NCCU College of Law Hosts USC Gould School of Law LL.M. Information Session: Exploring Diverse Programs and Career Opportunities
On March 9 at noon, NCCU College of Law hosted an LL.M. information session for the University of Southern California Gould School of Law (USC). The session was moderated by Professor Ting-Chi Liu and featured a presentation by Monica Kim, Senior Admissions Advisor at USC Gould School of Law, who provided a comprehensive introduction to the USC campus and its LL.M. programs.
Founded in 1896, USC Gould School of Law is the first law school in Southern California and one of the leading private research institutions in US. Located in LA, CA, the school is connected to the second-largest legal market in the U.S. and a major commercial hub. Opportunities arising from Hollywood also give USC Gould a competitive edge in the entertainment industry. Monica Kim further highlighted Los Angeles’s unique geography—with stunning coastlines to the west and majestic mountains to the east—allowing students to enjoy both urban life and nature. USC’s football team and the Los Angeles Dodgers are also widely recognized. Professor Liu added that the region’s pleasant climate makes it especially appealing for students who wish to escape long periods of rainy weather.
Monica Kim then introduced seven LL.M. programs. In addition to the general LL.M., students may choose specialized tracks such as LL.M. in Business Law, LL.M. in Media and Entertainment Law, and the increasingly popular LL.M. in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity.
In addition to the 21 required credits, the curriculum offers flexibility for students to choose electives based on their interests. Those pursuing professional certifications can utilize their time for relevant coursework without additional fees. USC also offers strong academic support through its Academic Excellence Program, which assists students with exams, English proficiency, and interview preparation, as well as bar exam support. For students who feel less confident in their English skills, a Two-Year LL.M. program is available, allowing students to strengthen language abilities before completing legal coursework. Additionally, USC offers a four-week Summer Law and English (SLE) program prior to the start of the academic year, providing intensive English training and a foundational introduction to common law systems. Current Taiwanese students at USC Gould noted that this program is also an excellent opportunity to build social connections.
Regarding the application process, students are encouraged to consult with staff at USC’s Taiwan office if they have any questions. Early application increases the likelihood of admission and scholarship opportunities. Notably, the USC LL.M. program does not impose minimum TOEFL or IELTS score requirements, and applicants from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. Scholarships are open to all applicants without specific restrictions.
In response to a student question about strengthening one’s resume—such as whether internships are necessary—Monica Kim explained that applications are evaluated holistically, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and work or internship experience. However, no single factor is mandatory. What matters most is clearly articulating one’s career goals and demonstrating why choosing the USC LL.M. program is essential to achieving those goals, along with conveying strong motivation.
On March 9 at noon, NCCU College of Law hosted an LL.M. information session for the University of Southern California Gould School of Law (USC). The session was moderated by Professor Ting-Chi Liu and featured a presentation by Monica Kim, Senior Admissions Advisor at USC Gould School of Law, who provided a comprehensive introduction to the USC campus and its LL.M. programs.
Founded in 1896, USC Gould School of Law is the first law school in Southern California and one of the leading private research institutions in US. Located in LA, CA, the school is connected to the second-largest legal market in the U.S. and a major commercial hub. Opportunities arising from Hollywood also give USC Gould a competitive edge in the entertainment industry. Monica Kim further highlighted Los Angeles’s unique geography—with stunning coastlines to the west and majestic mountains to the east—allowing students to enjoy both urban life and nature. USC’s football team and the Los Angeles Dodgers are also widely recognized. Professor Liu added that the region’s pleasant climate makes it especially appealing for students who wish to escape long periods of rainy weather.
Monica Kim then introduced seven LL.M. programs. In addition to the general LL.M., students may choose specialized tracks such as LL.M. in Business Law, LL.M. in Media and Entertainment Law, and the increasingly popular LL.M. in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity.
In addition to the 21 required credits, the curriculum offers flexibility for students to choose electives based on their interests. Those pursuing professional certifications can utilize their time for relevant coursework without additional fees. USC also offers strong academic support through its Academic Excellence Program, which assists students with exams, English proficiency, and interview preparation, as well as bar exam support. For students who feel less confident in their English skills, a Two-Year LL.M. program is available, allowing students to strengthen language abilities before completing legal coursework. Additionally, USC offers a four-week Summer Law and English (SLE) program prior to the start of the academic year, providing intensive English training and a foundational introduction to common law systems. Current Taiwanese students at USC Gould noted that this program is also an excellent opportunity to build social connections.
Regarding the application process, students are encouraged to consult with staff at USC’s Taiwan office if they have any questions. Early application increases the likelihood of admission and scholarship opportunities. Notably, the USC LL.M. program does not impose minimum TOEFL or IELTS score requirements, and applicants from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. Scholarships are open to all applicants without specific restrictions.
In response to a student question about strengthening one’s resume—such as whether internships are necessary—Monica Kim explained that applications are evaluated holistically, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and work or internship experience. However, no single factor is mandatory. What matters most is clearly articulating one’s career goals and demonstrating why choosing the USC LL.M. program is essential to achieving those goals, along with conveying strong motivation.
