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School of Law

United States Law

Certificate

Designed for internationally trained lawyers, this 12-credit graduate certificate will provide you with a basic understanding of U.S. law and legal practice in a flexible online format.

Program curriculum Explore School of Law
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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
4 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Elevate our legal practice

The Graduate Certificate in United States Law provides internationally trained lawyers with a basic understanding of U.S. law and legal practice.

Students enrolled in the certificate program develop substantive knowledge of the principles and structures of the legal system in the United States and gain foundational knowledge of the ever-changing U.S. legal environment.

The program is offered in a flexible online format, and credits earned in this certificate program may be counted toward the School of Law’s Master of Laws (LLM) programs, including the online LLM, on-campus LLM, and on-campus experiential LLM.

  • Flexible online format
  • Credits earned in the United States law certificate program can be counted towards the School of Law’s LLM programs

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Application deadlines vary based on the program you’re applying to, and are available on the School of Law website.


Applicants to the United States Law certificate must hold a first professional law degree, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent.

  • Online application 

  • Resumé or curriculum vitae (CV) 

  • Personal statement

  • One letter of recommendation

  • Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework 

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • TOEFL or IELTS score report if English is not your first language or your first law degree was not completed in English

Program objectives

Prepare for success

The certificate program will enhance your global understanding and existing practice as an internationally trained lawyer.

Relevant training in U.S. law

Coursework prioritizes relevant case studies that will provide you with a basic understanding of U.S. law.

Leverage your legal expertise

As this program is designed for lawyers who have been trained internationally, coursework for the certificate is conducted at an advanced level. You will gain expertise in U.S. law swiftly.

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $14,628
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid
Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

Learn more about online learning at Northeastern

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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