The Criminal Law LL.M. Program at the University at Buffalo is a specialized postgraduate degree focusing on the interdisciplinary study of criminal law. It is one of the few programs in New York dedicated exclusively to this field. The program is designed for lawyers who aim to pursue careers in teaching, policy work, or roles as prosecutors or judges in their home countries. Students can choose to complete a scholarly research paper under faculty guidance. The curriculum requires a minimum of 24 credits for completion. Core components include participation in the Criminal Law Colloquium (fulfilling the writing requirement) and a minimum of three credits in experiential learning. Experiential learning can be gained through externships, clerkships, clinical programs, practicums, or specific in-class courses. International students will also undertake a two-credit legal research and writing course and a two-credit introduction to the U.S. legal system.
To complete the LL.M. degree, students must earn a minimum of 24 credits. Core courses include Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure – Investigation, and Evidence and/or Criminal Procedure – Adjudication. Students must also fulfill a writing requirement through the Criminal Law Colloquium and complete at least three credits of experiential learning.
This program attracts lawyers from around the world who intend to pursue careers in teaching, policy work, or roles as prosecutors or judges in their home jurisdictions.
Requirements may be waived only with the prior approval of the Director of the Criminal Law LL.M. program and the Vice Dean for Student Affairs.
New York State residents enrolled in exclusively online academic programs are charged the resident tuition rate. Non-residents enrolled in exclusively online programs are charged the non-resident online student tuition rate.
You must have a first degree in Law (JD or LLB) to be admitted to the program. Specific requirements may be waived with prior approval from the Director and the Vice Dean for Student Affairs.
The program requires a minimum of 24 credits for completion. This includes core courses, a writing requirement through the Criminal Law Colloquium, and at least three credits of experiential learning.
The program is taught in English. International students will also complete a two-credit course on Legal Research and Writing and a two-credit Introduction to the U.S. Legal System.
This program is designed for lawyers aiming for careers in teaching, policy work, or roles as prosecutors or judges in their home countries.
Tuition and fees vary by semester and student status. Please refer to the official University at Buffalo Student Accounts website for the most current rates.