Graduate Programs Application Process

Are you ready to apply?

Go step-by-step to ensure you have met the requirements, have all of your materials, and are ready to submit your application for the Master of Laws (LLM) program or the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) program at the University of Iowa College of Law. You will need to create an account and submit your application through LSAC.

Apply

Application deadlines:

LLM applications are due April 1
SJD applications are due May 1

Graduate Program Requirements

Master of Laws (LLM)

Applicants must have completed either:

JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Foreign law studies that qualify applicants to sit for the bar in their country. If the home country bar exam does not require a specific degree, applicants should either be experienced members of the bar or have completed the first university degree in law or a multi-year master's program in law.

English Proficiency Exam: All applicants for the LLM Program whose first language is not English must submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

Applicants must have one of the following:

Have completed an LLM degree at the University of Iowa or at another law school of comparable rigor, or be currently enrolled in such a program and on track to receive the LLM degree before starting the SJD program.
Have completed a JD degree in the United States, or be currently enrolled in a JD program and on track to receive the JD degree before starting the SJD program.

All applicants must show strong evidence of scholarly research and writing abilities. Admission to the program will be granted only if a tenured member of the faculty is available and agrees to serve as the chair of the student’s dissertation committee.

LLM and SJD application process

You will need to create an account with the LSAC to apply for Iowa Law's LLM or SJD program.

From there, compile the following information to complete your application:

Personal Statement: Use your statement to share your story, goals, and motivations for pursuing your graduate law degree.
Curriculum Vitae or Résumé: Include a description of any employment or research experience in a one to two-page curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé, written in English. You should also include addendums for any misconduct (criminal, military, college disciplinary action).

Letters of Recommendation: Submit three letters of recommendation. At least two should be from law professors who can comment on your critical thinking, writing skills, and potential for success. They should give some idea, if possible, of where you stand in class rank. Letters of recommendation, along with transcripts, should provide evidence that applicants are serious students with a solid record of academic and professional achievement.
Official Transcripts: Official copies of academic records of coursework completed in colleges, universities, technical institutes, and professional institutions are required, in English, regardless of the duration of study or of whether you obtained a degree. The College of Law participates in LSAC's Credential Assembly Service. You are responsible for submitting to LSAC an official transcript from each institution you have attended.
LSAT: The LSAT is not required, but submitting an LSAT score can enhance your application.
English proficiency:
- For the LLM: TOEFL or IELTS: International students whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS and submit their score.
  - Applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree in the U.S., or an equivalent degree at an accredited English-language university in Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, are exempt from this requirement.
  - Most students accepted to the program have TOEFL scores above 92 (Internet)/580 (written), an overall IELTS score of at least 7.0 with no subsections below 6.5. Waiver of the TOEFL or IELTS requirements is not normally granted. The University's code for all exams is 6681.
  - For more information, visit www.ets.org/toefl. Additionally, non-native speakers of English will be tested for language skills and may be required to take English as a Second Language classes before or concurrently with law courses.
- For the SJD: TOEFL not required, but documentation of English capability will strengthen your application.
Financial Statement: If you are admitted to the program, you will need to submit evidence of adequate financial support to cover the costs of one full year of study at the University of Iowa. You should complete the financial statement with your application to move through the visa process more quickly. Your admission cannot be finalized without completing this form to show the financial ability to provide the necessary support.