On-Campus Environmental Law LLM

International Student Deadlines:

The application deadline for international LLM students is April 1st for the on-campus program. If you apply past this deadline, you are welcome to start in the online program and then switch to the on-campus program for the next semester.

Applicants are asked to supply:

• A statement of interest (about 200 words);
• A resume or CV;
• Transcripts from JD or LLB granting institutions; and
• 2-3 letters of recommendation.
• Demonstration of English proficiency for international applicants whose native language is not English. This requirement can be met in one of the following ways:
  1. if English was the primary language of their university education and the official language of the country in which the university is located;
  2. if English was the primary language of their university education and if their university is accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency;
  3. a minimum IELTS score of 8; or
  4. a minimum internet-based TOEFL score of 100.

The Admissions Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis. Once a complete application is received, you should be notified of a decision within three weeks. We always encourage applying early to give plenty of time to process financial aid and select courses before the start of term.

Tuition for the on-campus LLM program for the 2024-25 academic year is $2181 per credit, or $56,706 for 26 credits. *The actual cost per semester depends on the number of credits a student takes. In addition, a fee of $1906/semester for health insurance should be calculated into academic expenses, along with a book allowance of about $800 per semester. Students should also anticipate a budget of $13,000 for living expenses per semester. Please visit our Law School Tuition and Fees web-page for the most current information about tuition, fees and living expenses. All tuition and fees are subject to change on an annual basis. Federal financial aid (in the form of loans) is available to qualified U.S. students.

International students are encouraged to explore funding options with their governments or private foundations.

A limited number of tuition awards are available to outstanding U.S. and international students based on merit and need. If you are applying for the LLM program (online or in-person) and would like to be considered for a partial tuition award or scholarship, please send an email to elaw@lclark.edu requesting to submit a Tuition Award Form.

If you intend to apply for federal financial aid, please do not wait to be admitted or registered to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ^® ) form (fafsa.gov) as financial aid decisions may take some time to process. Instructions and more information can be found here.

The LLM program requires students from the U.S. to complete 26 semester hours of credit. U.S. students attending full-time (on campus) can generally complete the LLM program in one academic year (two semesters), but those going part-time may take up to two and a half years to finish all requirements.

All students must take a two-credit “Emerging Topics” seminar (offered online for one credit in each of two semesters).

Students from the U.S. are required to take Administrative Law and a survey Environmental Law class if they have not already taken these in their JD or LL.B. programs.

International students complete at least 28 credit hours. International LLM students are evaluated on a “Credit”, “No Credit”, or “Honors” basis only. Those without previous background in the common law are required to take the additional two-credit Introduction to U.S. Environmental Law and Legal Study seminar. Although it is possible for on-campus international students to complete the program in the fall and spring semesters, we strongly recommend that international students budget for three academic semesters (fall, spring and summer or fall, spring and fall) due to the intensity of study required. U.S. student visa requirements impose a time limit of 18 months for international students to complete the degree in the absence of extraordinary circumstances. Visa requirements and length of study in the U.S. should be discussed well in advance with our International Students and Scholars Office. To ensure compliance with Homeland Security regulations, international students must remain in contact with the International Students and Scholars office throughout their stay in the U.S.

For the remaining credits required for the degree, on-campus students may choose from Lewis & Clark’s vast array of curriculum choices, including up to 8 credits of non-environmental classes. Check with the LLM program director and What’s What for details