JD+LLM Joint Degree in Elder Law

Students in good standing in Stetson’s JD program can apply for admission to the joint-degree program by completing a JD+LLM in Elder Law Application for Admission and Statement of Interest.

Students who complete the Elder Law Concentration and are admitted into the LLM program may receive up to 9 credits toward the 25-credit LLM in Elder Law, subject to eligibility requirements. The remaining LLM credits must be completed within two years through online coursework.

Is this joint degree online?

The JD classes that count toward the LLM in Elder Law degree are traditional, in-person JD courses. After graduation and conferral of the JD degree, enrollment in the LLM in Elder Law Program and all subsequent LLM courses are conducted online.

The online LLM program is designed for working attorneys and uses a flexible format including recorded lectures, live sessions, discussion boards, and practical assignments. The curriculum focuses on areas such as estate planning, Medicaid planning, guardianship, special needs planning, and aging-related legal issues.

Is this one degree or two?

Students who complete the required curriculum will receive two degrees: a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Elder Law.

Do I need to be a Stetson student to participate in this program?

Yes. You must be enrolled in Stetson’s JD program to participate in the joint degree.

I graduated from Stetson a couple of years ago. Am I eligible to participate?

No. You must apply and be admitted while still enrolled as a JD student.

However, graduates may apply separately to the LLM program and complete the full 25 credits.

What are the academic qualifications for admission?

An enrolled JD student with a cumulative GPA of 2.4 or above and not subject to the Further Required Curriculum is eligible to apply.

To receive LLM transfer credit, students must earn at least a 3.0 grade in eligible JD courses.

Why should I participate in this joint degree program?

While a JD qualifies graduates to practice law, an LLM in Elder Law provides advanced, specialized knowledge in serving older adults and individuals with disabilities.

This degree can help distinguish graduates in areas such as:

When can a Stetson JD student begin this program?

Students may apply during their second year (after completion of the third full-time semester).

How long do I have to complete this program?

Students must begin the LLM within two years of earning the JD and complete all LLM coursework within two years of starting.

What are the steps in the application process?

Applicants must submit the following to the Director of the Center for Elder Justice:

Deadlines:

What is the cost of the program?

Standard JD tuition applies to JD coursework. LLM tuition is charged separately; see the Elder Law LLM tuition page for current rates.

Curriculum

What courses do I need to take as a JD student in order to receive credit toward the LLM in Elder Law?

Students must complete the requirements of the Elder Law Concentration (21 credits), including foundational coursework, experiential learning, and electives. (See Elder Law Certificate of Concentration | Stetson University Academic Catalog). The following JD courses may be applied toward the LLM in Elder Law (up to a maximum of 9 credits):

What courses will I need to take in the LLM in Elder Law Program?

The LLM in Elder Law is a 25-credit program consisting of required courses and electives. (See LLM in Elder Law - Stetson Law)

Can JD courses count toward the LLM?

Yes. As noted above, students graduating with the Elder Law Concentration who enroll in the LLM may receive up to 9 credits toward the LLM Those courses satisfy the following LLM required courses:

What courses will I still need to complete after receiving transfer credit?

Students who receive the 9-credit transfer must complete 16 remaining LLM credits, including:

Required Courses

Electives

Students must complete two additional electives from the approved LLM elective list.

If you have any additional questions, please email: ElderJustice@law.stetson.edu