How Long Does It Take to Get an LLM Degree?

For legal professionals seeking to advance their careers, earning a Master of Laws (LLM) is a strategic move. However, balancing this career advancement with the necessary time investment can be a challenge. Many attorneys choose to specialize in high-demand fields, such as health law, to expand their practice.

If you are considering an online LLM program, you might be wondering how long it takes to get an LLM degree. Fortunately, institutions such as Hofstra University offer flexible pathways. For example, the online Master of Laws (LLM) in Health Law and Policy from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law is designed to accommodate working professionals.

This guide covers full-time versus part-time options, online flexibility, and credit requirements to help you plan your educational journey.

Average Duration of an LLM Program

For most students, the standard timeline to complete an LLM is one academic year when studying on a full-time basis. A typical program requires you to complete 24-26 credit hours of courses.¹ Your specific graduation date will depend heavily on your course load each semester.

While full-time students can finish an LLM program in two semesters, the timeline for part-time students often extends to four semesters or two academic years to accommodate work schedules.¹ This flexibility allows working professionals to balance their current job responsibilities with their studies.

Factors That Influence How Long an LLM Takes

Several variables determine exactly how long an LLM program takes. Your choice of specialization or the inclusion of a thesis requirement can sometimes extend the length of the program, as these intensive research projects require additional time and faculty review. In addition, there is a significant difference between domestic and international student timelines.

Foreign-trained attorneys often need to plan their curriculum carefully to ensure bar eligibility.² For instance, international students seeking to take the New York bar exam must request an advance evaluation of their eligibility. This review process can take up to six months after all documentation is received.³ This means foreign-educated applicants must begin planning at least a year in advance, whereas domestic attorneys pursuing an LLM purely for specialization have more scheduling flexibility.³

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment

When deciding how much time you want to invest in LLM studies, you must choose between full-time and part-time enrollment. Full-time study offers an immersive educational experience, allowing you to focus entirely on your coursework and complete the degree in just two semesters.

Conversely, part-time enrollment provides an extended, manageable pace. This option is ideal for practicing attorneys who cannot pause their careers to study. Part-time students typically spread their credit hours over two academic years, making it easier to balance professional duties, personal obligations, and rigorous academic requirements.

Online vs. On-Campus Formats

The delivery format also plays a significant role in how long it takes to get an LLM. On-campus programs typically follow a rigid semester schedule and require you to attend class at fixed times. In contrast, an online LLM program often offers asynchronous learning components. This flexibility allows students to set their own pace and participate from any time zone. They can fit their studies around their professional lives, gaining LLM health law expertise without career disruption. Because online formats are frequently optimized for working professionals, students can often speed up or slow down their progression. For example, you can take courses during the summer to maintain a steady, manageable workload over four semesters.

Is the Time Investment Worth the Return?

Prospective students frequently ask, “Is an LLM worth it?” The return on investment (ROI) can be substantial, particularly regarding salary potential and access to niche legal markets such as health law. The broader lawyer labor market remains strong, with a median annual pay of $151,160 in May 2024.⁴ For those specializing in healthcare, the average annual pay for a health law attorney is approximately $98,330, with top earners making significantly more.⁵

Earning an advanced credential can accelerate your career progression, opening doors to leadership roles such as vice president or associate general counsel.⁶ Ultimately, the expertise gained can potentially save you time climbing the corporate ladder in the long run as you discover what you can do with an LLM.

Advance Your Legal Expertise With an Online LLM From Hofstra University

While the exact timeline varies from person to person, flexible online programs allow dedicated professionals to earn their degree without pausing their careers. The online Master of Laws (LLM) in Health Law and Policy at Hofstra provides the rigorous education that can help prepare you to become an industry leader. By advancing your legal expertise, you can position yourself for prestigious roles, such as vice president or associate general counsel, in a rapidly growing sector, enhancing both your professional impact and your long-term earning potential. We invite you to explore the program curriculum and discover how it can transform your career.

Don’t wait to take the next step in your legal career. Schedule a call with one of our admissions outreach advisors today to discuss what this program can do for you.