Applying to the LLM Program

All LLM candidates must be JD 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. Candidates for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate fluency in English (generally, TOEFL test scores of 600 or better are expected). The University of Arizona offers excellent short courses in English, which may be arranged at the student's cost prior to enrolling if a student's TOEFL is under the required level.

We have moved to an on line application process and as of June 1, 2010, we no longer accept paper applications.   The on line application is located at:

                        https://apply.grad.arizona.edu/users

The system will require you to create an account and complete a profile information section.

To apply for the LLM program, select the link for Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (option of Law) and the LLM program. The on line process also includes payment of the $75 application fee.

In addition to the on line application itself, prospective students should submit directly to the IPLP Program office (IPLP Program c/o Melissa Tatum, The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, P.O. Box 210176, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0176 U.S.A.):

Two letters of recommendation;
A resume;
A 2-3 page personal statement indicating your interest in indigenous law and policy, critical race theory, and/or human rights, along with a description of any relevant experience in the field. The IPLP is particularly interested in students who, by virtue of their background and experience, will bring diverse interests and perspectives to the graduate program;
Official transcripts for all post-secondary educational institutions previously attended;
For international students whose first language is not English, an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test report with a minimal score of 600 (or the computer based equivalent);

Applications are accepted and admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis beginning September 1.  The annual application deadline is March 31st for the Fall Semester, although applications may be considered on a limited basis up to July15th (conditional on available space). Earlier applications are strongly encouraged, as only 8-12 students are accepted each year.  Financial support awards are made in April. The Admissions Committee ordinarily will not consider applications until all required information has been received.

Please note:  Our experience with respect to student immigration matters confirms the importance of the March 31st deadline, as international students can experience a lengthier admissions process due to changing immigration regulations. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid delays in the immigration paperwork process.

Candidates who accept the offer of admissions are required to pay a non-refundable US $250.00 seat deposit.  This deposit will be credited to your tuition account.  All students born after December 31, 1956 are required by UA to verify measles/rubella immunity. Important details pertaining to proof of immunization can be obtained from the UA Campus Health Care web site. Without proof of measles/rubella immunity on file with Campus Health Services, students will not be permitted to register for classes.

Pilar Diaz

Pilar Diaz photo Pilar Diaz Pilar finished her LL.M. studies in 2009. She has returned to her native Mexico where she has worked as a clerk to the a Justice of the Supreme Court of Mexico. Pilar attended the IPLP as a Fulbright - Garcia Robles scholar.