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English Proficiency Requirements

English Proficiency

Candidates for admission to the LL.M. and M.S.L. programs must demonstrate English proficiency. If your native language is not English, you may meet this requirement by having completed your legal or bachelor's studies at a university where instruction was provided in English. Alternatively, international students who will be pursuing their LL.M. or M.S.L. through on-campus study may demonstrate English language proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test administered by the Educational Testing Service.

On-campus

Applicants for admission for our on-campus programs must attain one of the following scores:

  • TOEFL score of at least 100 (iBT)
  • IELTS overall band score of 7.0.
  • Or take an equivalent exam with similar results

Scores from TOEFL or other tests more than two years prior to application to the program will not be accepted nor will self-reported scores. The University of Dayton reporting code for TOEFL test results is 1834.

Candidates who will be pursuing their LL.M. or M.S.L. through on-campus study may apply for conditional admission to the LL.M. and M.S.L. programs. Conditionally admitted students study English at the University of Dayton's Intensive English Program (IEP) prior to taking courses in the graduate law programs. The IEP offers courses in grammar, reading and writing, listening and speaking English as well as special courses in TOEFL preparation, the dynamics of the American classroom, research paper writing and pronunciation. Conditionally admitted students who successfully complete the highest level of IEP studies may begin their graduate law studies. 

Learn more about the Intensive English Program at the University of Dayton.

Online

Candidates who will be pursuing their LL.M. degree through online study must also demonstrate English proficiency. The online courses for the LL.M. degree and the United States Legal Practice Certificate are specifically designed for students whose native language is not English. In addition, enrollment in these courses is limited to only LL.M. students. As such, there is additional flexibility in the English proficiency requirements for students pursuing the LL.M. degree and this certificate option online.

Applicants must attain one of the following scores:

  • TOEFL score of at least 80 (iBT)
  • IELTS overall band score of 6.5.

Scores must be from a test taken within the past two (2) years. Scores from tests taken more than two (2) years prior to this application will not be accepted. In limited cases, applicants may submit a written proposal and alternate proof of English proficiency to request a waiver of the TOEFL or IELTS. In such a case, following review of the proposal and alternate proof of English proficiency, applicants may be invited to demonstrate English competency through a Zoom video interview.

Office of Admissions & Financial Aid

Phone: 937-229-3555

Email: llm_msl@udayton.edu

CONTACT

Online LL.M. Program

Keller Hall
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 2772
937-329-8651
Email
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