Concentrations

As part of the LL.M. in American Law degree program, you may pursue concentrations in two of the most important fields of global work: International Business Practice and Intellectual Property.

What is a Concentration?

A concentration is a directed program of study in a particular field of law. (In some countries, these are called "specializations.") Many American law schools, including BU Law, offer "concentrations" to their J.D. students. BU Law is among the first to offer this opportunity to foreign LL.M.'s -- in two of the most important fields of global legal work: Intellectual Property and International Business Practice. BU Law's concentrations require successfully completing at least four courses in the area of concentration. Pursuing a concentration does not change the LL.M. In American Law Program's degree requirements and does not change the application to the American Law Program. The specific courses which fulfill a concentration's requirements will be made available when the upcoming academic year's course offerings are published, usually in late April.

Why Pursue a Concentration?

Concentrations are entirely optional. You can decide to concentrate before or after you arrive and choose your courses. Reasons to consider a concentration include:

Focused, Specialized Learning

A concentration gives you the option to pursue the same kind of focused coursework as in a specialized LL.M. program, such as an LL.M. in Intellectual Property or LL.M. in Corporate Law. The courses which satisfy a concentration's requirements have been carefully selected to provide exposure to a full range of International Business Practice or Intellectual Property issues. This gives assurance that your studies consist of the most relevant and useful courses. A concentration can also demonstrate to employers -- either in the U.S. or overseas -- your commitment to a particular area of law.

Flexibility to Use Certificate as Best Suits You

If you pursue a concentration, you will receive a separate concentration certificate from BU Law in addition to your LL.M. diploma. While your degree remains an LL.M. in American Law degree, you may chose to present your concentration certificate to employers, depending on the particular position you are pursuing.

The Intellectual Property Concentration

BU Law ranks among the top 9 schools in Intellectual Property, according to US News and World Report. Concentrators will not only study the essentials of copyright, patents and trademark law, but they will also have the opportunity to select specialized offerings relating to such cutting-edge topics as Internet law, e-commerce, legal Issues in high-tech start-ups, technology licensing and biotechnology and the law. The concentration requires a minimum of four classes.

View the Intellectual Property Concentration Classes.

International Business Practice

BU Law's leadership in corporate, business, commercial, banking, tax and financial law is renown. Students who concentrate in International Business Practice will immerse themselves in a range of business or commercial law courses offered through the School's J.D. Program, LL.M. in Banking and Financial Law Program, or Graduate Tax Program. Students will select from over 50 specialized courses, receiving exposure to such important topics as international business transactions, corporations, international trade, securities regulation, international project finance, transnational litigation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and antitrust. The concentration requires a minimum of four classes, including a required fall semester corporations class.

View the International Business Practice Concentration Classes.