law degree phd

Ph.D. Program

The ph.d. in law degree.

The Ph.D. in Law degree program is designed to prepare J.D. graduates for careers as legal scholars and teachers through a doctoral program aimed at the production of a substantial body of academic research and writing under the close supervision of a three-member faculty dissertation committee. Unlike programs designed for students who wish to learn about law from the disciplinary perspectives of the social sciences or the humanities, the Ph.D. in Law is directed at students who wish to pursue advanced studies in law from the perspective of the law. This program offers emerging scholars an opportunity to contribute to the development of law as an academic field, and it provides an alternate pathway into law teaching alongside existing routes such as fellowships, advanced degrees in cognate fields, legal practice, and clerkships.

Because our entering Ph.D. students will have already completed their J.D. degrees, the anticipated course of study toward the Ph.D. in Law degree is three academic years and two summers in residence. In their first two semesters, Ph.D. students will enroll in courses designed to help them acquire the background and research skills needed to complete a dissertation in their field of interest and to prepare them for qualifying examinations that test the depth and breadth of the literacies and skills they have acquired. During their second year, students will prepare a dissertation prospectus and begin work on a dissertation. The dissertation may take the form of either three law review articles or a book-length manuscript and will make up a portfolio of writing that will be essential for success in the job market. Ph.D. students will also gain experience in the classroom, and receive the full support of Yale Law School’s Law Teaching Program , which has had remarkable success in placing graduates in tenure-track positions at leading law schools.

Ph.D. students receive a full-tuition waiver, a health award for health insurance coverage, and a stipend to cover their year-round living expenses, as well as support for participation in national and international conferences.

Applications for admission to the Ph.D. in Law program are available starting on August 15. The deadline for submission of all materials is December 15. Applicants to the Ph.D. in Law program must complete a J.D. degree at a U.S. law school before they matriculate and begin the Ph.D. program. Any questions about the program may be directed to Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, at [email protected] .

Watch Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, describe the Ph.D. program at Yale Law School.

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Top 10 Best PhD in Law Programs [2024]

A PhD in law is an advanced qualification that will make you a true legal expert. You can use that credential to work as a legal research scholar or teach at a post-secondary level. This is not only a prestigious career path but also a lucrative one — today’s law PhD holders have an average salary  of $93,000.

Today’s law schools emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to legal education, equipping students to work in a diverse range of fields.

Interested in an advanced criminal justice  career? Below we’ll cover the top PhD in law programs, universities, and what you need to know before pursuing a doctorate in law.

Table of Contents

Top PhD in Law Programs

Yale university, law school.

Yale University’s Law School ranks first  in the nation, with its 20 legal clinics offering an immersive experience for students. This PhD program has a purely academic focus. To qualify for admission, you’ll need to already have a JD (Juris Doctor) degree. If accepted, you’ll be able to benefit from Yale Law School’s acclaimed “Yale Teaching Program.”

• Courses: Criminal law & administration, international human rights, and complex civil litigation.
• Duration:  3 years
• Delivery: On-campus
• Tuition: Fully funded
• Financial aid: Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipend.
• Acceptance rate:  7%
• Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Stanford University

Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD)

Stanford University is another highly acclaimed institution in the field of law education with a tough admissions process. Only a few exceptionally gifted students with an international JD or LLB or a SPILS (Stanford Program in International Legal Studies) qualification are accepted into this program every year. The program has an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to law.

• Courses:  Advanced antitrust, current issues in business law, and reinventing American criminal justice systems.
• Credits: 44 units
• Duration: 4 years
• Tuition : $64,350 per year
• Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, grants, assistantships, federal work-study, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location:  Stanford, California

The University of Chicago, The Law School

Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD)

The Law School of the University of Chicago is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and cross-lists its courses with other departments. The faculty include philosophers, political scientists, historians, and law scholars. Students also have the option to pursue a Doctorate in Comparative Law (D.Comp.L.) instead of a JSD if they wish.

• Courses: Antitrust & intellectual property, civil rights clinic: police accountability, and American legal history.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : $7,647 per year
• Financial aid: Full tuition scholarship, fellowship, and health insurance.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

Columbia University, Law School

JSD Program

The Columbia Law School emphasizes experiential learning with law clinics, moot courts, and externships, offering opportunities for innovative education and valuable intellectual exchange. Students can conduct independent research with the help of their faculty advisors and they need to submit a DPR (Dissertation Progress Report) at the end of each year.

• Courses:  Intellectual property & technology, international & comparative law, and law of the workplace.
• Duration:  5-6 years
• Tuition : $75,572 per year
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, and first child allowance.
• Location:  New York City, New York

Harvard University, Law School

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

Harvard University is one of the world’s most famous centers for education, and its Law School  is equally renowned. The school has a unique grading system that uses the classifications honors, pass, low-pass, and fail. This flexible SJD program allows students to design their own study plan and choose faculty supervisors for independent research.

• Courses: Advanced comparative perspectives on US law, environmental justice, and strategic litigation & immigration advocacy.
• Duration:  4 years
• Delivery:  On-campus
• Tuition : $67,720 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

The University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School

Doctor of Science of Law (SJD)

Carey Law School’s curricula cut across disciplinary and international lines to create law experts in every field, including business, health, technology, education, and social work. For admission to the Carey Law School PhD, you must already hold an LLM or JD from the same school or an institution of similar standing.

• Courses: Privacy & racial justice, appellate advocacy, and disability law.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, health insurance, and scholarships.
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law

The University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law is one of the country’s most affordable top-tier law schools. This PhD law degree offers the choice of two concentrations: International Trade & Business Law, and Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy.

• Courses:  International business & investment structuring, federal Indian law, and trusts & estates.
• Duration:  3-5 years
• Tuition and fees : $26,000 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, federal work-study, loans, veteran benefits, and fellowships.
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Location: Tucson, Arizona

The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

The University of Texas’ School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences creates professionals capable of dealing with modern issues like risk management, political violence, social inequality, healthcare, and international trade & conflict resolution. You’ll need a bachelor’s in criminology or a related discipline to apply for this PhD in criminology.

• Courses: Advances in criminology theory, evidence-based crime prevention, and regression & multivariate analysis.
• Credits: 75 semester credit hours
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location:  Richardson, Texas

Abraham Lincoln University, School of Law

Juris Doctor (JD)

This school was founded with to provide affordable education to working professionals who cannot attend regular law school. This doctorate in law is a flexible JD degree that can be completed entirely online through the university’s high-level education technology.

• Courses:  Criminal law, civil procedure, and wills & trusts.
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $10,100 per year
• Acceptance rate: 90.3%
• Location:  Glendale, California

Walden University

Online PhD in Criminal Justice

Walden University aims to help working professionals pursue advanced degrees and has been ranked #1  in research doctorates for African-American students. This program was one of the first online doctorates in criminal justice and allows students to explore national and international issues in criminal justice administration with a dual emphasis on contemporary theory and practice.

• Courses: History & contemporary issues in criminal justice, policy & analysis in criminal justice systems, and research theory, design & methods.
• Credits: 77 quarter credits
• Tuition : $636 per quarter hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Law?

The exact requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a LLB, LLM, or JD as a basic prerequisite.

As part of the admission process, you usually need to submit:

• Academic transcripts from previous studies
• Personal essay and/or research proposal
• Recommendation letters

To earn your doctorate, you’ll have to complete coursework, qualifying examinations, and usually a dissertation to a high standard.

Preparing for a Law Doctorate Program

The best PhD in legal studies programs are competitive, so it’s important to start preparing early. Keep up to date on developments in the field and research the best universities that offer your preferred specialization.

Look into leading faculty members in your areas of interest, and network by joining relevant professional communities. Once you’ve decided on your dream program, check admission requirements to prepare the strongest possible application.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Law PhD Program

Choosing the best law PhD program will depend on a range of factors, including your passions and interests. However, there are a few general factors that are essential for everyone deciding on a law school for their PhD to consider:

• Location:  First, a school close by could save you on accommodation costs. But that’s not the only location consideration. You should look at your school destination for evidence of a booming legal or education industry. For example, New York is a hub for business, while Boston is known as a center for technology.
• Cost and funding:  Ensure the program costs align with your budget and explore financial aid opportunities.
• Specialization:  Some schools offer unique specializations like social justice, law and economics, and international law. Choose a program with a focus on your preferred specialization.
• Faculty:  The university’s reputation is important, but its faculty credentials are equally critical. Explore faculty backgrounds by researching published papers and social media profiles like LinkedIn.
• Class sizes:  Smaller class sizes mean better one-on-one attention; however, a larger cohort offers better networking opportunities.
• Placement support:  What happens after graduation? Are you on the hook for finding a job on your own, or does the school offer placement options? Find out where alumni are employed to get an idea.

Why Get a Doctorate in Law?

A doctorate degree in law will allow you to pursue roles in the legal field as a scholar, researcher, or academic, and build a worthwhile career.

Several candidates apply for admission to PhD in jurisprudence programs every academic year, but top law schools have low acceptance rates, and only a few are accepted. For example, Harvard only has around 70 SJD students  while hundreds or thousands may apply. Therefore, with this qualification, you’ll belong to an exclusive group of in-demand professionals.

Jobs for PhD in Law Degree Holders

Here are some common roles for PhD holders in law with the average annual salaries for each:

• General Counsel ($170,183 )
• Staff Attorney ($71,106 )
• Professor of Law ( $131,926 )
• Project Manager ( $76,264 )
• Senior Research Associate ( $75,029 )

Course Costs

The cost greatly depends on where you study, but prestigious law schools can charge annual tuition of around $65,000. Once you factor in living expenses, books, and facility fees, the total cost can add up to around $100,000 a year. However, you can find programs with tuition and fees for as little as $7,500 a year. Moreover, most top institutions offer full-tuition scholarships, stipends, and similar financial aid that cover almost all of your expenses.

Course Length

Typically, a PhD in law takes 3-5 years to complete. However, most programs will give you extra time to complete your doctorate if needed.

Skills You’ll Gain through a PhD in Law

Aside from giving you in-depth and expansive legal knowledge, PhD in law programs can also help you develop the following skills:

• Communication
• Presentation
• Critical Thinking
• Project Management
• Problem Solving

Key Takeaways

A PhD in law is an excellent choice for legal professionals seeking a career in research or academia. While a JD or Juris Doctor is equivalent to a PhD, the former equips you to become a law practitioner.

On the other hand, if you want to teach at a post-secondary level or conduct further legal research, you will need a PhD. Prepare early and choose a program that will best help you to achieve your career goals.

For more law education advice, take a look at our guide on the best master’s in criminal justice programs , or weigh up your options with the highest-paying PhDs .

PhD in Law FAQs

What is a phd in law called.

A PhD in law is usually called a Doctor of Law or Doctor of Laws. Some universities offer a JD (Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree, while others offer SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Science in Jurisprudence) programs.

Is a PhD in Law the Same as a JD?

A JD (Juris Doctor) degree is suitable for anyone who wants to practice as a licensed legal professional. These programs usually take three years to complete and are mostly coursework-focused.

On the other hand, a PhD in law may take 5-6 years to complete and usually involves a dissertation or major research project. If your aim is professional research or a job in academia in the discipline rather than practicing law, a PhD is better for you.

What is the Highest Degree in Law?

A PhD in law is generally considered the most advanced law degree. While some universities call it by other names, such as SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Jurisprudence degree), this is essentially the same thing.

How Long is a PhD in Law?

PhD Law programs typically take 3-5 years to complete. You may take longer for individual reasons, such as if you choose to study part-time.

What Does a PhD in Law Do?

A PhD in law will equip you to work in legal research or academia.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Doctor of Science of Law (JSD)

The Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) is the Law School’s most advanced law degree, and is considered a doctorate equivalent to a Ph.D.  It is designed for those interested in becoming scholars and teachers of law including interdisciplinary approaches to law.

Study toward the degree is open only to a small number of exceptionally well-qualified students who hold a JD or LL.B earned outside the United States.  Students in the program develop substantive expertise in one or more fields of law and have the opportunity to pursue substantive and methodological training in allied disciplines across the broader university, including but not limited to, the social sciences, humanities, and engineering.  The program culminates in the student producing a dissertation under the personal supervision of a Faculty committee comprised of law school professors as well as, where appropriate given the student’s interests, faculty from other departments of the university.

There are two different tracks for admission into the JSD program.  A minimum of two students will be admitted from among students who have completed the Stanford Program in International Legal Studies (SPILS)  at Stanford Law School.  In addition, students at Stanford and at other law schools in the United States who will have completed LLM degrees prior to the commencement of the JSD program are encouraged to apply for admission and will be seriously considered.  To be competitive, students applying from LLM programs must have completed (and must submit) a serious piece of independent, original research demonstrating their scholarly potential.

Admission to the JSD program is on a highly selective basis. Please note that admission to SPILS or to any Stanford LLM program does not imply a commitment by Stanford Law School to accept a student into the JSD program.

Some need-based funding, as well as funding to conduct research and attend conferences is available to admitted JSD students.

Questions concerning the JSD program should be directed to [email protected] .

HOW TO APPLY

JSD Candidates

Luis Bergolla

• JSD Candidate
• Teaching Fellow, LLM Program in International Economic Law, Business and Policy (IELBP)
• Lecturer in Law

Silindile Buthelezi

Rolando Garcia Miron

Yutang Hsiao

Tai-jan huang.

Takuma Iwasaki

Maria Palacio

Michael Thorburn

Having a jsd from stanford law school opens up countless career opportunities..

Teaching in US Academia

Teaching Outside the US

Working in the Public Interest Sector

Working in the Private Sector

The PhD in Law program prepares students who have earned a JD from an American Bar Association accredited law school to enter law teaching or other careers that require a scholarly mastery of law. The program is designed to provide a broad foundation in the canonical texts and methods of legal scholarship and to support students in producing original scholarship in the form of a dissertation. The program strongly encourages, but does not require, interdisciplinary approaches to the study of law.

• Programs of Study
• PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
• Yale Law PhD Program

Robert Post

Director of Graduate Studies

• [email protected]

Gordon Silverstein

Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs

• [email protected]

Thais Sobczak

Departmental Registrar

• [email protected]
• 203-432-1696

Admission Requirements

Standardized testing requirements.

GRE is not accepted.

Program-Specific Application Requirements

A writing sample and a research proposal are required by this program. 

English Language Requirement

TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic is required of most applicants whose native language is not English.

You may be exempt from this requirement if you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years.

Academic Information

GSAS Advising Guidelines

Academic Resources

Academic calendar.

The Graduate School's academic calendar lists important dates and deadlines related to coursework, registration, financial processes, and milestone events such as graduation.

Featured Resource

Registration Information and Dates

https://registration.yale.edu/

Students must register every term in which they are enrolled in the Graduate School. Registration for a given term takes place the semester prior, and so it's important to stay on top of your academic plan. The University Registrar's Office oversees the systems that students use to register. Instructions about how to use those systems and the dates during which registration occurs can be found on their registration website.

Financial Information

Phd stipend & funding.

PhD students at Yale are normally full-funded for a minimum of five years. During that time, our students receive a twelve-month stipend to cover living expenses and a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition and student healthcare.

• PhD Student Funding Overview
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Alumni Insights

Below you will find alumni placement data for our departments and programs.

Doctoral Programs

Ph.D. Program in Law & Economics

• Student Profiles

Program Overview

Vanderbilt Law School's Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics is unlike any other. Dual-degree students pursue a J.D. and a Ph.D. concurrently in a fully integrated curriculum that combines economic theory and methodology with the study of law. The program is designed so that students complete both degrees in just six years. Admitted students receive a full funding package , including tuition for both degrees and a competitive annual stipend, for all six years of study.

• Explore our History

About our Program

Applicants must complete separate applications to Vanderbilt Graduate School and Vanderbilt Law School. Each applicant's Law School and Graduate School applications will be considered together in a collaborative admissions process.

Program faculty guide students through an innovative law and economics curriculum in which students pursue policy-relevant research. The program offers four primary research fields: behavioral law and economics, labor markets and human resources, law and economics, and risk and environmental regulation.

Program graduates are in tenured or tenure-track positions at University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University at Buffalo, Florida State University, George Mason University, University of Texas, Vanderbilt University, and Western Kentucky University, as well as in positions in government, legal practice, and consulting.

The Law & Economics/Applied Microeconomics Seminar Series brings scholars from around the world to Vanderbilt to present research spanning a variety of fields and topics. The program also hosts a variety of conferences, including the biennial Frontiers in Law and Economics (FILE) conference. 

Application Closed for Fall 2024

• How to Apply

August 15, 2024

Applications open for Fall 2025

January 15, 2025

Deadline for priority consideration

April 1, 2025

Final deadline

In the News

Have questions.

Contact the Ph.D. in Law & Economics Program Manager.

• School of Law

Ph.D. Admissions

The application for autumn 2025 Ph.D. admission will open on Sept. 1, 2024, and the deadline is April 1, 2025. Admissions for entry to autumn 2024 have closed and late applications will not be accepted.

The Ph.D. Program at the University of Washington School of Law is highly competitive. Only a handful of applicants may be admitted in any given year.

Eligibility Requirements

Entry to the Ph.D. program requires an LL.M. degree or equivalent advanced degree in exceptional circumstances. The LL.M. degree may be counted toward the credit necessary for the Ph.D. program.

Preference will be given to:

• University of Washington School of Law students who want to continue their studies with an identified faculty member who agrees to serve as chair of that student’s committee; or
• Extraordinary students from other institutions with strong support by a UW Law faculty member who agrees to chair the student’s Ph.D. committee, provided their application is as competitive as those from UW Law candidates.

Application Process

The application process to the Ph.D. Program is online through the University of Washington Graduate School. Fill out an online application , upload the following documents, designate recommenders, and pay the application fee.

To be considered complete by the admissions committee, an application must contain:

• A letter of recommendation from a UW Law faculty member in which they commit to chairing the Ph.D. committee and supervising the applicant for the duration of their Ph.D. studies, including information about the novelty and significance of the proposed topic as well as other committee members chosen ahead of time and with sufficient and continuous connection to the law school.
• Letters of recommendation from committee members who have already agreed to serve. To identify the chair and committee members in the application, applicants are provided instructions within the application to designate them.
• Statement of Purpose (1–2 pages). Please state the reasons for wishing to undertake Ph.D. studies, your area(s) of research interest and future career plans.
• Writing Sample . The writing sample should be an original piece of legal scholarship (an LL.M. paper or a published article), authored solely by the applicant and no more than 30 pages in length. An excerpt from a longer essay or article may be submitted.
• Dissertation Proposal (8-10 pages). The proposal should be detailed enough to show your understanding of your field of interest and the need for new, original research and must include a topic that is novel and significant, as detailed in a written prospectus, to include research questions, significance of topic to existing literature, and methodology.
• Study Plan . A mapped-out plan for academic study, including specific courses across UW departments that provide the requisite body of knowledge for the proposed dissertation topic, and estimated timeline.
• Resume listing educational qualifications, work experience, date of admission to legal practice (if applicable) academic honors and awards and any other professional affiliations relevant to the application. 
• Transcripts and Degree Statements (including date of graduation and title of academic degree awarded) from all colleges and universities attended. This includes transcripts for in-progress degrees and also for degrees that were attempted but not completed. Admitted students will be required to have one of their official transcripts with degree statement (usually LL.M.) sent directly to the UW Graduate School from the degree granting institution for verification.
• Admissions interviews may be required to determine if the topic is novel and significant; if the prospectus is complete; and if the proposed methodology will get the project from questions to answers.

LANGUAGE ABILITY

International and foreign-educated applicants are expected to have a high level of ability in reading, writing and delivering presentations in English.

Applicants whose native language is not English:

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit English Language Proficiency scores or documentation that satisfies the   UW Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements . Please self-report your scores in the application and electronically submit your test scores to the UW using the following instructions.  Offers of admission cannot be made until the UW receives the official scores electronically :

• Have ETS send your official TOEFL score electronically using Institution Code #4854.
• Have Duolingo electronically report your score to the UW.
• Have IELTS electronically report your score to the UW via the IELTS system (E-TRF), using the University of Washington’s organization ID 365.
• For the full details of the English proficiency requirement, please see the   UW Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements .
• Minimum scores: TOEFL 80, Duolingo 105, IELTS 6.5. Scores required to clear AEP requirement : TOEFL 92, Duolingo 120, IELTS 7.0
• Connect with Admissions
• Meet the Grad Admissions Team

Related Links

• Explore the Ph.D. in Law

Ph.D. Program William H. Gates Hall Box 353020 4293 Memorial Way Seattle, WA 98195-3020, USA gradlaw@ uw .edu

Law Degree vs. PhD – a Waste of Time?

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Should I Go to Law School or Get a PhD?

The hypothetical question is: should I go to law school or get a Ph.D.? Which one is better for successful career – law degree vs. PhD? The short answer: it depends on your aspirations. Law degree vs. PhD choice depends on many factors I will mention in this blog post.

Juris Doctor is a professional degree where law student after passing the bar exam is allowed to practice law as an attorney. Ph.D. is essentially designation for a highly skilled researcher or professor in some areas.

In my opinion, unless you love the area for which you want to obtain a Ph.D., JD may offer some kind of career and a shot of getting paid, especially JD for tier 1 law school.

Well, some people compare law degree vs. Ph.D. and say that law school awarding Juris Doctor is better since JD is only three years and law school newcomers have it easier than PhDs. Then, after passing bar exam former law student, now law graduate, is allowed to work and practice law.

And Ph.D. is six years of low pay with no guarantee of a good-paying position. But comparing a Ph.D. to a law degree is like comparing apples to oranges – they are just different creatures. 

Should I go to law school or get a PhD? Of course, it depends on what you want to do. Do you know what lawyers do at work and not on TV? Many law graduates are surprised by the reality of law practice once they enter the legal world.

This is not what they expected. No glamour – just hard, grueling, stressful work. I do not recommend jumping into law school without first researching what legal work is. 

Same with Ph.D. – years of grueling work and ass-kissing and often no prospect of tenure job, or any job at all, depending on the field. On the other hand, Ph.D. in tech can make an absolute killing in terms of money. Read further below.

Our individual law subject courses start at $14.99!

Ph.D. is a Drag

PhDs are paid a little stipend, barely enough to make ends meet. They have to kiss the ass of a professor they research for. And in the end, there are not many job opportunities other than the university of some research center, and it is very difficult for new PhDs to find good employment at universities these days. 

They go into field work quite often. Usually, they are employed by labs for scientists and fields for engineers. Ph.D. itself is not always a solid credential for an employer at a company or in non-academia in general. I tend to think it depends on the field of Ph.D. 

In terms of practical application at work and a chance to have at least some flexibility of a career, JD probably beats Ph.D. But, I do know someone with Ph.D. in physics who breathes and dreams physics 24/7. They would never change to the law. PhDs do work very hard and a lot of hours. 

Law Degree vs. PhD And the College Rank

Another aspect is the rank of college where you are obtaining JD or Ph.D. Choosing between tier 4 law school for JD and Tier 1 college program for Ph.D., I may tend to say that Ph.D. might be a good option to try. And another way around is, well, another way around – college rank is a big factor in deciding because high college rank gives prestige and reputation and opens up work opportunities in the future. Low college rank – not that much. 

I would not rush into the decision. For a law school newbie, the law school also means incurring substantial student debt. What if you do not like the law? On the other hand, law school may lead to a more specific job opportunity than Ph.D. Ph.D. is even worse for jobs than law school. If I would have to choose between Ph.D. and law school – I would choose a law school.

But, take your time and think about it. One advantage of a Ph.D. is that if you can obtain a funded Ph.D., you can try for a couple of years without incurring student debt. Cannot do that with law school because it usually leads to student debt. 

Ph.D. in STEM degree then to law school

Tip: I saw on forums some commenters suggesting to obtain a Ph.D. in STEM areas then go and obtain their JD, to have a solid shot at making a killing as intellectual property attorneys – 6-figures to start from higher-ranked schools, and even jobs during law school at 50k-70k. 

Well, undergraduate degrees in STEM with few years of either fieldwork or Ph.D. also seem to open doors in law firms. I am talking about one of my former law school classmate-engineer, not even Ph.D., who got a 60K job offer while still in j=her second year of law scjool.

I am sure she got much more when she graduated and passed the bar exam. That could be a long-term but path to take. Non-STEM Ph.D. has almost no effect on the probability of finding a job after law school, except that employers may think this is gonna be one smart attorney employee.

Shall you decide to go to law school – check my detailed reviews of recommended LSAT preparation courses for getting a top LSAT score. 

Law Degree v. PhD not clear cut

Overall, it looks like if choosing between law school and Ph.D. one should either stay away from both or go with law school path unless a Ph.D. is in:

• Top school.

And, if one was admitted to tier 1 law school, then I can confidently say to just go ahead and obtain a law degree. Or, if one can go to lower-tier law school for cheap or practically for free, then law school may be more beneficial than Ph.D. care wise. But only if he or she wants to be an attorney. 

This is also reinforced by the serious lack of work opportunities for PhDs, where colleges are contracting due to a decline in applications, and obtaining tenure track teaching position nowadays is more difficult than becoming an astronaut. While a law degree is not without problems and the legal market is competitive, a law degree can open some doors even in the non-legal world. Ph.D. probably cannot offer that. 

Law school is also not a too practical degree, because law students do not learn how to practice law but rather learn general theory and a lot of it. PhDs will probably have an easy time in law schools after their doctorate program, because law school is not so brainy, and Ph.D. research, analysis, and writing skills can make law studies seem like a walk in the park. Some say that Ph.D. in philosophy will make law school seem like kindergarten. Law school admission test LSAT will also be relatively easy after Ph.D. But it all comes down to the job market, right?

Using job search web sites to evaluate law school v. Ph.D. prospects

Here is what I suggest you do: go to Indeed.com, or other major job search site like Monster.com, and type in “Ph.D.” to see how many Ph.D. positions are open. Then, type in “Ph.D.” and name of the field of your particular Ph.D. interest. And see market demand for yourself. 

I did that search and my impression is that Ph.D. in STEM, and/or quantitative areas are in demand by organizations and companies. This is in line with the overall trend of market demand for STEM graduates. Some positions offer up to $110,000 in annual salary. But others, offer as low as $22,000 per year for a person with Ph.D. Is it worth to spend 6-7 years on Ph.D. just to make $22,000? I do not think so. 

I also see that the overall number of job postings for PhDs is noticeably higher than the total sum of job postings for JDs and attorneys, where some of the latter probably show up in both searches for JD and attorney. But the problem with Ph.D. though is that the total number must be divided by many different Ph.D. specializations, and one should research carefully market demand for his or her particular field of interest. 

The holding: Ph.D. in tech or STEM probably trumps law school, but it is not necessary for a career

Undergraduate STEM degree from a good college may be enough for a nicely paid job and career. It can also give a major boost to law students. Ph.D. may open other opportunities, but this is so specific to each field, that I will need a separate website just to evaluate that.

But right now, law school v. Ph.D. or Ph.D. v. law school comparison comes down to few factors like school or college rank, the field of study as well as natural abilities, passions and career goals of the student.

Having said that, I saw a job posting for a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence or machine learning, offering $300k PLUS partnership equity. Wow, probably in a start-up. AI, machine learning and big data fields are booming right now and Ph.D. in those probably can yield very handsome annual salary.

The world has moved from social studies to tech and quantitative fields. Even me, trying to learn basic coding and database skills just to make sure I do not fall completely behind. 

My childhood career aspiration was biology. I know I would be happy doing that, but life happened and now I am a cynical legal professional. I earned my money, but I still look at science majors with some level of admiration and envy.

The grass is always greener on the other side, right? 

Choose your field wisely and do your research. Whatever you choose, make sure you like what you do – either money side or work side. This is the only way to be happy. Trust me, low paid happy person with passion in life will find more opportunities in life than an unhappy one. 

The other specific advice I will give you is to be very careful about incurring any student debt, even $10,000 or less. Make sure you get sufficient value for it because a modern college education is sometimes outdated and does not offer enough value to graduates.

Here is a good article on why PhD may be a waste of time and money.

Here is a link to MIT Sloan PhD which may be worthy check shall you pursue PhD. 

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JD/PhD and JD/MA Programs

New York University School of Law (Law) and Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) offer coordinated dual degree programs leading to a Juris Doctor (JD) and either a PhD or MA degree in two Arts and Science disciplines:

Law and GSAS also offer dual degree programs leading to a JD and MA in the following disciplines:

• French Studies
• Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Law and GSAS also offer dual degree programs leading to a JD and PhD in the following disciplines:

• American Studies
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• Computer Science
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• Italian Studies
• Mathematics
• Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
• Neural Science
• Psychology (Cognition and Perception)

Students enrolled in these dual degree programs will work closely with faculty advisors in both the School of Law and GSAS to develop an integrated program of study and research. The programs are particularly aimed at students interested in pursuing academic careers. We expect that students who complete the JD/PhD program will be strong candidates for faculty positions in both law schools and in arts and sciences programs. The JD/MA programs provide rigorous interdisciplinary training for students interested in legal academia, but also for students who plan to pursue other career paths related to law.

These coordinated programs reduce the amount of time required to complete both degrees. The School of Law will count 12 credits of GSAS coursework toward the total of 83 credits required for the JD degree, typically allowing dual degree students to complete their JD coursework in five semesters rather than the usual six. All coursework must be approved by the respective program to count towards the dual degree program. Likewise, some law school coursework will count toward the PhD and MA program requirements, allowing students to accelerate the completion of those degrees. For students in the JD/MA program, both degrees are typically conferred at the end of four years (eight semesters) rather than the usual five years to complete both degrees separately. For students in the JD/PhD program, the JD is typically conferred at the end of the fourth year, while the student continues to complete the PhD requirements.

Prospective dual degree students must apply independently to both the School of Law and GSAS and be admitted to both. Current law students or GSAS doctoral students may apply to enter a dual degree program during their first year. Students looking to start the JD/PhD program at GSAS should inquire with the School of Law about the program sequence. Please refer to the GSAS website for information regarding funding for PhD candidates.

Students interested in a dual degree program are encouraged to contact Amy Chu, Senior Director of Academic Services and Registration at the School of Law ( [email protected] or 212-998-6020) or Tania Barnes at GSAS ( [email protected] ) for more information.

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Doctor of Laws (J.S.D./S.J.D.)

After graduating with a Juris Doctor a person is eligible for practicing law in the particular state where they pass their bar examination.

A person may then go on to specialize in a specific area of the law and study for a Master of Laws degree.

For those individuals who prefer to work in academia or in other types of work that have an emphasis on legal scholarship, the Doctor of Laws is the next step.

A Doctor of Law degree is the highest level of law degree that is offered in the United States.

The Doctor of Laws degree falls into four general categories including a Doctor of Juridical Science, a Doctor of Jurisprudence, a Doctor of Philosophy, and a Doctor of Comparative Law.

The American Bar Association states that there are around 20 law schools in the United States that currently offer doctor of law degrees.

Degree and Application Requirements

While the number of doctoral programs is limited, the requirements for application and degree requirements vary greatly.

Almost all of the programs will require that an individual complete a master of laws program or a comparative program such as a Master’s in Comparative Law, a Juris Master’s, or a Master’s of Jurisprudence.

There are some law schools that limit enrollment in their doctoral programs to only those who have completed an LL.M. program with their particular school.

This means that if you complete a master’s program at one law school you may not be eligible for admission into a particular law school for your doctorate.

It is important to factor this limitation into the decision-making process when considering law schools for your master’s program if you are considering a doctorate program afterward.

There are numerous doctorate programs that require individual applicants to gain approval from a member of the faculty stating that they are willing to be the applicant’s advisor and committee chairperson for their dissertation.

This must be accomplished before a person applies to the program.

Doctorate Program Considerations

When considering a doctorate program it is essential to evaluate each of the programs carefully.

It is essential to look at the programs and weigh your own particular area of interest against the specializations of the faculty of each of the schools.

If interested in writing a dissertation and conducting specific research, consider a school that has a faculty member who has similar interests.

There are some doctoral programs that will require the student to pursue coursework in additional areas and other programs do not have this requirement.

Almost all of the programs will require the student to write a dissertation that could be published and that makes a contribution of value to the literature of law.

Most programs will require that a doctoral student conduct their research under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

The majority of these programs will require that the degree be completed in a time frame of two to five years, with the first two years being completed “in residence.”

The rate for these programs will vary, but no financial aid is typically available for a doctorate program.

About Michael Morales

2 responses to doctor of laws (j.s.d./s.j.d.).

I am researching the best program since I am so eager to become a Doctor of Philosophy because we are a family of lawyers, I am willing to take the challenge.

So, this is what Juris Doctors are. I am dating one and I have no idea what a Juris Doctor does. Thanks for the info!

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How to Find a Strong Human Rights Law Program

Target law schools with human rights law clinics and journals, as well as a broad selection of relevant courses.

Find a Strong Human Rights Law Program

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An introductory course on human rights law is a start, but a good human rights law program should have a variety of related course offerings.

Key Takeaways:

• Look for more than an introductory course on human rights law.
• Find out what law faculty know and are doing that's relevant.
• Find out what the school's students specializing in human rights law do after graduating.

Clinical opportunities, quality professors and active student organizations are important criteria when choosing a law school with a solid human rights program, experts say, and students should carefully research programs to find their best fit.

The Human Rights Clinic at the University of Miami School of Law "played a major role in my decision of where to attend law school,” says Gita Howard, a human rights attorney who graduated from the Florida law school in 2021.

Howard’s initial interest in pursuing international human rights law was formed during the many summers she spent in India growing up. She says she developed a nuanced understanding of global issues and a drive to create a positive global impact.

“International human rights law seemed like a tangible and meaningful way to pursue my passion for social change.”

Finding a strong human rights law program is important to prepare students for a successful career as a human rights lawyer, experts say. Here are the top features they say students should be looking for in a program.

A Broad Selection of Human Rights Law Courses

An introductory course on human rights law is a start, but a good human rights law program should have a variety of related course offerings, experts say.

Prospective students should research whether the program offers courses “on the full spectrum of international human rights law,” says Diane A. Desierto, professor of law and global affairs at the University of Notre Dame Law School in Indiana, where she also is faculty director of the LL.M. in International Human Rights Law and founding director of the Global Human Rights Clinic.

Such courses should include civil, political, economic, social, cultural, developmental, environmental and labor topics, “as well as the frontier courses on the expanding applications of international human rights law across public law and private law ,” she says.

Desierto says students should also find out whether a program offers legal and interdisciplinary methods, as well as theoretical and experiential opportunities to gain expertise in international human rights law.

Experienced Human Rights Law Faculty

Other features to look for in a program are faculty actively working on human rights law projects, faculty publishing human rights law papers and scholar-practitioners.

Notre Dame's program, for example, enables students “to customize their learning, training, and mentoring according to specific professional objectives across different forms of human rights law practice,” Desierto says. The small class sizes mean students have access to one-on-one mentoring and customized learning from different experts throughout the university and its global campuses abroad.

Students already in law school who want to specialize in human rights "should be researching which faculty are specializing in human rights in their scholarship and courses,” says Anna Ivey, founder of Ivey Consulting, which helps people apply to selective U.S. colleges and law schools.

An Impressive Job Attainment Record

Desierto says it's important to look into whether a program invests in the well-being and success of their students during and after graduation.

“Our program does this extensively during the student's matriculation into the program, as well as in supporting postgraduate clerkships and internships in international, regional and national courts and tribunals and organizations,” Desierto says. The program measures success by how its students "flourish and succeed in their work of striving for human rights outcomes in their respective countries and communities."

It's also important to find out whether alumni are working with major human rights institutions. Ivey recommends students check law schools' social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, "to see what alums work in the field to get a sense of the alumni network for that specialization.”

A Human Rights Clinic or Law Journal

Participating in a human rights law clinic or contributing to human rights law journals is important on the resumes of aspiring human rights lawyers, as positions in the field are competitive, experts say.

“Human rights clinics provide a really critical opportunity for students to develop their knowledge of human rights law, as well as practice the necessary skills to succeed in the field under the guidance of experts,” Howard says.

For example, the Human Rights Clinic at the University of Miami provides students with experiential learning opportunities in U.S. and international human rights litigation and advocacy, allowing students to work with the United Nations and the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.

“Its inspiring professors and meaningful projects gave me the skills, support and network necessary to pursue a career in human rights law,” Howard says.

Apart from looking at whether a law school offers clinics or journals dedicated to human rights law, Ivey recommends looking at whether such a journal “hosts some kind of annual symposium on the topic.”

Other activities, such as participation in relevant student groups, are important, experts say. For example, Howard served as president and co-founder of the Human Rights Society, an advocacy organization at her school.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Law school can be expensive and human rights law may not pay as well as other law specialties, so scholarship opportunities are an important consideration, experts say.

Experts say a law school’s investment in human rights law can be seen in scholarships offered to students in the discipline. Students can check a school's website for scholarship information. Notre Dame's program typically provides full scholarships for 15 to 20 students, Desierto says.

There are also fellowships available during and after law school. Twice, Howard was a HOPE Fellow, receiving funding to pursue public interest summer jobs while in law school. She spent her first summer interning at the Tibetan Legal Association in Dharamsala, India, and her second summer as an intern for the U.N.'s Office of Legal Affairs in the general legal division.

“After law school, a common way to break into the human rights field is through a fellowship with a human rights organization,” Howard says.

Howard received a Human Rights Program Fellowship from her law school with a placement at Human Rights First, a nonprofit, nonpartisan international human rights organization. After her fellowship, she was brought on as an associate attorney. She notes that fellowship opportunities often require funding from a student's law school, as well.

“It can be helpful for students to research whether fellowship funding is currently or potentially available at a prospective law school,” Howard says.

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U.S. News Ranks Best Graduate Schools

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Loyola Marymount University Newsroom

LMU Law, Business, and Education Programs Again Ranked Among the Nation’s Best in 2024 U.S. News & World Report Grad School Rankings

April 9, 2024

LOS ANGELES — Loyola Marymount University  graduate programs  in law, business, and education are once again ranked among the best in the country in the newly released U.S. News & World Report 2024  Best Graduate Schools  rankings.

“This year’s U.S. News graduate program rankings again confirm the exceptional strength of our law, business, and education programs,” said Thomas Poon, Ph.D., executive vice president and provost. “Our continued dedication to academic excellence and student development shines in these rankings, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to a transformative learning experience for graduate students.”

LMU Loyola Law School  (LLS) ranked No. 61 in the 2024 Best Law Schools. The school’s part-time program,  the Hybrid J.D. Evening Program , placed No. 6 in the nation — advancing four positions from last year — and continues to lead as the top part-time program in the West. LLS’ trial advocacy program placed in the top 10 programs nationwide at No. 8, and its tax law program ranked at No. 13. Other specialty programs with major moves upward this year include the law school’s clinical training program, up 23 positions to No. 46, and health care law program, up 11 positions to No. 41. 

LMU College of Business Administration  (CBA) continues to demonstrate competitive excellence in its graduate business programs. The college’s part-time  MBA program is ranked No. 66 with four specialty programs in the top 25 in the country: No. 18 in a new international MBA programs ranking; No. 19 in entrepreneurship MBA programs; No. 21 in MBA marketing programs; and No. 22 in management MBA programs. CBA also ranked in two other specialty rankings introduced this year: No. 33 in finance MBA programs and No. 41 in accounting programs.   

LMU School of Education (SOE) ranked No. 76 in the 2024 Best Education Schools, placing the school No. 2 among California private institutions and No. 7 among California universities overall. SOE is once again ranked No. 2 among the nation’s Jesuit universities.

To view all the rankings and ranking methodologies for each list, visit the U.S News & World Report 2024  Best Graduate Schools website .

Kristin Agostoni [email protected] Office: 310.338.2389 Cell: 424.789.2515

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Law school, graduate programs fall in national rankings

Updated: April 15, 2024, at 2:55 p.m. 

At least seven of GW’s graduate schools and programs fell in U.S. News & World Report’s national ranking of graduate and law schools this year.

GW Law dropped to No. 41 in the rankings, a 16-spot drop over the past two years , and the School of Nursing’s master’s degree program is unranked this year after being ranked No. 19 last year. Eight of the nine schools corresponding to graduate school categories remained within the top 100 rankings on the list compared to last year.

A University spokesperson said the nursing school was unranked because officials opted not to participate in the rankings this year.

In 2023, the law school fell from No. 25 to No. 35, tying with Emory University, the University of Alabama, the University of California, Irvine and the University of Iowa. The School of Nursing’s master’s degree program rose eight spots last year, from No. 27 in 2022 to No. 19 in 2023.

GW Law Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew responded to the rankings in a University release Tuesday, saying the rankings provide only a “snapshot” in analyzing schools.

“No single number can tell you all you need to know about faculty, career prospects, curriculum, climate, clinics, externship opportunities, programs or all the many factors you will need to assess to pick the best law school for you,” Matthew said in the release.

U.S. News & World Report uses surveys sent to experts in related fields to calculate a program’s reputation and statistics that evaluate research, faculty and students’ success to determine graduate and law school rankings.

The Graduate School of Education and Human Development dropped from No. 58 last year to No. 76 this year, tying with Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles and the University of Oklahoma Rainbolt.

GW’s public affairs program fell to six spots to No. 16, ranked alongside Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, Georgia State University and the University of California-Los Angeles. The program rose to No. 10 in 2023, up from No. 12 in 2022.

The School of Business dropped from No. 59 last year to No. 62 this year, with its international business program falling from No. 8 last year to No. 9 this year.

The Milken School of Public Health rose in the rankings, advancing from No. 12 in 2023 to No. 11 in 2024.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science remained at No. 92, the same spot it held last year, tying with Florida A&M University, Florida International University, the University of Kentucky and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

The School of Medicine and Health Sciences remained at No. 58 this year in the rankings for research medical schools, tying with Stony Brook University, Thomas Jefferson University, the University of Illinois and the University of Nebraska.

This post was updated to include the following:

The Hatchet updated this post to include a statement from a University spokesperson.

Man who received college degree while incarcerated accepted into law school

Benard McKinley will attend Northwestern Law School in the fall

Benard McKinley is going to one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States, just four months after he became a free man.

At 16, McKinley was arrested for a gang-related murder, and at 19 years old was sentenced to 100 years in prison. As he was being taken to a maximum security prison to serve his sentence, he made himself a promise.

"I promised myself before I got out of that bus that no matter what the outcome was that, you know, I was just going to try to do better for myself," McKinley, who said he takes full responsibility for the mistakes he made at 16, told ABC News. "I knew that I wanted to better myself, and I did that."

McKinley will join the Northwestern Law School class of 2027 when he starts law school this fall at 39 years old.

After seeing the financial stress that legal fees were placing on his family, McKinley decided to learn the law and represented himself pro se after obtaining his General Educational Development diploma, or GED, while incarcerated. He also helped those who lacked access or resources to legal aid.

MORE: Judge vacates convictions of three Philadelphia-area men imprisoned for decades

"I was giving back and contributing to those who was in need of help -- you know, in spite of them being incarcerated with me, they were still human beings," McKinley said.

While representing himself in court, McKinley's sentence was reduced from 100 years to 25, a sentence he served in full. While still incarcerated, he took the LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, and applied to law school.

In December 2023, he was released from prison.

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McKinley is the first graduate of Northwestern's Prison Education Program (PEP) to be accepted into any law school.

PEP, which launched in the fall of 2018, is the only program in the United States that confers bachelor's degrees to incarcerated people from a top 10 university, program director Jennifer Lackey told ABC News.

"I did some work with incarcerated people much earlier on in my life and, you know, became an educator and knew that providing post-secondary educational opportunities to people who were incarcerated would be a very significant way of positively intervening in the criminal legal system," Lackey said.

MORE: Students of color in New York City learn how to forage and grow their own food

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics , the U.S. prison population was around 1.2 million at the end of 2022. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services states that while more than 600,000 people are released from prison in the U.S. each year, recidivism is common, and 2 out of 3 people are rearrested within three years of their release. More than 50% are incarcerated again, according to the HHS.

A 2014 Rand study , however, found that inmates who participate in correctional education programs like PEP had a 43% lower chance of recidivating than those who did not.

In January 2022, Northwestern admitted the PEP inaugural class, enrolling approximately 100 students across two prisons in Lincoln, Illinois. The first graduating class of PEP students, which included McKinley, received their diplomas last November.

"Bernard just worked tirelessly. He was relentlessly focused and he just sort of tuned out all of the distractions with that single goal in mind of coming home and going to law school," Lackey said. "And here he is."

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