Due to the specialized and integrated curriculum of Loyola’s PROLAW program, all courses are mandatory, and credit transfer from other master’s programs or institutions is not permitted.

No. PROLAW follows a linear curriculum and cohort model with a fall semester start only.

Students need a Windows or iOS computer with camera, microphone, and reliable internet. Coursework is primarily via Sakai, Loyola’s open-source learning management system (recommended browsers: Firefox, Chrome). Some instructors may choose to use additional learning technologies such as Zoom, Panopto, or VoiceThread for course activities. All students will be assigned a Loyola ID and password through the university system and will have access to technical support.

The admission application deadline is August 1. Applications are reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Learn more about the application process.

International applicants must submit a transcript evaluation by a professional agency (NACES or LSAC) confirming degree equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s or master’s degree. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Pearson scores. Learn more about the application process.

Yes. The PROLAW program offers merit-based scholarships and financial aid options for eligible applicants to support access to this advanced rule of law education. Learn more about financial support opportunities. 

The global PROLAW cohort includes attorneys and other professionals with 2 to 15 years of rule of law experience. Each cohort typically represents about 15 countries. This diversity brings a wealth of perspectives and practical insights that significantly enrich your legal studies experience and collaborative learning within the program.

Courses are taught by experienced practitioners who have multijurisdictional experience in supporting national initiatives aimed at improving the rule of law. Fall courses are delivered online, asynchronously. The spring term is onsite at Loyola’s Rome Center in Italy. The Rome experience will help you establish unique bonds with your fellow students, while providing opportunities to develop valuable networks with leading international rule of law, development and humanitarian relief organizations headquartered in Rome.

Full-time students complete the program in 11 months (3 terms) whereas part-time period or stretch the same courses over 22 months (5 terms). Both require participation in the full spring semester in Rome (15 weeks). The part-time option may incur slightly higher costs due to tuition increases and fees over extra semesters.

In lieu of a traditional master’s thesis, the PROLAW degrees culminate in a rule of law capstone project that challenges students to apply the knowledge and analytical skills they have acquired in the program to real-world law and development challenges within their own area of interest. This capstone project will be conducted under the guidance of a PROLAW faculty member and counts towards the core curriculum requirements.

The capstone project allows you to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the program to your own area of interest (e.g., conflict resolution, governance, economic development, human rights, anti-corruption, or climate impacts). Some students have chosen to develop their projects together with an external organization, thereby supporting its efforts to address a specific problem or challenge within its mandate and providing a close collaboration opportunity.

No internships or assistantships are required. However, students often pursue internships post-graduation at organizations like the World Food Programme, International Development Law Organization, International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, World Bank, African Union, and others. Students are responsible for securing their internships, but the program offers application support and competitive stipends to successful applicants.

No. The PROLAW LLM does not qualify graduates to take the U.S. bar exam or practice law. Those seeking U.S. legal licensure should consider a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or Loyola‘s general LLM for international lawyers.

All PROLAW students have full access to Loyola Law Career Services and resources, in addition to personalized advising, workshops, alumni and employer connections, and hands-on opportunities delivered by our PROLAW staff and faculty to help you achieve your career goals.

In addition to personalized advising, workshops, and networking opportunities, the curriculum emphasizes professional development courses such as legal research, program design, project management, and policy advising required for careers in international law, governance, human rights, anti-corruption, and sustainable development.

Graduates develop practical, career-ready skills and analytical abilities for careers in development, justice, legal empowerment, human rights, security, gender equity, conflict resolution, corporate social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.

PROLAW graduates typically work as program managers, legal officers and advisors, consultants and national experts in government, civil society, and international organizations.

Over 250 graduates from 65 countries since 2011 lead global rule of law efforts in government, civil society, international organizations, with strong PROLAW ties for professional development and networking.