Comparison

Online and In-Person LL.M. Programs at Cardozo Law

Online LL.M.

On Campus LL.M.

Program Focus

Flexible curriculum designed to meet D.C. and California Bar Exam eligibility and adaptable to individual career goals.

There are four LL.M. degrees offered on campus at Cardozo: General Studies (with many optional concentrations); Intellectual Property; Dispute Resolution & Advocacy; Comparative legal Thought. 

Format and Delivery

Delivered fully online through asynchronous classes, with both full-time and part-time options available. Students benefit from no relocation or commuting costs, making it an ideal choice for working professionals and international students.

Requires physical presence on campus, in New York City. Offered in New York City with in-person classes, the program can be completed full-time in one year or part-time over two years. Students benefit from direct campus engagement, faculty interaction, and access to the broader NYC legal community. 

Flexibility

With asynchronous delivery, students can study anytime and from anywhere, making it easy to balance academic goals with work and personal commitments. This format is especially well-suited for international students or professionals who cannot relocate to New York City. 

Students may enroll full-time or part-time with entry points in both spring and fall. While classes follow fixed schedules, the General Studies track allows for a tailored curriculum to meet bar eligibility requirements, with the option to pursue specialized concentrations.

Bar Eligibility

Carefully structured to meet D.C. (26 credits in UBE-tested subjects) and California bar requirements, including a required Professional Responsibility course, ensuring students are fully prepared for bar eligibility.

All four tracks are designed to meet New York Bar requirements.

Networking Opportunities

Engage with Cardozo’s global alumni community through virtual networking opportunities and in-person events, fostering professional connections worldwide. 

Benefit from extensive in-person networking through events such as Homecoming, Student Bar Association activities, and career services programs, providing direct access to faculty, peers, and the broader legal community.

Practical Experience

While less immersive than in-person study, the online program effectively supports practical skill development and prepares students for the bar exam.

Gain robust practical training through 11 in-house clinics, 17 field clinics, and over 100 externship opportunities. Students receive hands-on experience across all areas of law, working with firms, companies, and non-profits in the heart of New York City. 

Faculty Interaction

Students can connect with esteemed Cardozo faculty through virtual platforms, including asynchronous interactions and scheduled Zoom sessions. While flexible, this format may offer more limited opportunities for in-depth mentorship compared to in-person engagement.

Enjoy direct, in-person engagement with leading Cardozo scholars in JD and LL.M. classes. Faculty mentorship, particularly through clinics, provides hands-on guidance that strengthens both bar readiness and career development.

Location Benefits

No need to relocate, making the program accessible from anywhere in the world. Ideal for international students or those with work and personal commitments. No visa is required to study for this program.

Situated in New York City, the program offers proximity to major law firms, courts, and international organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and immersive experience in the New York legal market.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition $38,500.

Eligible for Dean Merit Scholarships; Partnership Scholarships; and private loans.

Federal loans available for U.S. citizens/permanent residents.  

Tuition $74,438 plus NYC living costs.

Eligible for Dean Merit Scholarships; Partnership Scholarships; and private loans.

Federal loans available for U.S. citizens/permanent residents.  

Career Outcomes

Prepares students for eligibility to sit for the D.C. and California Bar Exams. Enhance your credibility for high-profile international legal work. This degree can open doors to networking with top-tier legal professionals and organizations.

Strong outcomes for the New York Bar and competitive job placements. LL.M. graduates are eligible for OPT visas, and the alumni network actively supports career opportunities in NYC and international markets. 

Community Engagement

Engaged virtual community with LL.M. students from over 25 countries. Students have access to virtual events and student organizations, though extracurricular opportunities are more limited compared to in-person programs. 

Tight-knit community of 1,200 J.D. and LL.M. students representing over 35 countries. A wealth of in-person extracurricular opportunities fosters meaningful connections and collaboration.

Student Support

Personalized virtual career counseling and academic advising, with guidance tailored for bar eligibility. International students receive support through virtual resources, though cultural transition assistance is less immersive than in-person programs.

Robust in-person, individualized support, including dedicated LL.M. advising to navigate the complex New York Bar requirements.