University of Southern California

Overview

The International Business and Economic Law (LLM) program at the University of Southern California (USC) equips graduates with the expertise to navigate cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution within global markets. This program emphasizes practical legal knowledge in key areas such as international trade, investment law, and international business transactions, all framed within the context of the U.S. legal system.

What you'll study

The LLM in International Business and Economic Law consists of 24 units of graduate coursework. Students are required to complete three core courses and can select additional electives from an array of approved graduate law offerings to fulfill the unit requirements.

Mandatory components:

• Introduction to the U.S. Legal System (mandatory for international students)
• Three required LLM IBEL courses (chosen from the program’s core curriculum)

Course areas (examples of topics offered):

• Business Organizations
• Global Regulatory Compliance
• International Trade Policy
• International Business Transactions
• International Investment Law and Arbitration

Electives and academic planning:

Electives are chosen in consultation with program advisors to align with your professional aspirations, whether in trade, investment, compliance, or transactional law. Typically, students complete the degree through coursework and assessments rather than a thesis requirement.

Entry requirements

Applicants must possess a degree deemed equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, as determined by the USC Office of Graduate & International Admission. Admission decisions are generally based on academic qualifications and the overall strength of the application, with no specific GRE/GMAT or minimum GPA thresholds publicly stated.

Career prospects