LLM Certificates -- Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants should submit a brief one or two-page statement of interest in one of the three certificate programs with their application materials by uploading it to the Miscellaneous Attachments section in LSAC. The statement should describe the applicant's background in the relevant area of law, along with how the applicant hopes to use the certification to advance career goals. Current students should submit the statement of interest directly to Suzanne Brown in the International Studies Office.
Duke’s LLM Certificates are very flexible; students are welcome to express interest in the certificate in their LLM application or, if admitted, they have the option to submit a standalone certificate application up until the end of the add/drop period of their second semester of the LLM program. If applying after admission, statements should be submitted to Suzanne Brown in the International Studies office.
No. Applicants can only be admitted into one certificate program.
Yes, although applicants are strongly encouraged to pick and apply to only one certificate program.
Please consult the relevant certificate pages on the Law School’s website: Business Law Certificate, Intellectual Property, Science and Technology Law Certificate, Environmental and Energy Law Certificate.
No, there is no additional tuition charged. Certificate programs are meant to help LLM students refine their research and career focus by maximizing exposure to courses and instructors in their fields of interest.
It depends. Students pursing the Business Law Certificate have access to ample courses that meet both the bar and certificate requirements. Students pursing certificates in Environmental Law and Intellectual Property, subjects that are not tested on the bar, will likely need to take more than 24credits in the LLM program in order to satisfy both requirements. Students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor or a member of the International Studies team if they have specific questions about fulfilling the requirements of both the New York Bar Exam and the Certificate Program.
No. You can use the same paper to meet both requirements, provided the topic of the paper is on the subject area relevant to your certificate program.