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Fowler School of Law
Academic Programs

»International Law Certificate

The Fowler School of Law Certificate Program in International Law, has experienced faculty members instructing students on a comprehensive scope of global legal concerns, from immigration and human rights to energy security and intellectual property.

Students who complete the International Law program requirements will receive a certificate and transcript notation.

International Law Certificate in Detail

Lawyers can expect to work in an increasingly global environment, facing legal issues that span national borders, and servicing clients whose interests and concerns are multinational in scope.

Lawyers that have a proven familiarity with public and private International Law will possess the skills and credentials to compete in the global workplace. The International Law Certificate Program complements Chapman University's commitment to preparing its students to be global citizens.


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Certificate Requirements

The International Law Certificate offers a focused pathway for students seeking specialization, but please note that required and elective courses—including core classes—are not offered every year.

To ensure timely completion of the program, students should consult early and regularly with the Director of the program to plan their academic schedules strategically, aligning their coursework with available offerings. Proactive planning is essential to fulfill all requirements and maximize the opportunities within this specialized track.

Successful completion of the International Law Certificate Program requires the law student to:

  • Earn a minimum 2.6 overall cumulative GPA
  • Earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in the certificate courses
  • Complete the two (2) core courses (International Law and Organizations, and International Business Transactions OR International Business Litigation)*
  • Complete at least eight (8) credit hours of approved electives, of which six (6) credit hours may be experiential training (see approved list of courses)
  • International law-related writing requirement

Core Courses


International Law and Organizations (3)

This introductory course in international law, surveys the sources of international law and some contemporary global issues and challenges. The course introduces concepts of international law and how they achieve legitimacy through United Nations organizations and conferences, the International Court of Justice, the International Law Commission, treaty bodies, and state practice, as well as through other actors. The law of foreign sovereign immunity and the act of state doctrine are considered along with the role of international law in the U.S. legal system and the allocation of foreign affairs powers between the President and Congress. Selected topics that may be explored include international claims (including expropriation law), human rights, norms governing the use of force, and the law of the sea and environmental issues.

Approved Electives

Specific offerings will vary from year to year, depending on the periodic rotation of electives, instructor availability, student interest, and scheduling dynamics. Additional courses may be added in the future. Visit the course descriptions page for more information.

  • Advanced Topic: Art Law
  • Advanced Seminar: The Holocaust, Genocide and the Law
  • Climate Change and the Law
  • Comparative Law
  • Comparative Law and Religion
  • Environmental Justice Seminar
  • International Business Litigation
  • International Business Transactions
  • International Comparative Law
  • International Criminal Law
  • International Energy Security and Climate Change
  • International Environmental Law
  • International Intellectual Property
  • International Trade Law
  • Laws of War
  • National Security Law
  • Selected Topic: International Trade Development
  • Trade and Environment
  • U.S. Taxation of International Income

Learning Outcomes

The law school faculty have identified the following learning outcomes as critical to a law degree and to developing the skills needed to become a proficient attorney.

  1. Students who earn the International Law Certificate will know the basic principles of public and private international law applicable to the international legal system and its relationship to national laws and institutions.
  2. Students who earn the International Law Certificate will be able to understand legal issues that span national borders and advise clients whose interests and concerns are transnational in scope.

Faculty

Highly experienced faculty members instruct students on a comprehensive scope of global legal concerns.

Explore More Specialities

Focus your studies by choosing one or more of our Certificate Programs. Demonstrate to employers that you obtained core skills in your chosen area, distinguishing yourself in the job market and in your career.

Advocacy & Dispute Resolution Business Law Criminal Law
Entertainment Law Entrepreneurial Law Environmental, Land Use & Real Estate Law
International Law Tax Law All Certificate Programs

Learn More

For additional information about the International Law Certificate Program, please contact:

Lan Cao
International Law Emphasis Program Director and Betty Hutton Williams Professor of International Economic Law

Phone: (714) 628-2659
Email: lcao@chapman.edu