School of Law

School of Law

International Law

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Suited to students who have an interest in learning about international law and expanding their horizons, this emphasis area prepares you to work in a global or militaristic environment with people from around the world.

The emphasis in International Law provides a broad understanding of international law and an increased ability to work in foreign and multijurisdictional legal environments. It increases multicultural awareness and intercultural skills and equips students with the knowledge and skills to start a career in an increasingly global and transnational environment, including careers in government, business, non-profit organizations and international organizations.

  • A minimum number of courses in international law, foreign law or comparative law
  • Research paper on an international, comparative or foreign law topic
  • A significant overseas experience

The School of Law offers a wide variety of international, comparative and foreign law courses. Others are available through independent study or by taking courses at other institutions. For the detailed requirements to earn the emphasis in International Law, please refer to the UMKC course catalog.

Sample coursework

  • International Law
  • International Human Rights Law
  • Global Legal Studies
  • International Business Transactions
  • International Trade and Finance Law
  • Conflict of Laws
  • International Tax
  • International Commercial Arbitration
  • Immigration Law and Processes
  • Immigration Policy
  • International Criminal Law
  • Chinese Law
  • European Union Law
  • Spanish for Lawyers
  • International Moot Court

The School of Law also operates several short- and long-term study abroad programs, including experiences in China, Ireland, Italy, Mexico and The Hague. The School of Law enthusiastically encourages participation in multicultural experiences, including the participation in ad hoc exchange programs. In recent years, hundreds of students have participated in UMKC’s study abroad programs.

More generally, the School of Law is proud to offer opportunities to engage in a rich international environment. Several full-time faculty members focus on international law and have extensive international experiences. With an international LL.M. program that is particularly large and robust, the law school has many international students who are integrated into the J.D. curriculum. There are also opportunities to participate in the student-led International Law Society and to compete on several international law moot court teams. Additionally, the school has partnerships with universities and law schools around the world. Through those partnerships, we attract visiting scholars and graduate students and provide faculty and students opportunities to travel and engage internationally.

  • Jessup International Moot Court Competition
  • Inter-American Human Right Moot Court Competition
  • ELSA World Trade Law Moot Court Competition
  • International Commercial Arbitration Competition (for LL.M. students)

  • International Law Society