The admissions process can be confusing. Below, you can search through some frequently asked questions about our health law programs, but if you don’t see an answer, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help! You can also visit Georgetown Law’s LL.M. FAQs here and certificate program FAQs here.
What is the difference between the LL.M. in National and Global Health Law and the LL.M. in Global Health Law and Governance?
In the LL.M. in National and Global Health Law, students spend the full academic year (or part-time equivalent) completing coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities at Georgetown Law. In the LL.M. in Global Health Law and Governance, students spend the fall semester at Georgetown Law and the spring semester at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. After completion of the spring semester, students complete either an internship or dissertation. Students in this program receive a joint degree from both institutions.
Please note that the LL.M. in Global Health Law and Governance is not available on a part-time basis and that this program will not qualify foreign-trained attorneys to sit for the New York bar exam.
What is the difference between pursuing a health law certificate and a health law LL.M. degree?
Our LL.M. and certificate programs are open to qualified candidates with a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school or foreign equivalent degree in law. The LL.M. is a degree program over one academic year (or part-time equivalent), whereas certificate students receive a certificate, rather than a degree, upon completion of 10 credits.
Please note that Georgetown Law cannot sponsor student visas unless international students are enrolled in degree programs.
Can I complete a certificate as part of my health law LL.M. program?
Students in the LL.M. in National and Global Health Law may complete one certificate as part of their LL.M. degree.
How long does it take to complete the LL.M. in National and Global Health Law?
Students pursuing the LL.M. on a full-time basis complete the program within two semesters, starting the last week of August and graduating in mid-May.
Students pursuing the program on a part-time basis must complete the program within three years of matriculation. In certain circumstances, part-time students may receive permission to extend their period of study. Please note that foreign-educated students typically enroll on a full-time basis unless they are in the United States on a visa status that permits part-time study.
How long does it take to complete the LL.M. in Global Health Law and Governance?
The LL.M. in Global Health Law and Governance is available on a full-time basis only. Students begin in late August and finish their program in September of the following year (upon completion of either an internship or dissertation).
How long does it take to complete the Food and Drug Law Certificate/U.S. Health Law Certificate?
Students pursuing the Food and Drug Law Certificate or the U.S. Health Law Certificate must complete their requirements within two years of commencing their program.
I am a foreign-trained attorney. Will my health law LL.M. program qualify me to sit for the New York bar exam?
Some students choose to structure their LL.M. in National and Global Health Law to meet the requirements for foreign-attorneys seeking to qualify to sit for the New York bar exam. This requires careful planning and course selections and limits the number of health law courses that students may take.
Are the health law LL.M. and certificate programs available online?
No, our health law LL.M. and certificate programs are offered in person at our campus in Washington D.C.
Do you offer programs for professionals without a first degree in law?
No, at this time our health law LL.M. and certificate programs are only open to qualified candidates with a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school or foreign equivalent degree in law.