does not by itself qualify graduates to sit for the NY State Bar Exam, but students may be eligible to take other state bar exams. More information can be found here.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- Successful graduates of the LL.M. program may be eligible to take certain state bar exams, including the NY State Bar Exam. More information regarding U.S. Bar Exams can be found here.
Course Locations
Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law
- Online: Home country or anywhere with a reliable internet connection. Summer Residency: On campus at Columbia Law School in New York.
Full Academic Year LL.M.
- On campus at Columbia Law School in New York