• Applications must be received by March 1, unless otherwise permitted. Earlier applications are strongly encouraged, as the Admissions Committee may be utilizing a "rolling admissions" policy, beginning in early February.  Applications ordinarily will not be considered by the Admissions Committee until all required information, including TOEFL score, has been received.

• All LL.M. candidates must be JD/LLB graduates of an ABA approved law school in the United States, or possess the first law degree from a foreign law school approved by the government or other accrediting authority in the nation in which it is located, prior to enrollment.

• Candidates for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate fluency in English (generally, TOEFL paper-based test scores of 600 or better are expected—250 computer-based or 100 internet-based)

The University of Arizona's Center for English as a Second Language offers excellent short courses in English (see CESL), which may be arranged at the student's cost prior to enrollment for the LLM, if a student's TOEFL is close to but does not meet the required level. 

• A "conditional admission" may be requested in such a case, but requires an acceptable TOEFL score report or CESL endorsement be received no later than June 15, or four (4) weeks prior to the start of the program.

Other factors given primary consideration in the admission process include:

• Academic record in achieving the first law degree and in other studies;
• Recommendations of professors or employers;
• Evidence of interest and ability in the field of international trade and commercial law, including publications or relevant work experience;
• Evidence of a commitment after graduation to teaching at the law school level, government service or international law practice;
• Fluency in a foreign language for students for whom English is the first language; and English fluency for foreign students.

The University of Arizona is an EEO/AA employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, Veteran's status, or sexual orientation in its admissions, employment and educational programs or activities.

Given the small size of the program and its unique attributes, admission is highly competitive.

Admission Instructions and Procedures

 Interested candidates should apply by submitting the following:

• Completed and signed application form;
• Non-refundable application fee of $65.00, in U.S. dollars.

• Original transcripts or copies certified by the educational institution (with grades) of your law degree and other degrees (if applicable)

• Original Certificate of Diploma of the law degree and other degrees (if applicable).  If originals are not obtainable, please send a photocopy.

• Two detailed personal recommendations from professors or employers or other persons who know the applicant well and can address in detail the candidate's analytical abilities, writing skills, unique talents and personal qualities;
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test report must be received directly from ETS,
• Copies of any relevant published works;
• A current resume;
• A personal essay (no more than eight double-spaced pages) summarizing the candidate's qualifications for and interest in the program, along with career objectives;
• the Arizona domicile affidavit (whether or not Arizona domicile is sought), this document is not a federal immigration law form; it is a university administrative tool to determine residency for all students;
• Completed financial aid or Scholarship application forms (if financial aid is requested);

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to seek additional information or clarification in appropriate circumstances, including a personal interview or independent confirmation of prior degrees.
 
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to visit the College of Law's "website" at http://www.law.arizona.edu for more information regarding the faculty and course offerings, as well as current calendar, schedule, library and other information.
 
Questions relating to the LL.M. program should be addressed to:

Professor David A. Gantz
Director, International Trade and Business Law Program
The University of Arizona
James E. Rogers College of Law
1201 E. Speedway Blvd.
P.O. Box 210176
Tucson, Arizona 85721-0176 U.S.A.
Telephone: (520) 621-1801
Facsimile: (520) 621-9836
E-Mail: gantz@law.Arizona.edu

Criteria for SJD Admission to the International Trade & Business Law Program

• Please submit a 5-6 page research proposal and a current Curriculum Vitae (CV) to gantz@law.arizona.edu, David A. Gantz, Director, International Trade & Business Law program at the University of Arizona Rogers College of Law.

• Provide the names and addresses, telephone contact numbers, and email addresses of several of your professors from University who you feel could describe your work to us

• Professor Gantz will poll the College faculty for an advisor who would be interested in guiding the research and dissertation.  If a law faculty member agrees, we will then request a formal application from you, including an application fee ($65), and all the documents listed above.

• In regards to the TOEFL requirement, read the University of Arizona's language proficiency policy in detail.  If you wish to be considered for exemption, please submit a clear and specific request:

• "Exempt from submitting English proficiency scores are applicants who have completed two years of full-time, upper division, academic study in the U.S., or who have received a bachelor's or graduate degree from institutions in the United States, English-speaking Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand. However, if the applicant has been residing outside these countries since completing study or earning a degree, he or she may be required to submit current TOEFL or IELTS scores as part of the admissions process."

• To research our current faculty, visit http://www.law.arizona.edu/Faculty/ and by clicking on the faculty name, you can view a full biography, CV and research interests.

• To review the courses they teach, see our academic schedules at http://www.law.arizona.edu/academics/scheduleindex.cfm?page=schedule.  Clicking on the course name will give you a more complete description of the focus of the course, materials, special fees or meeting dates, etc.

       This is typically a three-year degree program, with the first year requiring full-time in-residence coursework at the University of Arizona (24 units), followed by up to two years to complete and defend the dissertation (usually registered 3 units per term—thus reducing the tuition cost significantly). 

      The University of Arizona is a Research Institution and with your Advisor's permission and guidance, PhD/SJD candidates may considered course offerings from other Colleges and departments—subject to instructor/dept approval.  For example, if you were studying a particular business or economic system, you might wish to take coursework at Eller College of Management where they offer expertise in Economics, Public Administration and Policy, Marketing, Finance, Business Administration and more.  Courses in the History, Modern Languages, or various World Studies programs could be considered.  In other words, you would have the strengths of the UA campus at your disposal for research. 

       We generally offer scholarship and monetary support in the form of a Graduate Tuition Scholarship waiving the out-of-state portion of tuition/fees (e.g., worth over $14,700 for 2009-2010), but each candidate will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  

       University academic calendars can be viewed at http://catalog.arizona.edu/acadcals.html

       Views of our University campus http://www.arizona.edu/photos/gallery_content.html