Why Choose USC's M.C.L. Program?
What is the Master of Comparative Law program?
The Master of Comparative Law (M.C.L.) program is a one-year degree program for international graduate LL.M. candidates seeking to continue their studies in U.S. and comparative laws. Most of our M.C.L. students come to our program after completing a year of graduate law studies.
What will my curriculum be like?
The M.C.L. program provides students with the opportunity to study the differences, similarities, and interrelationships of different systems of law around the world and will help you prepare for the challenges of today's global economy. The program runs from August through May, and is a top choice for students looking to become leaders in the legal profession.
Who will be my classmates?
M.C.L. students have included experienced lawyers, corporate counsel, consultants, judges, prosecutors, academics, members of government ministries and bankers. You will attend classes and events with our LL.M. and J.D. students. This promotes an environment that offers refreshing and diverse perspectives in and out of the classroom.
What are the program's requirements?
To graduate and earn a Master of Comparative Law (M.C.L.) degree, students must enroll in comparative law and upper-division courses, complete the M.C.L. writing requirement and satisfactorily complete 24 units of coursework at USC in two semesters of study. Up to 4 units of credit toward the M.C.L. degree can be earned in other schools at the University, such as the schools of Business; Policy, Planning and Development; Communications; and Cinema/Television. M.C.L. students participate in the USC Law's Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, and Entertainment Institutes where top speakers from the legal community discuss key issues each year.
Will I be studying all the time?
While you will need to devote time to your studies, M.C.L. and LL.M. students attend special events together, including a USC Trojan football game, a Los Angeles basketball game at the Staples Center, a night at the Hollywood Bowl, and a golf outing. M.C.L. and LL.M. students also share orientation activities and there are workshops throughout the year on case-briefing, bar preparation and other topics.
Curriculum
M.C.L. students satisfy their curriculum requirements by enrolling in courses and seminars selected from among USC Law's course offerings. M.C.L. candidates have the option of pursuing a concentration of study in a particular field, such as Corporate/Business Law, Administrative Law, Intellectual Property or International Law.
With Law School approval, up to 4 units of credit toward the M.C.L. degree can be earned in other schools in the University - provided that a similar course is not offered at USC Law. M.C.L. students are not permitted to enroll in courses for credit in which they have previously enrolled during their LL.M. studies.
Students must also consult with the Faculty Advisor for USC Law's M.C.L. program about the student's educational objectives and to seek advice about the curriculum selections.
