Prospective Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Students

Traditional and Online Options to Empower Explorers

Since 2008, Nebraska Law has been the only law college in the nation to offer an LL.M. degree in space, cyber, and telecommunications law and to offer our full curriculum to our  Juris Doctorate (J.D.) students as a concentrated program of study. 

In 2013 the University of Nebraska College of Law broke new ground as the only doctoral-level space law program in the United States, offering a J.S. D. in Space Law. Research-focused and dissertation-based, the J.S.D. program requires students to write a book-length thesis about an aspect of space law. The degree broadens opportunities for experienced lawyers and legal scholars to delve into the very intricate and complex issues facing the regulation of outer space activities in an in-depth manner.

The program also offers an Executive Certificate program from practicing attorneys looking to specialize in a specific area of our curriculum. J.D. students at Nebraska Law also benefit from our expansive space, cyber, and telecommunications law curriculum and may design a program of study in this field.

Below you will find information about program options and information about each degree option:

J.D. Program of Concentrated Study On Campus, Full Time, LL.M. Online, Part Time, LL.M. Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) in Space Law Executive Certificates General Curricular InformationContact: Josh Redwine, 402-472-1662, joshua.redwine@unl.edu

J.D. Program of Concentrated Study

JD admissions is the same for all students, regardless of interest/concentration area. Learn about applying to the JD program here.

Current J.D. students may take all of the Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law curriculum and apply for a program of concentrated study certificate. The program is considered an Individualized Program of Concentrated Study, rather than a fixed title program so that J.D. students can focus on a specific field of interest for their required hours and title their concentration in a way that is most beneficial to them.

Requirements:

  • Individualized Program of Concentrated Study (IPCS) must be developed by the student in cooperation with a faculty member qualified in the concentration. It is also adviced students meet with the program Executive Director. 
  • To complete a program, 15 credit hours must be taken in at least five upper level courses and approved by a faculty member as relevant to the concentration.
  • IPCS must be declared before a student begins his or her third year of study.

Students are suggested to meet with the faculty they hope to work with and the program Executive Director to discuss their goals and plans for the certificate program. Forms to complete the program registration are available in the Dean's Office or on the Individualized Program of Study  page.

On Campus, Full Time, LL.M.

The LL.M. program is open both to persons with J.D. degrees from ABA-accredited law schools and to persons with degrees in law from foreign universities. This highly competitive program enrolls between 8-10 students per academic year to ensure individualized attention during the demanding course year. A minimum of 24 credits is required to complete the LL.M. program.

On Campus Program Graduation Requirements:

  • Complete an introductory noncredit course in American law (for students with foreign law degrees only)
  • Complete (or be excused from) the required courses
  • Complete the LL.M. Research Independent Study 
  • Attain a weighted average grade of no less than 6.0/9.0 for all courses taken at the Law College
  • Attend the Lincoln and DC Annual Conferences (travel provided to one)

Application Requirements: We require a personal statement, all undergraduate and law college transcripts, the LSAC application questionnaire, a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 letters of recommendation, and a resume.

International Applicants: TOEFL score of 100 (on the internet based test) is required by foreign applicants from non english speaking countries. We may also consider an IETLS score of 7 or above. 

Deadlines: We accept applications at all times, but require an August semester start time for the full time program. International students, please note while sometimes it may be possible, we can never guarantee a fall semester start date for applications received after March 31.

Apply by creating an account at LSAC.org and selecting the application for the correct Nebraska Law program. You must apply via LSAC, the law college may not accept materials via email.

On Campus Tuition and Veterans Benefits: LL.M. tuition and fees for the one-year on campus (not online) program are $28,104 for the academic year. The program consists of one full-time academic year, paid for in two semesters.In addition to tuition, the University estimates approximately $1,379 for Books and Supplies, $9,000 for room and board (depending on where you choose to live), and $3,684 for personal expenses. The annual total estimate of education-related expenses to attend the program totals around $41,000.

Scholarships for this program are extremely limited.

The LLM program is eligible for most Veterans Benefits. Additional details about the University's participation are available here: http://veteran.unl.edu/tuition-options (note, the costs generally listed on that page refer to undergraduate students, but the benefits apply to other programs as well)

Online, Part Time, LL.M.

Our online program is a 6 semester, part-time online option for industry professionals. The Online LL.M. was created to address the growing demand for the program by experienced practitioners who want to obtain an LL.M. degree while maintaining their existing work-life and thus we give preference to those with three years legal experience in admissions for the online program.

Online LL.M. students “attend” classes synchronously with students who attend on-campus. The use of Zoom allows online students to ask questions, view the class, and participate in class discussions. In sum, the online students are expected to complete the same coursework and thesis requirements that satisfy all of the requirements on-campus students must satisfy. Online students simply have a longer period of time in which to do so. Please be aware the online program is a part time way for remote students to access what is primarily a traditional academic program. Class times are during the workday and the course structure is like a traditional, socratic law school classroom. Tests are given under the same testing requirements and honor code as traditional, full time, students.

The Online LL.M. program is open both to persons with J.D. degrees from ABA-accredited law schools and to persons with degrees in law from foreign universities. This highly competitive program enrolls between 3-8 students per academic year to ensure individualized attention during the demanding course year.

The LL.M. program is most appropriately designed for students already in a career track, looking to build upon their existing experience.

Online Program Graduation Requirements

  • Complete an introductory noncredit course in American law (for students with foreign law degrees only)
  • Complete or be excused from the required courses
  • Complete the LL.M. Research Independent Study 
  • Attain a weighted average grade of no less than 6.0/9.0 for all courses taken at the Law College
  • Attend the Lincoln or DC Annual Conferences (travel provided to one)
  • Complete 3 credit hours in-residence prior to graduation, including at least one credit during the first two semesters (at student's expense, online fees still apply)
  • Participation in 75% of each course “live” (synchronously) is required unless a waiver is obtained by the professor.

As noted above, online students are required to complete 3 credit hours in-residence prior to graduation, including at least one credit during the first two semesters. The Spring semester generally features several mini-courses (shortened schedule, 1-2 credit courses). No travel costs are routinely provided or guaranteed.

Online Application Requirements: We require a personal statement, all undergraduate and law college transcripts, the LSAC application questionnaire, a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 letters of recommendation, and a resume.

International Applicants: TOEFL score of 100 (on the internet based test) is required by foreign applicants from non english speaking countries. We may also consider an IETLS score of 7 or above. 

Deadlines: We accept applications at all times. An August start time is strongly preferred. 

Apply by creating an account at LSAC.org and selecting the application for the correct Nebraska Law program. You must apply via LSAC, the law college may not accept materials via email.

Computer and System Requirements: We require the following computer specifications for students using Zoom to participate in Online LL.M. courses

  • CPU: Recommended: Core i5 or Core i7 at 2.0 GHz or equivalent/better. Minimum: Core 2 Duo at least 2.0 GHz.
  • RAM: Recommended: 4 GB or more. Minimum: 2 GB.
  • Graphics: Recommended:Discrete ATI or NVidia graphics card with at least 512mb video memory. Not Recommended: Intel Integrated Graphics or equivalent.
  • Screen Size: Recommended: at least 14” laptop screen, or optionally, a 20”+ external LCD monitor for best viewing.
  • Network: Recommended: Fiber/FIOS or Gigabit Ethernet connection, or Cable, DSL, etc. with at least 10 Mbps downstream. Minimum: DSL, Cable, etc. with at least 2 Mbps Downstream.
  • Hardware: You will need to provide your own working webcam – built-in laptop webcams are fine. If you need to buy an external USB web camera, we recommend the Microsoft LifeCam Studio.

Online Tuition and Veteran's Benefits: It is estimated that students will enroll in approximately 3-6 credit hours each semester, for a maximum of 6 semesters. Additional costs may be incurred in order to complete the residency requirement. Below are the estimated costs for the upcoming academic year.

  • Tuition $1,650.00 per credit hour
  • Distance Space Law Ed. Fee $83.00 per credit hour
  • LL.M. Technology Fee $83.00 per credit hour (this may appear on statements as "law college fee")
  • University Online Fee $35.00 per credit hour (this may appear on statements, in an additional line item, as "law college fee")
  • In addition to the costs outlined above, students will be assessed a $20.00 registration fee each semester they enroll in courses. At this time there is no change in tuition based on Nebraska residency for this program.
  • Fees are applied to every credit hour enrolled in the online program, whether taken as part of the in-resident requirement or remotely.
  • All costs and fee are subject to change by the Regents each year.

At this time there are no scholarships for this program.

The LLM program is eligible for most Veterans Benefits. Additional details about the University's participation are available here: http://veteran.unl.edu/tuition-options (note, the costs generally listed on that page refer to undergraduate students, but the benefits apply to other programs as well).

Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) in Space Law

The Doctor of the Science of Law at Nebraska Law is a doctoral degree for students wanting to do advanced research in Space Law and to produce a book-length thesis on a Space Law topic. This program breaks new ground as the only doctoral-level space law program in the United States. The University of Nebraska College of law is the only law school in the United States offering this degree.

Research-focused and dissertation-based, the J.S.D. program requires students to write a book-length thesis about an aspect of space law. The degree broadens opportunities for experienced lawyers and legal scholars to delve into the very intricate and complex issues facing the regulation of outer space activities in an in-depth manner. The expectation of the program is that upon completion, the dissertation will be published as a book.

There is no classroom curriculum for this program, either in-residence or on-line. The sole substance of the program is writing a dissertation, a publishable book-size manuscript under faculty supervision. The only requirements of physical presence at Nebraska Law are upon admission to the J.S.D. program, to arrange for all further administrative details and meeting a few key people, and a week or two at the very end, namely for the purpose of the defense of the dissertation. In between, essentially based upon the synopsis and provisional table of contents (acceptance of which is a condition for admission), the candidate will send in draft chapters, receive faculty comments, incorporate them into next drafts and go on to the next chapters, until finally a full-fledged manuscript may be accepted for defense.

Application:

  • Applicants must submit a detailed and specific research proposal and obtain the agreement of a member of the space, cyber, and telecommunications law faculty (most likely Professor von der Dunk) to review and potentially supervise the doctoral dissertation prior to applying. Proposals should be 3 to 6 pages long with a one-page table of contents. It should describe the precise issue to be addressed, the importance of that issue, and the relevant laws to be discussed.
  • The Applicant must hold a JD or LL.M. from an ABA-accredited American Law School; a PhD on a related subject; or a comparable Master of Laws or LL.M. degree from an international institution. The Applicant must submit certified transcripts verifying these degrees. Waiver of this requirement will be possible but very rare.
  • A proven expertise and/or educational background in Space Law (for example, professional positions, LL.M., specialization in a J.D. program, publications on space law in reputable journals, participation in a reputable space law moot court, etc.) presented via resume or curriculum vitae.
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the Applicant’s academic work and potential to succeed in the program. The letters of recommendation must be written in English.
  • Applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit a TOEFL score of 100 internet-based or 250 computer-based or 600-603 paper-based.

Apply by creating an account at with the Law School Admissions Council and selecting the application for the correct program.

Supervisors: Professor Frans von der Dunk will supervise the J.S.D. students. Professor Matthew Schaefer may also supervise students and provide support, along with Professor Jack Beard.

Cost: J.S.D. students pay a total of $30,000 for tuition plus distance education fees. This cost is spread out over the first four semesters, although students may take six semesters to complete the program without penalty.

Distance Students and International Applicants: The J.S.D. program is open to international and distance students. The program is typically completed entirely remotely, but students are required to visit the Law College during the first month of their starting semester for a minimum of one week. Remote students will return to Nebraska Law at the end of their program for their Dissertation Defense. There is no difference in tuition for resident or remote students. Students who elect to move to Nebraska for the program will have full access to the student facilities and libraries, but are not provided a private office or University technology.

Students from a non-English speaking country must submit a TOEFL score of at least 100 internet based, 250 computer based, and 600-603 paper based. We may also consider an IETLS score of 7 or above. 

Executive Certificates in Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law

The Executive Certificate tracks build upon Nebraska Law’s successful LL.M. and J.S.D. degrees, offered both on campus and online, in the areas of space, cyber, and telecommunications law. The Executive Certificates in Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law are designed for practicing attorneys interested in specializing and expanding their expertise in one of these emerging areas. The 12 credit hour, 2 year program is designed to allow certificate students to take only the courses that are pertinent to their direct interests and needs. Students select one of three certificate tracks: (1) Space Law, (2) Cyber and Cyber Security Law, or (3) Cyber and Telecommunications Law.Certificates are only open to those who already have a J.D. or a foreign law degree. Additionally, there is a strong preference for applicants to have a minimum of three years prior legal experience.

Space Law Certificate: 12 hours total, 8 credits from the following list

  • Space Law (2 credits) (required unless waived by the director due to experience in or prior study of space law).
  • International Satellite Communications (1 credit)
  • National Space Legislation (2 credit)
  • Spectrum Management Law & Policy (1 credit)
  • Researching Space Law (1 credit)
  • Aviation Law (1 credit)
  • Export Control Law: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (1 credit)
  • National Security Space Law (1 credit)

Cyber and Cyber Security Law Certificate: 12 hours total, 8 credits from the following list

  • International Law (3 credits) (required unless waived by director due to experience in or prior study of international law).
  • International Telecommunications Law: Cyber Warfare (3 credits) (required)
  • Cyber Law (3 credits) (required)
  • Spectrum Management Law and Policy (1 credit)
  • International Satellite Communications (1 credit)

Cyber and Telecommunications Law Certificate: 12 hours total, 8 credits from the following list

  • Domestic Telecommunications Law (3 credits) (required)
  • Cyber Law (3 credits) (required)
  • Spectrum Management Law and Policy (1 credit)
  • International Satellite Communications (1 credit)
  • International Cyber Security: Mischief, Crime, and Warfare (3 credits)

Application, Financial, and Program Information: Students should apply via the Law School Admissions Counsel at lsac.org. The program will appear with the LLM applications and is Nebraska College of Law Application L5. We require a personal statement, all undergraduate and law college transcripts, the LSAC application questionnaire, a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 letters of recommendation, and a resume.

All credits may be completed online or in-person. Online students must participate live, synchronously in each class for 75% of class sessions, unless obtaining a waiver from faculty member teaching course and the director. Students enrolled in the certificate program, prior to completion of the certificate, can apply to transfer into the LL.M. degree. If admitted, credit hours will count towards the LL.M. degree, but there will be no tuition refunds for courses already begun. Students enrolled in the LL.M. program may not transfer to the certificate program or earn a certificate. Senior lawyers and officials only needing a specific course or two for specifically identified needs may be permitted to enroll as a non-degree student in a particular course or two without formally entering the certificate program. Such determinations will be made by the admissions committee. Any request to waive any of the requirements for the certificate must be approved by the director of the Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Program and the dean of the College of Law.

Cost:

  • Per Credit Hour Tuition: $2,059
  • Distance Ed. Fee $35.00 per credit hour
  • Technology Fee $83.00 per credit hour (this will appear on statements as "law college fee")
  • Library Fee $83.00 per credit hour (this will appear on statements, in an additional line item, as "law college fee")
  • Total Cost Per One Credit Hour: $2,260
  • In addition to the costs outlined above, students will be assessed a $20.00 registration fee each semester they enroll in courses. At this time there is no change in tuition based on Nebraska residency for this program.
  • Fees are applied to every credit hour enrolled in the online program, whether taken as part of the in-resident requirement or remotely.

General Curricular Information

Offered Courses:

Please note, not all elective courses are available online (including National Security Law and Arms Control)

  • Domestic Telecommunications Law & Regional Cybersecurity 
  • International Cyber Security: Mischief, Crime and Warfare 
  • International Law 
  • National Security Space Law
  • Researching Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law  (not available online)
  • Space Law 
  • LL.M. Research Independent Study 
  • American Foreign Relations Law and Policy Seminar
  • Arms Control: Problems of Law and Technology (not available online)
  • Aviation Law
  • Cyber Law
  • Export Control Law: ITAR
  • Human Rights & International Criminal Law 
  • International Business Transactions
  • International Satellite Communications
  • International Trade Law  
  • National Security Law (not available online)
  • National Space Legislation
  • Space and Satellite Business Law
  • Spectrum Management Law and Policy
  • Government Procurement and Contracting

Contact Us: 
Nebraska Law Admissions Office
Chelsea Wilkinson
402-472-8263
chelsea.wilkinson@unl.edu

Mailing Address: University of Nebraska College of Law Space, Cyber, and Telecom Program, Ross McCollum Hall P.O. Box 830902 Lincoln, NE 68583-0902

Students From Outside the United States

The College of Law welcomes applications to its programs from students who are citizens of countries other than the United States. A foreign law degree is required of foreign applicants. A TOEFL score of 100 (on the internet based test) is required by foreign applicants. We may also consider an IETLS score of 7 or above. 

Please note, the Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications LL.M. program is not designed to teach foreign attorneys U.S. Law, but to allow experts in these areas to further their expertise. The University of Nebraska College of Law has a Master of Laws (LL.M.) program for foreign attorneys interested in studying U.S. Law.

Foreign applicants (and domestic) must apply online and use the LSAC credential assembly service.