Studying for an LLM (Master of Laws) in Ohio

LLM in Ohio It is true that when many international students consider studying for the LLM in the USA, the idea of studying in a state like New York or California immediately pops to the mind while studying in the state of Ohio perhaps is not automatically a consideration. While certainly New York or California are considered to be the more “happening” states, students must make an informed decision carefully weighing the pros and the cons of studying in alternative US states such as Ohio.

Ohio is in fact a great place to study a Master of Laws course. The educational system and research facilities in the state are highly valued and allow you to gain an accredited degree from the US which will be extremely well regarded in your home country. At the same time the costs of studying in Ohio are reasonable and significantly lower than in many other states of the USA. Therefore, if you are planning on studying in the US and are on a budget and need to keep living costs on the low side, studying in Ohio is definitely an option worth considering!

The state of Ohio is located in Mid-Western USA and is bordered by the Ohio River and Lake Erie. Neighboruing states are Pennsylvania on the east, West Virginia and Kentucky on the southeast and south, Indiana on the west, and Michigan on the northwest. It is a region that has witnessed significant economic growth due to its location and connecting links.

The typical climate in Ohio is continental humid and generally the summer months are fairly hot while winters are cool-cold.

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Where & what to study in Ohio

An LLM course is offered at various institutions in Ohio, including The Ohio State University, University of Akron, Case Western Reserve University, University of Cincinnati, Cleveland State University, Ohio Northern University and the University of Dayton.

Students can study for the General LLM or specialisations such as international criminal law, US and global legal studies, intellectual property law and democratic governance and rule of law.

Law student’s perspective

Faizan Ahmed, a student from Pakistan at the University of Dayton in Ohio describes her experience of being a student in Ohio:

“When I participate in the events arranged by the university I don’t feel like I am away from my home. I feel like I am part of a whole new international family here at Dayton which provides various nurturing opportunities.”

Applications & admissions

For admissions purposes, all foreign candidates must hold a first degree in law from a university recognised by the American Bar Association or its foreign equivalent and must demonstrate proof of their English language proficiency by submitting TOEFL scores. In terms of the application procedure your admission application should include an application form, application fee, curriculum vitae, personal statement, sample of written work (for some universities), letters of recommendation, official transcripts with translations and TOEFL score report.

Tuition fees & living costs

The tuition fees for an LLM in Ohio range from $25,000 to $45,000 depending on the institution of your choice.

Living expenses also vary according to the lifestyle but a student will need to set aside an annual budget of $15,000-$20,000 for accommodation, food, books and other personal expenses. These are much more reasonable as compared to studying in other states of the USA.

There is some possibility of obtaining financial aid or scholarships which are offered by individual institutions. You may note that it is easier to obtain a scholarship in universities in Ohio as compared to other states such as New York and California which are much more competitive. However, competition for scholarships is still strong and you will find yourself competing with applicants from across the globe. You therefore, need to submit a very strong application in order to obtain a scholarship.

Students are expected to have sufficient funds to finance their course and to satisfy the visa clearance officer regarding proof of funding. Seeking part time work may also be a potential option but you must comply with all terms and conditions of your entry visa which only permits students to work for 20 hours a week. You may also bear in mind that the rigours of a master’s course may not leave sufficient time for working, in fact, some schools limit the hours that students may work.

What to do in State Capital Columbus when you aren’t studying

The state capital of Columbus offers many of the advantages of a major city — a thriving art and music scene, concerts and shows of every kind, not to mention Zagat-rated restaurants. It is also easy to navigate, and is filled with friendly people for which the Midwest is famous.

Students and others living here particularly enjoy watching the professional soccer and hockey teams play, as well as visiting the zoo, which is ranked #1 in the nation. Shoppers delight in Columbus’ three large malls, as well as specialty boutiques in the Short North Arts District. Within the city, there are miles of trails made for walking and biking, and a beautiful riverfront park downtown. And fans of the great outdoors can head just outside the city, where the Hocking Hills area features caves, waterfalls, and lazy rivers for canoeing.

As well as these activities, you can rest assured that there will be plenty to do at your university campus. The universities attract students from across the globe and offer a wealth of activities to the students. There are plenty of clubs and societies to join which match your own interests and provide means to meet students with similar interests. At the same time there are plenty of social evenings and events arranged. This provides a great opportunity to enhance your experiences outside the classroom.

Top 10 reasons to study in Cincinnati

Do you want to live and study in a city that combines the advantages of a bustling metropolis alongside small-town cosiness? Then Cincinnati, Ohio could be the place for you!

World-class arts and culture facilities.
Forbes listed it as one of the Best Bargain US cities – making it the ideal place to live as a student.
It’s also counted among the Top 10 Safest US cities.
It’s the seat of both the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
More than 800 law firms are based here – making for great work experience and employment opportunities.
Time magazine named Cincinnati one of the "Ten Best Cities to Start a Career".
Do you like the great outdoors? Then you’ll be please to know that Cincinnati has one of the biggest and best park systems in the nation, including the new Friendship Park along the river.
Is music your thang? Cincinnati has a buzzing live music scene with the MidPoint Music Festival. Plus, Macy's Music Festival features the best in jazz and R&B, while Cincinnati's symphony and opera companies are among the best in America.
Sports' enthusiasts can support the Bengals (football), the Reds (baseball) and the Cyclones (hockey).
When you have a bit of downtime the Newport Aquarium and Cincinnati Zoo are great places to visit.

What other US states can you study in?

There are plenty of LLM opportunities for those interested in the living and studying in the United States and we have essential LLM study guides to over 20 US states, including: