Most international students seek the master's degree, having already been trained in the law of their own countries. To qualify for this degree, the student must successfully complete two semesters of study in residence, and no fewer than twenty-one semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Included in the twenty-one credits of work must be at least two credits of individual written work to be completed whether in a seminar or in an independent study course supervised by a faculty member. Many students also take a first-year course. Most foreign students will be expected to enroll in Introduction to American Law, which provides an overview of several areas of the American legal system and also a two-credit legal writing course, which offers instruction and practice in the kinds of written tasks facing American law practitioners.
International students attend classes with American students and are graded on the same basis.
The degree is granted to students who achieve a grade point average of 2.5. Candidates ordinarily are expected to complete the LL.M. degree in one year. Outstanding international students who have earned a degree at the master's level from Duke or a law school of recognized standing, and who have a serious academic interest in law, may be admitted as provisional candidates for the S.J.D. degree. Only international students who have achieved superior academic performance during the master's degree program as well as at their home institutions should apply to the S.J.D. program. Samples of written work, such as completed seminar papers, and a statement of research intentions, should be included with the application.