Overview
The Maritime Law LL.M. Program comprises of a rigorous study and training experience in the field through a focused theoretical and practical curriculum. The program requires a total of 24 credits completed with a grade point average of 2.3/4.00, of which a minimum of 12 credits must be maritime law courses.
Admission Requirements
DOMESTIC J.D. STUDENTS
Prior to enrollment, full-time and part-time applicants must have earned a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- International applicants must hold a J.D. degree or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
- International lawyers must present evidence of graduation from an international law school: official transcripts from all schools attended and listed on the application for admission; certified, translated copy of the transcripts; and photocopies of diplomas received.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of not less than 580 on the written, not less than 237 on the computer based or not less than 92 on the internet based TOEFL test is required to be considered for admission. In the alternative, applicants may take the International English Language Test System exam (IELTS), in which event a score of not less than 7 is required.
The admissions process is explained in full detail here.
Curriculum Requirements
For U.S.-trained Students
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Maritime Law Core Concepts Courses | ||
| LAW 300 | Admiralty | 3 |
| LAW 303 | Coastal Law | 3 |
| LAW 312 | International Law | 3 |
| LAW 318 | Law of the Sea | 3 |
| Elective Courses (including maritime, environmental and international law courses, the Maritime Law LL.M. Practicum, and general law course work) | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
Curriculum Requirements
For Foreign-trained Students
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Coursework for Foreign-Trained Lawyers | ||
| LAW 999 | Introduction to U.S. Law | 2 |
| LAW 19 | Legal Communication and Research I | 2 |
| Required Maritime Law Core Concepts Courses | ||
| LAW 300 | Admiralty | 3 |
| LAW 303 | Coastal Law | 3 |
| LAW 312 | International Law | 3 |
| LAW 318 | Law of the Sea | 3 |
| Elective Courses (including maritime, environmental and international law courses, the Maritime Law LL.M. Practicum, and general law course work) | 8 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
This is a sample Plan of Study. Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.
Sample Plan of Study
For U.S.-trained Students
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| LAW 303 | Coastal Law | 3 |
| LAW 300 | Admiralty | 3 |
| Elective Courses (including maritime, environmental and international law courses, the Maritime Law LL.M. Practicum, and general law course work) | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| LAW 312 | International Law | 3 |
| LAW 318 | Law of the Sea | 3 |
| Elective Courses (including maritime, environmental and international law courses, the Maritime Law LL.M. Practicum, and general law course work) | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
For Foreign-trained Students
Plan of Study Grid
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| LAW 19 | Legal Communication and Research I | 2 |
| LAW 999 | Introduction to U.S. Law | 2 |
| LAW 303 | Coastal Law | 3 |
| LAW 300 | Admiralty | 3 |
| Elective Courses (including maritime, environmental and international law courses, the Maritime Law LL.M. Practicum, and general law course work) | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| LAW 312 | International Law | 3 |
| LAW 318 | Law of the Sea | 3 |
| Elective Courses (including maritime, environmental and international law courses, the Maritime Law LL.M. Practicum, and general law course work | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
*Please note that LAW 312 International Law usually is only offered once per academic year either in the Fall or Spring semester. Therefore, this required Maritime Law LL.M. course should be taken in the first semester when it is offered to ensure compliance with degree requirements.
Note: There is flexibility when choosing courses, and students will develop their individual study plans together with the program director. For part-time students, requirements can be met over the course of 3-4 semesters.
Students in the Maritime Law LL.M. may choose from a variety of elective courses, including maritime, environmental and international law courses, the Maritime Law LL.M. Practicum, and general law course work.
Foreign-trained students also will have the opportunity to take core U.S. law courses (e.g. Business Associations, Civil Procedure, Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Evidence, Family Law, Professional Responsibility, Property, Torts, Trust & Estates, etc.) in preparation of a state bar exam (e.g. New York, Florida).
Mission
The University of Miami and International Graduate Law Program’s mission is to foster the intellectual discipline, creativity, and critical skills that will prepare its graduates for the highest standards of professional competence in the practice of law in a global environment subject to continual transformation. The Maritime Law LL.M. Program (the “Program”) prepares attorneys to become specialists in the domestic and international legal problems associated with the use of navigable waters and the protection of the marine environment. The Program offers graduate-level theoretical and practical courses and training.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Maritime Law students will demonstrate an advanced proficiency and practical understanding as it relates to Maritime Law, including substantive rules, relevant procedures, ethical considerations, and lawyering skills specific to the practice of maritime law in a global environment.
- Students will demonstrate advanced proficiency in legal drafting and written communication as it relates to Maritime Law.
- To ensure that students complete the Program requirements, graduate, and either secure employment or advancement opportunities.
