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School of Law

FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are your English language testing requirements?

    The English language test scores that may establish English proficiency are:

    • TOEFL Paper-based exam 550
    • TOEFL Computer-based 213
    • TOEFL Internet-based 79
    • IELTS 6.5

  • What is your school code for reporting TOEFL score?

    The School of Law code is 5810.

  • I speak and write English fluently. Is a waiver of English language testing possible?

    Yes. You must be able to successfully perform Masters level course work in English. A written request for waiver of an English language proficiency test score will be considered if the applicant has earned a university degree in an English-medium institution or has other substantial experience that demonstrates English language proficiency. 

  • What is a  "Statement of Purpose"?

    In a Statement of Purpose, an applicant writes why he or she wants to pursue an LL.M. in the Law of the United States.  A statement will describe the student's short-term and long-term goals.  The student may also discuss the experience and perspectives he or she would share in the classroom. 

  • From whom should I seek letters of recommendation?

    Recommendations should be from persons who know your academic and/or professional work.  Your recommenders should address your background, credentials, ability to pursue Masters level study, and how the LL.M. LOTUS program might be of benefit to you.  You should not seek recommendations from relatives. 

  • Can I download the application form from your website?

    No.  If possible, all applications should apply on-line.  If you are unable to apply online, you may request a paper application by emailing us. Please include in your email the reason that you will be unable to complete the application online. 

  • Can I attend the LLM LOTUS program part-time?

    Students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents and those whose visa status permits may be admitted to the LL.M. LOTUS program on a part-time basis.  Part-time students must complete the LL.M. LOTUS program within two years of enrollment.  Candidates for admission are advised that the part-time program is not an evening program - classes are still conducted during the day and may prohibit or limit employment.Full time students are enrolled in 13-16 credits per semester.

  • I have a Masters Degree, can I attend the LL.M. LOTUS program?

    The LL.M. LOTUS program is specifically designed for foreign lawyers who have already earned a law degree (such as LL.B.) outside of the United States.  Other graduate degree subject matters, including a Ph.D., in areas such as history, philosophy, economics, etc., are not eligible.  Students with non-law degrees who wish to learn to practice law in the United States should consider applying to the School of Law's J.D. program. 

  • Are graduates of the LL.M. Program in Law of the United States eligible to take a bar examination in the United States?

    There are several states that permit international LL.M. graduates to take their bar examination, including Maryland,New York, California and the District of Columbia. Many of the states that do permit foreign lawyers to sit for a bar examination have additional requirements that may preclude an LL.M. graduate from taking the bar.  We recommend that international students interested in a bar examination check with the Board of Law Examiners of the state where they wish to take the bar to see if they are eligible. Detailed information regarding admission can be found at the American Bar Association website. (See also the link on the U.S. Practice page to the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements published by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.)

    The curriculum of our U.S. Practice track is designed to assist students in learning broad areas of law that are often covered by state bar examinations.  Students must further prepare for a particular state's examination.  U.S. students often take a "bar review course" for the particular state before sitting for the exam.  Some LL.M. LOTUS students have successfully taken bar examinations in New York, the District of Columbia and New Hampsire.  The state of Maryland will permit graduates of a Maryland LLM program to take its bar examination beginning in 2013.  

  • Do you offer scholarships to atttend the LL.M. LOTUS program?

    University of Baltimore offers a limited number of partial scholarships based on merit to LL.M. students.  If interested in being considered, an applicant should ask for consideration when applying for admission.

    Students may seek scholarship and grant opportunities through their governments, their employers, the U.S. government, and private foundations in the U.S. and abroad.  The U.S. Department of State supports educational advising offices around the world. The advisers provide information on financing study in the U.S. in addition to other aspects of preparing for study in the U.S. The educational advising office nearest you can be located on the website www.educationusa.state.gov.  LL.M. LOTUS welcomes Muskie Fellows, www.irex.org and Fulbright Scholars, www.iie.org.

    Some U.S. resident students may qualify for income-based funding, such as student loans or work-study programs. Our financial aid office can assist you upon admission to the LL.M. LOTUS program.. 

  • Do you provide housing to LL.M. LOTUS students?

    Housing is a separate cost from tuition in the LL.M.LOTUS program. Most students live nearby our urban campus in private apartments. 

  • What is the cost of tuition to attend?  What about expenses? 

    The University of Baltimore Bursar's Office provides information regarding current tuition and fees. Please note that tuition for the LLM LOTUS program is calculated as a LAW program. In addition, the university's Office of Financial Aid can provide current estimated costs of attendance.  

    Financing your legal education begins before you step into a classroom and continues after you graduate.  Prior to entering law school, you should have enough money to cover tution, the expenses of moving into an apartment: security deposit, first two months rent, utilities, food and insurance (health, car, renter's); and have sufficient available credit to cover books, a few week's worth of groceries and other expenses.  

    The cost of attending the School of Law is comparable to the cost of attending other public law schools in the country  Tuition and fees are set by the Regents of the University System of Maryland and are subject to change.