National Security Law

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in National Security Law at Georgetown University offers an in-depth exploration of the complex legal and policy issues surrounding national security in the United States and globally. Established within the Georgetown University Law Center, one of the premier law schools in the country, this program is designed for legal professionals, government officials, military personnel, and scholars interested in understanding the intricacies of national security and its intersection with law, policy, and ethics. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, intelligence law, constitutional considerations, military law, border security, and human rights concerns related to security policies. Students will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts through classroom seminars, faculty-led discussions, and research projects, deepening their understanding of both statutory and constitutional frameworks that govern national security operations. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills necessary to navigate the legal challenges faced by policymakers and security practitioners. In addition to coursework, students can participate in moot courts, internships, and specialized clinics, providing practical experience in security law issues. Georgetown’s location in Washington, D.C., affords students unique access to government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations, fostering valuable connections and insights into the policymaking process. The LL.M. in National Security Law prepares graduates for careers in government service, international organizations, law firms specializing in security and defense, or academia, where they can contribute to shaping and implementing the legal frameworks that underpin national and international security. This program exemplifies Georgetown’s commitment to fostering the highest standards of legal scholarship and public service in the realm of national security.

Students selected for the National Security Law LL.M. take part in a rigorous academic program.  The National Security Law LL.M. requires that students complete the Proseminar in National Security Law, coursework both in national security law and possibly in other fields, and a writing requirement.

Proseminar

The Proseminar in National Security Law serves as the gateway course for National Security Law LL.M. students, and it is one of the distinguishing features of the program.

The three credit Proseminar is taught by a full time faculty member and is composed solely of the National Security Law LL.M. students. Taught in the autumn, the course provides students with a basic foundation in national security law and an opportunity to think more broadly about the field.  The course also serves to bring students together to build cohesion among the class.  In addition, the Proseminar helps ensure that students who leave Georgetown Law to join different parts of the national security dialogue—e.g., civilian and military government agencies, human rights organizations, boutique law firms, in-house at high technology companies, contractors, civil liberties organizations, academic institutions, and the like—have an opportunity to be in direct dialogue with each other.

Additional Coursework Requirements

To obtain the LL.M. in National Security Law degree, graduate students who received their JD degree from a law school in the United States must:

• Successfully complete 24 academic credits, including 18 academic credits ("specialization credits") in courses listed under National Security Law in the course schedule (listed below), including
• The Proseminar in National Security Law;
• Either International Law I or Foreign Relations Law if not completed in the prior law degree. Contact Tina Drake Zimmerman to request a waiver if you have taken a prior course that you think will satisfy this requirement;and
• Earn a cumulative minimum grade point average of "B‑" in the courses that are counted toward the LL.M. in National Security Law specialization requirements.

To obtain the LL.M. in National Security Law degree, graduate students who received their first law degree from a law school outside the United States ("international students")must:

• Successfully complete 20 academic credits, including 14 academic credits ("specialization credits") in courses listed under National Security Law in the course schedule (listed below), including
• The Proseminar in National Security Law;
• Either International Law I or Foreign Relations Law if not completed in the prior law degree. Contact Tina Drake Zimmerman to request a waiver if you have taken a prior course that you think will satisfy this requirement;
• Earn a cumulative minimum grade point average of "B‑" in the courses that are counted toward the LL.M. in National Security Law specialization requirements.

While not required, it is strongly recommended that foreign-trained students enroll in U.S. Legal Research, Writing, and Analysis.

• Application Form;
• Application Fee;
• Resume;
• Personal Statement;
• Transcripts;
• Registrar's Certification Form;
• TOEFL Score (or waiver request);
• Letters of Recommendation; and
• Conduct explanation (if applicable).
• Applicants to the National Security LL.M.,  Global Health LL.M., and Global Health & International Institutions LL.M. are expected to have some background, either professional or academic/research experience, in the relevant area.

Scholarships

Georgetown Law awards a small number of partial merit based scholarships to foreign-educated lawyers who apply to the LL.M. Degree Programs. To be eligible for consideration for a scholarship, applicants must submit a completed LL.M. application no later than the February 10, 2017 regular deadline (although awards may be made on a rolling basis). Georgetown Law will select applicants for awards on the basis of their LL.M. application. No separate application or documentation is necessary.

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in National Security Law at Georgetown University Law Center is a specialized program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks that underpin national security policy and practice in the United States. This program is particularly suitable for legal professionals, government officials, military personnel, and others interested in the complex legal issues surrounding national security, counterterrorism, intelligence operations, and related areas. The curriculum offers a rigorous academic approach, including core courses, electives, and experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests within national security law.

Core courses typically cover topics such as constitutional law as it pertains to national security, counterterrorism law, intelligence law, homeland security law, and the legal authorities of military and civilian agencies. Students also explore the balance between security and individual rights, privacy issues, cybersecurity law, and international legal considerations related to armed conflicts and terrorism. The program emphasizes critical analysis of legal doctrines, policy implications, and real-world applications, preparing graduates for careers in government agencies, international organizations, private sector firms, or academia.

The faculty includes renowned experts in national security law, many of whom have practical experience in governmental and international institutions. The program often collaborates with Georgetown's Security Law Institute and other relevant centers, providing students access to conferences, seminars, and networking opportunities with practitioners and policymakers. Georgetown's location in Washington, D.C., offers students unique proximity to federal agencies like the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, the FBI, and the State Department, enhancing internship and employment prospects.

In addition to classroom instruction, students have opportunities for hands-on learning through moot courts, externships, and capstone projects. The university fosters an environment of interdisciplinary inquiry, encouraging engagement with related fields such as international relations, public policy, and cybersecurity. Graduates of the LL.M. program are well-positioned to influence and shape national security policies or to serve in legal advisory roles in various governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations.

The program generally takes one academic year to complete for full-time students, with part-time options available for working professionals. Admission requirements typically include a first law degree (J.D. or equivalent), strong academic credentials, and relevant professional experience or demonstrated interest in national security issues. The application process involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and, often, standardized test scores such as the LSAT or GRE.

Overall, the Master of Laws in National Security Law at Georgetown University Law Center provides an in-depth legal education on issues critical to national security, designed to prepare students for impactful careers in a rapidly evolving legal landscape shaped by new threats and technological advances.