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Distance Learning
Since 2000, the Insurance Law Center has made the LL.M. degree available through distance learning. Distance learning students take most classes through video streaming; students watch and listen to live classes over the internet and participate in class through a toll-free conference call. The Insurance Law Center offers four to five of its insurance law classes available for distance learning each semester. Generally these classes meet once a week at night (6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time). Distance learning students typically take one or two courses a semester and can complete the LL.M. program within 2-4 years. Students do not need to purchase any equipment and only need access to a computer with video capabilities (e.g. Windows Media Player or QuickTime) and a high-speed internet connection.
The Insurance Law Center is also developing several courses in a completely online environment. These courses are "asynchronous," meaning that all students participate online and there are few if any live classes. These courses are developed under the guidance of experienced faculty members and lawyers, and one of the top online curriculum developers in the United States. Typically online courses emphasize short written exercises, significant online discussion and require a time commitment at least equal to, if not exceeding, that of traditional live courses. The first online course was Liability Insurance, taught in spring 2007. The Center anticipates offering three online courses in the 2007-2008 academic year: Reinsurance Law, Liability Insurance, and Surety Law. These classes are available to all LL.M. and J.D. students.
LL.M. students enrolled through the distance learning program must fulfill all degree requirements with the exception of physical attendance on campus. LL.M. fees are identical to those charged other Insurance Law LL.M. students and can be found on the Insurance Law Center's website. Note that beginning in the fall term, 2008, all distance learning students will be required to come to the Law School campus for their first class and an orientation. Students should set aside 2-3 days for this visit.
The School of Law and the Insurance Law Center welcomes LL.M. applicants holding a law degree from another country, and each year international students enroll in and complete our program. However, currently, the distance learning program is available only to LL.M. students who have already obtained a J.D. degree from an accredited law school in the United States. International students, and J.D. students from other law schools participating in our J.D./LL.M. program, must enroll in the program on campus.
The Insurance Law Center offers the only LL.M. program in Insurance Law in the United States and receives inquiries and applications from throughout the world. Admission is competitive and we generally admit only four to six new distance learning students a year in order to ensure that our distance learning students receive ample attention. The admission deadline is May 15, but applicants should apply early as admission decisions are typically made within three to four weeks of receipt of a complete application. The application materials are on the Program's website and are identical for all LL.M. applicants. Ms. Yan Hong, our Insurance Law Librarian, has created a webpage for our distance learning students explaining various databases available to all law students at the School.
Applicants interested in pursuing the LL.M. degree via distance learning may contact the Insurance Law Center via e-mail or phone: 860-570-5184.