Master of Laws (LL.M.)

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a degree available to lawyers. Those who already have a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school can specialize in a particular area of the law through the LL.M. Foreign trained lawyers often seek an LL.M. as a credential that will allow them to practice law in the United States.

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Applying to the LL.M. Program

Study at the LL.M. program ranked among the top two in Texas, according to Texas Lawyer.

Apply by submitting your materials directly to the School of Law. All international transcripts must be translated and professionally evaluated.

Please register first, then complete your application. Registering creates your account so you can save your progress and return to it at any time.

Master of Laws at St. Mary's University School of Law

How to Apply

Application ChecklistSt. Mary's Application

Learn More About the LL.M.

Get academic program information for:

LL.M. in General LawLL.M. in American Legal StudiesLL.M. in International and Comparative LawLL.M. in International Criminal LawLL.M. in Territorial Law

LL.M. in General Law – Concentrations

Cybersecurity ConcentrationTerritorial Law ConcentrationEmployment and Human Resource Law Concentration

LL.M. application deadlines

Spring 2026

Priority Deadline: November 1, 2025

Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

Fall 2026

Priority Deadline: June 1, 2026

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

Spring 2027

Priority Deadline: November 1, 2026

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026

Fall 2027

Priority Deadline: June 1, 2027

Application Deadline: July 1, 2027

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Application

International student LL.M. admission

LL.M. applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) prior to their admission to the LL.M. programs. English proficiency is the key for LL.M. students to meet the rigorous reading and writing requirements at the St. Mary's University School of Law.

Cut-off scores are: 80 points on the internet-based TOEFL or 6 points on the IELTS test. The TOEFL code for St. Mary's University is 6637. Only current TOEFL and IELTS scores will be considered. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to interview candidates via telephone or Skype to verify English proficiency. International applicants who have successfully completed a high school, secondary or post-secondary program of study in English are exempt from the English proficiency test requirement.

International LL.M. candidates who have language scores below the threshold are encouraged to participate in the Intensive English Program through International Student and Scholar Services, and to reapply to the LL.M. program once they have demonstrated English proficiency.

Foreign student visas are processed through International Student and Scholar Services once a letter of admission has been issued to a prospect. The following materials are required:

  • A valid passport
  • The visa application payment
  • The School of Law's official letter of admission to the LL.M. degree program
  • The completed I-20 form issued by the International Student and Scholar Services at St. Mary's University
  • A bank statement of financial responsibility to pay tuition and all other related LL.M. program costs

Application Checklist

  • Official transcripts: Transcripts must be sent directly from all schools that an applicant has attended. "Official" means a copy of your original document certified by an officer of your school and stamped with official seals. Faxed copies and photocopies of academic records will not be accepted. Transcripts must be written in the native language of the school.
  • All international transcripts must be professionally evaluated. Acceptable vendors: SpanTran, Foreign Credential Service of America, International Educational Equivalency Evaluation Services Inc., Transcript Research, World Education Services.
  • Professional résumé
  • Personal statement (within 800 words)
  • Two letters of recommendation: Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from law professors, employers or other persons familiar with their academic and professional qualifications. All letters must be submitted on official letterhead.
  • English language requirement: LL.M. applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS prior to their admission to the LL.M. programs.
  • There is no application fee.

Learn more about the LL.M. Program

Please submit your request for additional information here.

Curious about which LL.M. program is right for you? Questions about the admission process or the program? Our team will answer any questions and help you through the process when you're ready.

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Contact Information

Request Information

For more information, please email stmullm@stmarytx.edu or complete the request information form.

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Applying to the LL.M.

See details about admission requirements, how to apply and scholarship opportunities.

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Contact

A.J. Bellido de Luna, J.D., Associate Dean of Advocacy and International Partnerships and the Hardy Professor of Practice