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LL.M. students have the option to write a substantial research paper, in conjunction with a seminar or Directed Research, that may be recorded as "thesis" on their transcript. At the onset of the seminar or Directed Research, the student must obtain approval from the professor that the paper will be completed for a "thesis" designation. It should be substantial in length (at least 10,000 words exclusive of footnotes) and, like the substantial writing requirement for J.D. students, must be analytical rather than descriptive in nature, showing original thought and analysis. Please note the thesis designation is for a single research paper agreed upon in advance.
The student is required to submit an outline and at least one draft to the faculty member in order to receive thesis notation. When submitting a final draft of the thesis to the faculty member, the student must give the faculty member an LL.M. Thesis Certification form. The faculty member is required to return the signed form to the Office of Graduate Affairs when submitting a grade for the course.
Please note that the student will not receive additional credit for writing the thesis, but will only receive credit for the seminar or directed research for which he or she is registered.
International Legal Studies students should review their program requirements for further information about writing an LL.M. thesis within their program.