Earning your LLM online is a smart path to jumpstarting or advancing a legal career, with more flexibility and, in many cases, lower cost than traditional programs.
Author: Shannon Daigle
Expertise: Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate Ed.Editor: Jordan Cosselman
- School Spotlightss
A Closer Look into Three Master of Laws Online Programs
Read more - Curriculum
What You’ll Learn in an Online Master of Laws Program
Read more - Admissions
Common Admission Requirements for Master of Laws Programs
Read more - Financial Aid
Tuition and Financial Aid for Master of Laws Programs
Read more - Careers
Popular Master of Laws Careers
Read more - FAQs
Online Master of Laws Program FAQs
Read more - Top Schools
Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice (LLM) Programs
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Legal occupations averaged $99,990 in salary in 2024 and are projected to grow faster than average through 2032. An online LLM makes that career accessible without uprooting your life.
An online LLM is a strong option if you’re a JD holder looking to specialize in a new area of law, or if you earned a law degree abroad and want to qualify for the bar exam in the U.S. This guide covers top programs, what you’ll study, how much it costs, and where the degree can take you.
3 Online LLM Programs Worth a Closer Look
The right program depends on your background, goals, and whether you’re a U.S.-based or international student. Here are three strong options to start your research.
George Mason University
- Degree: LLM in U.S. Law
- Credits: 26
- Format: Fully asynchronous | Self-paced assignments, 8-week courses
- Duration: 1 to 3 years, depending on pace
- Best for: Foreign-trained lawyers seeking a thorough grounding in U.S. law
- Bar exam eligibility: California, Washington State, and Washington, D.C.
The program includes three required foundational courses, with the remaining credits filled by electives so students can tailor the degree to their interests and career goals. The fully asynchronous format makes it easy to complete coursework from anywhere in the world.
The University of Arizona
- Degree: LLM (General)
- Credits: 24
- Format: Part-time, online
- Duration: 2 years
- Best for: Professionals with an existing law degree who want to build expertise in a specific area
- Bar exam eligibility: State of student’s choice upon graduation
Students create their own concentration from available courses, including classes in the American Public Law System and the Common Law System. Admission requires a JD from an ABA-approved school or a first law degree from an approved foreign institution.
Liberty University
- Degree: Master of Laws in International Legal Studies
- Credits: 24
- Format: Fully online, accelerated 8-week courses
- Duration: As little as 1 year
- Transfer credits: Up to 6 hours accepted from another LLM program
- Best for: Practicing lawyers who regularly work across domestic and international legal concerns
Course topics include business law, trade policy, and international human rights. Graduates are prepared for legal advisement roles with businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits.
What You’ll Study in an Online LLM Program
Online LLM programs focus on specialized legal knowledge. These five courses appear across many programs and give a good picture of what to expect:
U.S. Law & Legal System
An introduction to the structure and reasoning of the U.S. legal system. Covers state and federal judicial systems, the American government, sources of U.S. law, and the roles legal professionals play.
By the end of this course, students have a working command of U.S. legal systems and terminology, which is essential groundwork for the rest of the program.
Constitutional Law
A broad introduction to federal constitutional law and theory, covering:
- Judicial review
- Federalism and separation of powers
- Due process and individual rights
- Constitutional amendments and their legal implications
This course is foundational for any legal professional aiming to practice within the U.S. system.
Torts
Torts are civil wrongs that cause harm to a person or their property. This course covers how the law handles compensation for those harms, whether caused intentionally or by negligence.
Students learn the four essential elements of civil wrongs, how to prove them, and how to pursue damage claims on behalf of a client.
Civil Procedure
A grounding in how civil litigation works in the U.S. — relevant not just for courtroom practice, but increasingly for international business, finance, and cybersecurity roles.
Topics include pleading, discovery, trial procedures, arbitration, and appeals.
Criminal Law
This course examines the fundamentals of U.S. criminal law: what constitutes criminal conduct, criteria for imposing criminal liability, principles of punishment, and standards of proof.
Students leave with a stronger grasp of criminal law itself and its broader role in the U.S. legal system.
Admission Requirements for Online LLM Programs
1. Previous Law Degree
Almost all LLM programs require a prior professional law degree, a JD or Bachelor of Laws (LLB), from a U.S. or foreign institution. Some programs also require proof of significant legal work experience.
2. Proof of English Proficiency
International applicants whose native language is not English typically must submit official TOEFL scores or an approved equivalent. This requirement reflects the heavy reading and writing demands of graduate legal study.
3. Admissions Interview
Some programs request an interview after reviewing your application. For online programs and international students, these are conducted remotely with no campus travel required.
4. Letters of Recommendation
Most programs require at least two letters of recommendation. Ideally:
- One from a former law professor
- One from a recent supervisor, preferably in the legal field
5. Academic Records
All programs require official transcripts from your previous institutions. If you attended school outside the U.S., request transcripts early because international records can take considerably longer to arrive.
Tuition and Financial Aid for Online LLM Programs
Know your costs and options before you apply. Financial aid for LLM programs works a bit differently than for other graduate degrees, especially for international students.
For context: the average total cost of law school is $220,335. Of that, roughly $73,851 goes toward living expenses — costs you can largely avoid by studying online from home. Choosing a public school over private can save an additional $21,126 on average.
You can save further on your education by taking advantage of:
- Program scholarships — many schools offer awards to all students regardless of residency; some, like USC, automatically consider admitted students for scholarships
- FAFSA — required to access federal aid and student loans; submit at studentaid.gov as early as possible
- Private scholarships — look for awards specific to law students, international students, or your area of specialization; narrower eligibility = less competition
- Employer tuition assistance — if you’re already working in law or a related field, check whether your employer offers tuition benefits
| School | No. of Credits | Resident Cost/Credit | Est. Resident Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University | Master of Laws | 24 | $34,776 |
| Arizona State University | Master of Laws | 24 | $38,304 |
| Florida State University | LLM in Business Law Online | 24 | $32,520 |
Careers with an Online LLM Degree
An LLM is built for legal professionals who want to practice in the U.S., specialize in a high-demand area, or expand into roles at the intersection of law and business, government, or academia.
Lawyer
Practicing attorneys represent clients in criminal cases, civil litigation, and other legal proceedings. They also manage legal transactions, draft documents, and advise clients on binding agreements.
Legal occupations are projected to grow 5–8% through 2032 and offer some of the highest earning potential in any professional field.
| Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile | Projected Growth | Top Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| $145,760 | $239,200 | 5%-8% | Professional, Scientific, Technical Services; Government |
Source: O*Net OnLine
Judicial Law Clerk
Judicial law clerks support judges with administrative and legal tasks: preparing briefs and memoranda, researching relevant laws and past decisions, and summarizing issues in pending cases.
Clerking is a prestigious early-career role that provides deep exposure to how courts operate and is a strong foundation for future legal practice.
| Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile | Projected Growth | Top Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| $57,490 | $102,810 | 2%-4% | Government |
Source: O*Net OnLine
Judge, Magistrate Judge, or Magistrate
Judges arbitrate disputes and administer justice in U.S. courts. In criminal cases, they issue sentencing after guilty verdicts. In civil cases, they determine defendant liability.
This is one of the highest-paying roles in the legal field and typically requires years of prior legal practice before appointment or election.
| Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile | Projected Growth | Top Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| $148,910 | $210,890 | 2%-4% | Government |
Source: O*Net OnLine
Arbitrator, Mediator, or Conciliator
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators resolve disputes outside the courtroom through structured negotiation and dialogue — often faster and less costly than litigation for all parties.
Success in this role requires deep knowledge of law and legal concerns, alongside strong interpersonal and communication skills.
| Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile | Projected Growth | Top Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| $71,540 | $152,730 | 5%-8% | Professional, Scientific, Technical Services; Government |
Source: O*Net OnLine
Law Teacher, Postsecondary
With an LLM, you can teach law and law-related courses at the university level. Many postsecondary law instructors combine teaching with academic research, shaping the next generation of legal professionals.
Note: tenure-track positions at four-year universities typically require a JD and often prefer candidates with additional academic credentials. An LLM strengthens your profile considerably.
| Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile | Projected Growth | Top Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| $127,360 | $239,200 | 2%-4% | Educational Services |
Source: O*Net OnLine
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between an LLM, an MSL, and a JD?
The short answer: a JD is for becoming a lawyer; an LLM is for specializing after you already have a law degree; an MSL is for non-lawyers who work in law-adjacent fields.
In more detail:
- JD (Juris Doctor) — the standard path to becoming an attorney in the U.S. Takes three years and qualifies graduates to sit for the bar exam. Only 18 ABA-approved distance education JD programs currently exist.
- LLM (Master of Laws) — designed for attorneys who already hold a law degree and want to specialize in a specific area, or for international lawyers who want to qualify to practice in the U.S.
- MSL (Master of Studies in Law) — best for professionals in law-adjacent fields (HR, compliance, healthcare, business) who need a strong understanding of law but have no intention of practicing.
Are online LLM programs more affordable than in-person programs?
Yes, in most cases — especially when you factor in living costs. The average law school education costs $220,335 total, with $73,851 of that going toward living expenses near campus.
Studying online eliminates relocation costs entirely. Choosing a public university online program over a private one can save an additional $21,126. Check each program’s tuition and available financial aid before applying.
How long does it take to earn an online Master of Laws degree?
Most students complete an online LLM in 1 to 3 years, depending on pace and program structure.
What affects your timeline:
- Full-time study: as little as 1 year at accelerated programs like Liberty University
- Part-time study: typically 2–3 years; some programs allow up to 3 years total
- Course format: 8-week intensive formats move faster than traditional semester schedules
Is an online LLM more flexible than an in-person program?
Yes, online LLM programs offer significantly more flexibility than on-campus alternatives. This is one of the main reasons working legal professionals choose them.
What makes them more flexible:
- Asynchronous courses — watch lectures and complete work on your own schedule
- No need to live near campus or commute
- Programs designed specifically for working professionals
- Some programs let you adjust your pace semester to semester