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International Law Certificate

Prepare to meet the challenges of legal careers in an increasingly global profession. Study the many aspects of international law through our certificate program.

Program Snapshot

JD

90

3 Years

Salem Campus

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Earn a Certificate in International Law

Gain a thorough understanding of the principles and practices governing international legal systems. Deepen your expertise in law topics such as international human rights, environmental protection law, and the regulation of international business. Enhance your legal career opportunities through our international law certificate program.

Why pursue a certificate in international law at Willamette?

  • Career opportunities. Adding a certificate in international law to your JD can highlight your dedication to your focus area. Enhance your profile when pursuing career options.
  • Specific certificate courses. Deepen your knowledge with courses related to human rights, immigration law, and even foreign relations law. Choose from a wide array of international law courses.
  • Opportunities outside the classroom. Participate in Immigration Clinic, Moot Court, or the Willamette Journal of International Law and Dispute Resolution

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Curriculum

Our certificate courses are designed to prepare students for a career in an increasingly global profession. Our certificates go along with our JD degree program, and are designed to help students take courses about specific legal issues. Learn more about our specialized and core course offerings and the program requirements.

  • LAW 265 International Criminal Law

    Explore international criminal law, examining its development and application. Consider the intersection of international human rights, humanitarianism, and public law. Analyze various responses to war crimes and mass atrocities and review the legal frameworks of the Geneva Conventions.

  • LAW 373 Human Rights

    Learn about international human rights norms, exploring their historical origins, ideological underpinnings, and issues such as universality versus cultural relativism. Discuss key human rights agreements and enforcement mechanisms, examine remedies for violations, and delve into specific rights and collective rights.

Our Certificate in International Law Stands Out

Program Values
Our International Law Certificate program is dedicated to developing lawyers who excel in the global legal landscape. With a commitment to preserving democracy, we equip our students with the comprehensive knowledge, practical experience, and essential skills needed to tackle complex international issues. Discover how we support international checks and balances, fair elections, and the rule of law.
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Get Involved with International Law

Develop a deeper understanding of international law. Work with clients seeking asylum, develop skills in appellate and trial advocacy, and navigate legal scholarship. Experience hands-on learning and build your legal skills outside of the classroom. Learn more about our international law programs and opportunities.

  • Immigration Clinic

    Students in the Clinic primarily represent clients seeking asylum or who have been victims of trafficking. Students gain experience with client interviews, application filings, preparing briefs, and representing clients in administrative or Immigration Court hearings.

  • Willamette Journal of International Law and Dispute Resolution

    The Willamette Journal of International Law and Dispute Resolution is a student-run publication offering articles on international law and dispute resolution. It serves as a resource for practitioners, judges, and legislators, while also providing timely commentary on global legal developments.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a total of 14 course hours in addition to a capstone. Students can complete their capstone requirement in one of two ways: (1) complete the graduation writing requirement in a course that is both certificate-approved and GWR-approved; or (2) complete an experiential learning course that is both certificate-approved and experiential-learning-approved.

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Admission Details

Only current students can apply to our certificate program. In their online application, students must attest to their academic good standing (i.e. cumulative GPA above 2.30) and provide a 250-word personal statement explaining why they wish to pursue their certificate. The director may cap the size of the program, based on advising capacity and capstone course availability. Please contact the Program Director for further information.

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FAQs

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