Simultaneously Earning an Undergraduate Degree and an LLM at Harvard Law School: An Impossibility

Can one complete both an undergraduate degree and the Master of Laws (LLM) program at Harvard Law School simultaneously? This question often arises among students considering prestigious law schools.

I am not a student or alumnus of Harvard, nor am I a faculty member. However, based on my knowledge of American legal education, I am confident in stating that it is not feasible to earn an LLM at the same time as an undergraduate degree at Harvard.

Understanding LLM Programs in the USA

In the United States, the LLM is a post-graduate degree in law, typically completed after obtaining the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The JD is the professional degree required to be admitted to the practice of law, while the LLM is designed for those who have already practiced law or those pursuing advanced legal studies in a specific field.

The Pathway to an LLM

The typical pathway, as outlined by many law schools, is as follows:

Earn an undergraduate degree Complete the JD degree Engage in advanced legal studies by obtaining an LLM

Most quality LLM programs admit students who already hold a JD or a foreign law degree. An LLM by itself does not serve as a pathway to entering legal practice; it is aimed at furthering legal expertise in a specific field.

The Request Unfeasible: Advanced Post-Grad Research Degree Before Undergrad

Your request to complete a post-graduate research degree (LLM) prior to even finishing your undergraduate degree and at one of the best law schools in the world, specifically Harvard, is a non-starter. This combination of degrees is not only impractical but also against the fundamental educational structure of legal studies.

Notably, some institutions may offer joint JD/LLM programs, but they do not typically provide joint undergraduate and LLM programs, especially not at Harvard. Harvard Law School has explicit requirements outlined on its official website for its LLM program.

Harvard Law School's Requirements for the LLM Program

According to Harvard Law School's own website, the requirements for their LLM program include:

A JD degree or equivalent from a recognized law school Strong academic credentials Proficiency in English (if not native) Compelling statement of purpose Letters of recommendation

These requirements clearly indicate that the LLM program at Harvard is intended for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree and a JD. It is designed for law professionals seeking advanced knowledge and specialization in a particular field or for further academic research.

Conclusion

While the idea of seamlessly blending an undergraduate degree with an advanced post-graduate degree like an LLM might seem appealing, it is not feasible within the current structure of legal education in the United States. The LLM is a research-intensive program designed for individuals who have already completed a JD, and it is not intended to be pursued alongside an undergraduate degree.

For those interested in advanced legal studies at Harvard, it is recommended to first complete an undergraduate degree, followed by the JD, and then the LLM if the desired field of specialization aligns with the program's offerings.

Keywords: undergraduate degree, LLM, Harvard Law School