Master of Laws (LL.M.)

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is something special. It's a big city (the 15th largest in the country) yet has the charm and friendliness for which the Midwestern U.S. is famous. In addition to being home to one of the finest universities in the nation, its attractions range from a rich visual and performing arts scene to a renowned zoo, exciting sports, fine restaurants, and enough specialty shops, outlets, and malls to satisfy even the most avid shoppers. Add to this a special-events calendar that rivals that of any other city its size, and you will always find something fun to do in Columbus.

Population and Size

Columbus is the largest city in Ohio and the 15th largest city in the United States. The metropolitan area has 1.9 million people.

Cultural Diversity

The 2010 U.S. Census revealed the racial makeup of Columbus as 61.5 percent white, 28 percent black or African-American, 0.3 percent Native American, 4.1 percent Asian, 0.1 percent Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 5.6 percent Hispanic or Latino, and 3.3 percent of those identifying themselves as being from two or more races.

People from nearly 100 different countries call Columbus home. Nearly every type of food can be found here in our excellent, family-owned restaurants and in international grocery stores that feature African, Asian, Halal, Latino and South Asian products. We are home to synagogues and churches, mosques and temples.

Location

Columbus is located in Central Ohio and is conveniently located at the intersection of interstates 70 and 71, within a one-day drive or a one-hour flight of 60 percent of the population of the United States and Canada. The Moritz College of Law is a 15-minute drive from Port Columbus International Airport. Our city bus system is free for students.

Climate

Columbus has four distinct seasons. The average temperatures for the seasons are: Spring (March-May) 50.9 F; Summer (June-August) 71.6 F; Fall (September-November) 53.9 F; and Winter (December-February) 29.3 F. Average annual rainfall is 37.8 inches. The average annual snowfall is 28 inches per year.

Headquartered in Columbus

The Columbus area is home to more than 700 law firms and five Fortune 500 companies. Many nationally recognized companies began in the Columbus area, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Bob Evans Farms, Inc., CompuServe, Express, Huntington Bancshares, Limited Brands, the Longaberger Company, Nationwide Insurance, Red Roof Inns, Wendy's International, and Worthington Industries.

Natural Attractions

Columbus offers many opportunities for students to connect to the great outdoors.  Cyclists and walkers can use the Olentangy Trail, which wends its way from the north suburb of Worthington, through campus, to downtown, along the scenic Olentangy River.  The trail continues through downtown with the Scioto Greenway, connected to the new Scioto Mile park. Tucked among office towers is the Columbus Commons, a green space featuring concerts, outdoor movies and festivals.

Hikers can take the weekend to tackle a portion of the 1,445-mile Buckeye Trail.   The Hocking Hills to the southeast of the city are beloved for waterfalls, gorges, and caves.  Adventurers delight in exploring Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave, taking zipline tours, rappelling, and kayaking the Hocking River.  Nearby West Virginia offers skiing in winter and river rafting in warmer months.

10 Columbus Attractions Law Students Shouldn't Miss

• A Columbus Crew game at the Columbus Crew Stadium, which was the first soccer(football)-specific Major League Soccer stadium built in the United States. The Crew were MSL Champions in 2008.
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors a year. The zoo opened a new water park in 2008 and a Polar Frontier exhibit in 2010.
• The Short North Arts District includes a large collection of art galleries, restaurants, and pubs. On the first Saturday of each month, stop by for a "Gallery Hop," when most of the galleries stay open late.
• A Columbus Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena. This arena has been ranked as the No. 1 stadium experience in all of professional sports by ESPN Magazine.
• The North Market is an amazing public market, opened in 1876, that features an eclectic group of food shops, including butchers, fishmongers, candy makers, and bakeries. It's a great place to shop, eat, mingle, and people-watch. One million people visit each year.
• German Village, located just south of downtown Columbus, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Brick-paved streets, mature trees, and red brick homes fill this area along with fine restaurants, unique pubs, and specialty shops.
• Wexner Center for the Arts, located at The Ohio State University, has a packed schedule of impressive exhibitions, performances, films, and educational programs.
• The Franklin Park Conservatory features horticulture from a wide variety of climate zones and focuses on combining fine arts with plant displays.
• Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place feature retail shopping, entertainment, and a wide selection of restaurants and nightclubs.

On the Web*

• Experience Columbus
• Greater Columbus Arts Council
• Discover Ohio
• Weather Information

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