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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

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

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Doctoral Programs

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.

Graduate Programs

Students from all over the world come to Yale Law School to deepen their understanding of the law.

Yale Law School’s graduate programs are truly global — both in the breadth of resources available through Yale Law School and in the composition of our student body. Students enjoy small class sizes and the camaraderie of graduate and J.D. students, the intimacy of a small program, and a close relationship with the Yale Law School faculty .

The Law School admits a limited number of graduate students each year to pursue studies in law beyond the first professional degree.

Graduate Degrees

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) program encompasses one year of full-time study. Admission is generally open only to those committed to a career in teaching law.

The Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) program is a select doctoral program open only to graduates of the LL.M. program at Yale Law School.

The Law School also offers a Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.)  program for a small number of non-lawyers who wish to obtain a basic familiarity with legal thought and to explore how law relates to their discipline. It is a one-year terminal program designed for those who do not desire a professional law degree. Admission is generally open only to doctoral degree holders and doctoral candidates in fields other than law, or working journalists (with at least a bachelor's degree).

The Ph.D. in Law is a doctoral program offered in conjunction with Yale University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences . It is designed to prepare J.D. graduates for careers as legal scholars and teachers through coursework and the production of a substantial body of original academic research and writing. The program is only open to students who have already earned a J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school.

Other Programs

Learn more about the Visiting Researcher Program  and Joint Degree Programs .

Contact the Graduate Programs Office .

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Mail: Graduate Programs Office

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PO Box 208215

New Haven, CT 06520-8215

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Graduate Program

Jurisprudence & social policy graduate program, april 19, 2024, april 12, 2024, march 8, 2024, march 4, 2024, february 28, 2024.

Berkeley Law offers a unique interdisciplinary program of graduate study in law and society, leading to the Ph.D. degree in Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) . The JSP Program promotes the study of law and legal institutions through the perspectives of several disciplines, including economics, political science, philosophy, sociology, history, psychology, and criminal justice

The Jurisprudence and Social Policy Ph.D. is ideal for students interested in:

The scholarly study of legal ideas and institutions from the standpoint of one or more of the basic disciplines, such as, history, economics, philosophy, sociology, or political science.

Policy analysis and applied research on law-related issues in such fields as criminal justice, poverty and discrimination, human rights, urban planning, and environmental protection.

Preparation for teaching legal studies in graduate and undergraduate curriculums.

Interdisciplinary preparation for teaching law.

A Note from Associate Dean Dylan Penningroth:

Thanks for visiting our website.  The Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) Program is a unique doctoral program focused on the interdisciplinary study of law. JSP is housed within the School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, but organized under UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division. Established in 1978, JSP was the first law-focused PhD program in the United States and continues to be the leading program of its kind anywhere.

By integrating the study of law with the humanities and social sciences, JSP seeks a broad context for understanding and developing legal policy. While there are many productive ways to link law to the research tools of the disciplines, we are committed to pursuing plural, interdisciplinary scholarship that includes humanistic and social scientific approaches to the study of law. Our students generally specialize in some portion of this spectrum while learning from teachers and peers with diverse research interests. Students take a mix of interdisciplinary courses offered within JSP, as well as classes in the Law School’s traditional JD curriculum. These and other features of our program have become a model for other doctoral programs in interdisciplinary legal studies, many of which have recruited our alumni for their faculties. 

JSP faculty are leading scholars in their field who hail from a variety of disciplines – including political science, sociology, economics, history, philosophy, and psychology. Beginning with the JSP Orientation Seminar and through a range of course offerings in the humanities and social sciences, we offer students training in both empirical and normative analysis of law. Over the past decade, JSP has grown, adding faculty who offer a range of cutting-edge courses in quantitative and qualitative research methods and research design that are specially oriented to the study of law. Our substantive course offerings also have increased in scope, pushing the boundaries of knowledge across multiple fields.

JSP is closely integrated with the Center for the Study of Law and Society (CSLS), which attracts visiting scholars from all over the world, hosts one of the most dynamic speaker series on campus, and provides an intellectual hub for top-notch research on law and legal institutions. CSLS also offers the Berkeley Empirical Legal Studies (BELS) Graduate Fellowship, which brings together doctoral students studying law and social science from JSP and other programs on the Berkeley campus in a year-long research workshop. Berkeley Law is also home to a vibrant array of other research centers dedicated to issues ranging from law, energy, and the environment to reproductive rights and justice; from law and business to law and social justice; from law, morality, and public affairs to law and technology. 

This is an extraordinary time for scholars and students who have interdisciplinary training in law. The collective challenges confronting us today span diverse legal systems, fields of expertise, cultures, and regions of the world. In this context, the training we provide is not only an advantage for a professional career in academia, public service, or policy advocacy, but also urgently needed kindling for innovative theorizing, creative problem-solving, and breakthrough empirical research.

On this website you can get to know our students and our faculty and learn more about the JSP program by viewing recent course offerings and upcoming conferences. I especially urge you to learn more about our advanced graduate students currently on the academic job market, as well as our alumni. Nothing reflects so well on our program as our graduates, and what they are accomplishing with their training here at Berkeley continues to inspire us. 

If you have any questions about the JSP Program, please feel welcome to contact me, our Graduate Advisor, Sarah Song, or our Graduate Student Advisor, Michael Paz.

Dylan C. Penningroth, Associate Dean Jurisprudence and Social Policy

• School of Law

Ph.D. in Law PhD in Law

A Ph.D. requires a minimum of three years' study, at least two years of which comprises work done while in residence at the University of Washington. Students enter the Ph.D. program having already identified a dissertation supervisory chair and additional committee members (referred to as the student’s Doctoral Supervisory Committee), who will support and shepherd them through the Ph.D. curriculum and dissertation writing process.

Ph.D. candidates must complete 90 credits, at least 60 of which must be taken at the University of Washington, in order to receive a doctoral degree.

I. Requirements

Overall course requirements.

Ph.D. students must successfully complete a minimum of 90 credits including at least 60 course credits and 27 dissertation credits (LAW 800—minimum two credit hours per quarter). With the approval of the Ph.D. Program Director and Steering Committee, an appropriate master’s degree from an accredited institution may substitute for up to a maximum of 30 of the course credits.   This determination of substituting master’s credits takes place at the time when the presumptive chair agrees that the Ph.D. student’s prospectus is ready to defend at a General Examination.   The 60 course credits also include courses required by the School of Law as described immediately below.

Required Competencies:

The primary requirement is the production of a dissertation that, in the opinion of the Ph.D. Doctoral Supervisory Committee, represents a novel and significant contribution to the discipline of law. In addition, Ph.D. students are required to demonstrate competencies in four areas: 

• Understanding of common law legal systems and differences between major legal systems around the world.
• An understanding of a research methodology area relevant to the topic of their dissertation research.
• Subject matter expertise in the area of their dissertation research.
• The ability to present and discuss the results of their dissertation research.

An understanding of common law legal systems and differences between major legal systems around the world

This requirement will be satisfied by 8 credits of coursework as follows:

• Required course: B550 American Legal Systems and Methods (4 credits) or equivalent
• Additionally, students will have to complete B557 Graduate Writing Seminar (4 credits) or the equivalent to demonstrate understanding of the American legal system.

Research Methodology

Broadly speaking, modern academic legal research is supported by one or more of the following:  jurisprudential approaches, qualitative approaches, quantitative approaches. Competency will be satisfied by at least 3-4 credits of coursework as follows, chosen in consultation with the supervisory chair:

• PPM 502 Research Design (4)
• EDPSY 586 Qualitative Methods of Educational Research I (4 credits)
• ARCH 567 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
• CS&SS 536 Analysis of Categorical and Count Data (3)
• LAWA 595 Jurisprudence and Moral Philosophy (4)

Elective courses: Law A599 Legal Research Methods (3 credits), Law   A 549 Advanced Legal Research   (4 Credits) 

Subject Matter Expertise (10-12 credits of subject discipline required courses)

The remaining courses to fulfill the credit requirement are to be chosen based on the Ph.D. student’s dissertation research topic. For instance, students with a focus on intellectual property must complete that discipline’s required courses. The same is true for sustainable international development, health law, etc.

Presentation/Discussion Competency

The presentation/discussion competency will be satisfied by successful completion of the general and final examination process described below.

Other Requirements

Law 600 tutorial with supervisory chair (1-2 credits per quarter).

In addition to the above requirements, students are expected to take 1-2 Law 600 credits with their supervisory chair per quarter to facilitate regular communication during the time leading up to their general exam. The chair will monitor the student’s academic progress and advise on appropriate courses to be taken (at the law school and in other departments on campus) related to the Ph.D. student’s research.

First- and Second-Year Elective Courses

All Ph.D. students are expected and encouraged to take subject-matter courses relevant to their dissertation research topic as part of their 60 credits of coursework. There is a rich variety of courses available in the School of Law and in other schools and departments across the University of Washington campus. For example, the   Graduate School has a variety of graduate certificate programs   that not only may be pertinent to student’s research interests but may provide an additional credential to enhance a student’s academic portfolio.

II. General Examination

Completion of 60 course credits (up to 30 credits from an accredited LL.M. or other pertinent master's degree may be counted toward the 90-credit total) and a Dissertation Prospectus approved by the Doctoral Supervisory Committee are required prior to this exam.

Students must pass an oral   General Examination   designed around individualized readings determined in consultation with the student’s Doctoral Supervisory Committee, and a Dissertation Prospectus that contains the student’s detailed dissertation study plans, including research questions and the chosen methodology and study plan to answer them.

To be eligible for the General Exam, the student must have completed a minimum of 60 course credits (including credits being taken the quarter of the exam) of which at least 18 credits must be at the 500 level and above. Numerical grades must be received in at least 18 quarter credits of coursework taken at the University of Washington. The Graduate School accepts numerical grades in department approved 400-level courses accepted as part of the major and in 500-level courses (this excludes 499 credits). 

Students are required to write and successfully defend a Dissertation Prospectus that outlines a detailed plan for the Ph.D. dissertation. The General Examination tests the student’s understanding of, and facility with, the scholarly literature that relates to the proposed dissertation topic, along with the strength of the proposed research proposal and its design.

III. Final Examination (Doctoral Defense)

In addition to a successful General Examination, the Ph.D. candidate must complete at least 27 dissertation credits over a period of at least three quarters. Candidates total credit count must reach 90 and they must have completed their doctoral dissertation.

To complete the degree, the candidate must complete a   Dissertation Defense   (also known as the   Final Examination ) administered by the Supervisory Doctoral Committee and devoted to the presentation and defense of the dissertation. It should be noted that the Graduate School requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA to obtain a graduate degree. For the final Dissertation Defense, students must get their committee members’ signatures on the UW Graduate School Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee Approval form and submit that before the end of the quarter (the form will be provided at or prior to the student’s defense and submission instructions are on the form). More detailed information is on the Ph.D. Program’s Canvas page.

Students must be registered and may not be on leave during the quarter that the General and Final Examinations are taken.

IV. Official Submission

After a successful Final Examination, the dissertation must be submitted in the required format to the University of Washington Graduate School by 11:59 p.m. PST on the  last day of the quarter . The PhD Candidate must be registered and may not be on leave during the quarter that the dissertation is submitted.

For details of degree requirements please see Graduate School Policies-Doctoral Degree .

Ph.D. in Law

• Current Ph.D.s in Law
• PhD Admissions

Graduate Programs, UW School of Law William H. Gates Hall Box 353020 4293 Memorial Way Seattle, WA 98195-3020, USA gradlaw@ uw .edu

The Juris Doctor (J.D.) is a three-year program that first gives students the intellectual foundations for legal study, and then gives them the opportunity to focus their studies on areas of particular interest through advanced classes, clinics, and writing projects.

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a one-year advanced degree program for students who have already received their first law degrees. It attracts intellectually curious candidates of diverse backgrounds from 65+ countries, including lawyers working at firms or NGOs, government officials, law teachers, judges, activists, doctoral students, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and others.

Harvard Law School’s most advanced law degree, the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is modeled on the very best Ph.D. programs in other disciplines, and is designed for aspiring legal academics who, through sustained independent study, research and writing, work to produce a dissertation that constitutes a substantial and valuable contribution to legal scholarship.

Students interested in combining legal education with advanced training in a field not covered by one of the Law School’s formal joint degree programs can consider completing the J.D. program concurrently with another graduate degree program at Harvard University or another institution. In the past, students have arranged concurrent degree programs with the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Divinity School, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in law.

105 degrees at 70 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

About Postgraduate Law

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law through distance learning offers a flexible platform for in-depth legal research and scholarship. It caters to those who wish to combine an advanced higher education qualification with their existing work or personal commitments by providing the ability to study from anywhere globally. You’ll be able to undertake the majority of your research at an off-campus location.

There are 19 such courses in the UK, and full-time students are expected to complete their work within three years. Courses are competitive, and a first class or upper second-class honours degree in law (or a subject related to the proposed area of research) is usually required.

What to Expect

The distance learning Law PhD spans approximately 3 to 6 years, depending on whether you choose to study with full-time or part-time enrolment. The programme is predominantly research-based, requiring candidates to produce a lengthy thesis that offers a significant, original contribution to the legal profession. This involves rigorous independent research, under the guidance of experienced faculty members who provide academic oversight and support through online communication.

Candidates are required to engage in critical analysis of legal texts, case studies and contemporary legal issues, demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills. Online seminars and workshops are integral to the curriculum, promoting academic development and networking within the legal community.

Upon completion, graduates possess a thorough understanding of their chosen area of law, prepared for careers in academia, legal research, policy development or high-level advisory roles.

Related subjects:

• PhD Arbitration
• PhD Civil Law
• PhD Company Law
• PhD Constitutional and Public Law
• PhD Criminal Law
• PhD European Law
• PhD International Law
• PhD Jurisprudence
• PhD Labour Law
• PhD Law and Legal studies
• PhD Law of Specific Areas and Countries
• PhD Legal Practice
• PhD Legal Practice and Procedures
• PhD Legal Rights (Law)

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Oxford Brookes University

We have a lively and supportive research culture with a number of specialist research groups led by internationally recognised Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

SOAS University of London

The School of Law accepts candidates for research work leading to a PhD. The central feature of PhD work is the close relationship Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,860 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,430 per year (UK)

University of Hull

About our programmes We welcome applications for postgraduate research into many areas of law at PhD level. Our particular range of Read more...

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD/MPhil Law

City, university of london.

The PhD/MPhil programme at the City Law School offers you the opportunity to carry out legal research and to contribute to professional Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £11,140 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £5,570 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD Law

University of chester.

The University of Chester Law School provides a rich and supportive environment for postgraduate research and welcomes students wishing Read more...

MPhil/PhD in Law

Manchester metropolitan university.

RESEARCH CULTURE Manchester Law School’s general research focus is on the operation and impact of law in society. Our work is Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,850 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree

PhD Postgraduate research opportunities in Law

Liverpool john moores university.

Excellent research opportunities await at the School of Law, enabling you to work at the forefront of developments with leading Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate Research in law

University of east anglia uea.

UEA Law School is one of the top law schools in the United Kingdom. We want your research to make a real difference. Our inspiring Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Bangor University

Bangor School of Law welcomes applications from suitably qualified graduates to read for the degrees of PhD, MPhil and LLM Res by Read more...

• variable - to suit the learner Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• variable - to suit the learner Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Law and Criminology

Sheffield hallam university.

Course summary Your research will take place in the Department of Law and Criminology. We are a group of approximately 80 academics Read more...

PhD Security, Conflict and Human Rights

University of bath.

This course brings together research perspectives from disciplines such as political science, sociology and psychology, as well as Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £4,800 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £2,400 per year (UK)

Aberystwyth University

Founded in 1901, Aberystwyth Law School bases itself on a long, distinguished and increasingly varied experience of legal and Read more...

University of Surrey

Why choose this programme Our PhD in Law aims to train the next generation of legal thinkers, law reformers, policy advisors, political Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree
• 8 years Part time degree

Law PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Kingston university.

Whether you are planning a career as an academic within the education sector, or as a professional researcher within the public or Read more...

Royal Holloway, University of London

The multidisciplinary Department of Law and Criminology is home to applied, theoretical and doctrinal research across Criminology, Forensic Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

PhD (School of Law) Doctorate

University of bradford.

Our Law PhD programme enables you to conduct legal research under the supervision of our international, experienced, and highly committed Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,342 per year (UK)

Mphil Phd School of Business and Law

University of east london.

The School gives postgraduate research students the chance to learn from the best academic minds and industry experts. You’ll be studying Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,740 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,870 per year (UK)

PhD Human Rights

University of essex.

Our PhD Human Rights was established to meet the demands of our students who have an established interest in human rights and wish to Read more...

• 7 years Part time degree

University of Glasgow

Our staff are experts from across all areas of the law, supervising top-calibre international research students. Our academic staff Read more...

Law PhD, MPhil - Socio-Legal Studies

University of leicester.

Leicester Law School is a research-led department, recognising the important relationship between excellence in research and in teaching. Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,333 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

1-20 of 105 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• University of Warwick
• University of West London
• Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• University of Portsmouth
• Cardiff University
• University of Suffolk
• University of Nottingham
• University of Buckingham
• University of Plymouth
• University of Sussex
• King's College London, University of London
• University of Aberdeen
• The University of Edinburgh
• University of Salford
• Ulster University
• University of Reading
• Birmingham City University
• University of Kent
• Birkbeck, University of London
• University of Sunderland

Related Subjects:

Georgetown Law

Graduate programs.

There's no better place to engage in the U.S. legal system than at Georgetown.

Our campus is an oasis of learning in the heart of a vibrant American city, just steps from the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court. Here you can take your legal expertise to the next level with our Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.), Master of Law and Technology (M.L.T.), and/or specialized Certificate programs   – or pursue the highest degree in the legal field with our Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.).

With more than 300 courses offered each year, and multiple specialty areas, Georgetown Law allows you to develop an individualized program based on your interests and goals. Decide whether to immerse yourself in an intensive year-long program, complete your degree part-time, or apply for one of our online degree programs.

The D.C. Advantage

Our faculty are writing, interpreting, shaping, and enforcing the laws. Our classes are taught by current and former top officials from a variety of courts, agencies, corporations, and organizations headquartered in D.C.

Our campus hosts a never-ending calendar of events that features U.S. and international legal experts and leaders. And our students have access to countless externships throughout the city. With these opportunities to experience the law in action, as well as Georgetown Law’s large alumni network and dedicated career counselors, you can take your career anywhere from here.

Make the Most of D.C.

Our students have access to elite externships at federal agencies, top law firms, nonprofits and institutions such as the World Bank and IMF.

Explore our Top-Notch Career Services

Learn how we can help you catapult your career to the next level.

Georgetown Law has one of the largest alumni networks of any U.S. law school, spanning 40,000 graduates around the world.

Should I Get a Master's Before a Doctoral Degree?

Do you need a master's degree to get a Ph.D.? No, but experts suggest considering these key factors before deciding.

Should I Get a Master's Before a Ph.D?

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A master’s eases the transition to graduate work and may make you more competitive when applying to doctoral programs.

Although it's not usually a requirement, earning a master’s degree before applying to a Ph.D. or other doctoral program can be a good way to get accustomed to graduate-level coursework while gaining valuable research experience and connections in your field.

But it can also be an expensive and time-consuming detour on the route to a doctorate, so it’s important to consider whether the benefits of earning a master’s before a Ph.D. outweigh the cost.

Here are some factors experts say you should weigh.

Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree First

Karin Ash, a graduate consultant at Accepted, a college admissions consulting firm, says the research experience students can gain through a master’s tends to give them an edge in doctoral admissions.

Master's studies can also expand opportunities for students who already have significant research work behind them. Ash notes that some students she works with have research experience but choose to explore other research areas through a master's before deciding on a focus for their doctoral studies.

If your undergraduate major was fairly different from what you plan to study at a graduate level, getting a master’s degree first can help bridge the gap, says Julie Posselt, a professor of education and associate dean of the University of Southern California Graduate School. Posselt, who earned her master's before pursuing doctoral studies, says master’s studies can also help you decide whether what you’re studying is right for your academic interests and career goals .

“I learned through my master's program that the field that I had started to pursue was much more narrow than what I wanted for the long term,” Posselt says. “So instead of investing five years in a field, I was able to invest a shorter amount of time – two years – and then make the decision that if someday I wanted a Ph.D., it was going to need to be in a broader field than the one that I had during my master's.”

Ash and Posselt say a master’s can be a good way to network with experts in your field of interest and make connections that will be valuable in a future career.

“A lot of STEM students tell me they don’t have professors who know them as their classes are large,” Ash wrote in an email. “Obtaining a master’s degree will allow them to develop relationships with professors who can then write substantive recommendation letters .”

Reasons to Go Straight to a Doctoral Program

Master's degrees can be expensive , and students often don't receive significant funding to complete their studies.

“My concern is the increasing debt that American students have from their undergraduate education," Posselt says, "and the fact that most master's programs don't fund them, and as a result, students have to take out significant loans" to complete a master’s.

"I always encourage students, if they're going to get a master's degree, to try to find a place where they can get funding along the way,” she says.

On the other hand, Ash says it’s common for Ph.D. programs to be fully funded , so it may be unnecessarily costly to earn a master’s degree first – especially if it means taking out student loans .

In addition to considering the tuition cost, Posselt says it’s important to consider the earnings you could lose by delaying the start of your career by a year or two to pursue a master’s degree.

It's also worth investigating whether the doctoral program you're considering will accept some of the credits you earn in a master's program, as that could shorten your doctoral studies. But Posselt says the transferability of master's-level coursework is relatively weak and varies by institution.

Even if you do apply master's coursework to your Ph.D., it may not be worthwhile.

"Many Ph.D. programs will accept credits from courses taken at the master's level if the coursework is relevant to the program," Ash says. "However, often the applicant is veering to a more specialized education and will need to take the appropriate coursework to become proficient in that subject area. This could mean they end up with many more credits than needed to graduate."

If you’re still unsure whether you should pursue a master’s first, Posselt says it’s important to consider the leverage the degree could have when it comes to doctoral admissions. A master’s is more valuable in some fields than others, she notes, so consulting with advisers and mentors from your undergraduate studies is a good way to determine how useful it will be when pursuing doctoral work.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

Tags: graduate schools , education , students

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Transforming Public Policy with an Online MSL Degree

Public policy shapes everything around us. It is the laws, regulations, guidelines, and actions to solve or address relevant and real-world problems, guided by a conception and often implemented by programs. Governmental bodies identify and address societal issues and reach collective goals through public policy. At every level, people are intricately involved in advocating for positive change within public policy. They can be lawmakers, lobbyists, politicians, or grassroots campaigners. If enacting change is your goal, there are a variety of ways to get there. 

Educationally, obtaining a degree to help you understand the processes and systems you will work within can enhance your career. While many people assume becoming a lawyer is the main road, becoming an attorney isn’t the only option. Earning a Master of Science in Law (MSL) also opens those doors. For those looking to pursue an MSL, McGeorge School of Law is there. Our nationally-ranked public law program gives our students professional, thorough legal knowledge by offering practical training and expertise taught by experienced faculty.

Transforming Government

Advocating and enacting change happens in the biggest way through laws and regulations that governing bodies set out. Whether this is at the federal, state, or local levels, impact occurs everywhere. 

There are various career paths you can take if you’re looking to make long-term changes within government, including:

• Lobbyists : people who take part in organized attempts to influence legislators. They usually work for a specific cause and lobby within Congress. A lobbyist’s job is to fight for a goal and to get laws enacted that further the goal. They can be environmental, pharmaceutical, community-driven, and more. They are knowledgeable in their field and use the knowledge to educate legislators on what is happening as well as influence them on why they should pass laws in their favor.
• Politicians : Politicians hold power either in the state or local governments. They are proposing and vetoing laws and regulations. Politicians are elected by the people to represent the people and are supposed to work with their constituents’ best interests in mind. 
• Policy writers/analysts : Policy writers research and draft policy initiatives. Afterward, they aid in the implementation and adoption of those policies. Policy analysts are on the ground level when implementing or changing the regulations in place becomes a thought. They do the research and reports on the ramifications of any kind of policy change so that everyone is well-informed on the potential impact it holds.
• Campaign workers : Many of us have interacted with campaign workers at some point, especially around elections. Campaign workers encompass many cogs in a moving machine. They might be polling the community, making phone calls, raising funds, or advising the person running for office. They could be coordinating travel, keeping an eye on current news, or speech writing. Campaign workers form a team that backs up their running person until election results are in. Getting their candidate in office has a direct impact on the next cycle of government and how it runs.
• Grassroots community builders : Community builders are distinguishable in that they are locally accountable. They work to improve the collective livelihoods of their community. This can manifest in many different ways, whether it is starting initiatives to educate the community on pressing issues, pushing for resources, or fighting for change. Some grassroots movements grow large enough that they step outside of their local area. Alexandria Occassio-Cortez as well as other politicians famously started as grassroots movements. 
• Public health officials : Healthcare practitioners and public health officials help transform the landscape of our healthcare system. According to the CDC , public health professionals play an important role in the policy process. They do this by conducting policy analysis, communicating findings, developing partnerships, and promoting and implementing evidence-based interventions. Policy is an effective way to improve the health of populations.

These positions all work within the government to change it, whether by being a part of it or working on the outside with the branches in place.

Private Sector

Transforming public policy doesn’t only happen on a public level, but on a private one as well. The private sector, which many times has funding that the public sector does not, also can have an impact on transforming public policy. Plenty of private sector jobs can help influence public policy, such as:

• Journalists/policy reporters: While this may not be the first thought for a job that influences policy, news reporting always has the potential to heavily sway the public’s opinion. In today’s age, where there are many news outlets, social media, and various forms of technology keeping us connected to what is happening in our community and around the world, reporting news is no light responsibility. Journalists not only let the public know what is happening but also portray the facts to help people come to conclusions about courses of action that should occur. 
• Engineers : Engineers can shape public policy by identifying how their engineering as well as science shapes social issues. Water resource or environmental engineers , for example, use engineering disciplines to develop solutions for planetary health. 

MSLs as a Stepping Stone

A Master of Science in Law gives practical training, expertise, and legal knowledge. Graduating from the McGeorge program lets you:

• Review and understand agreements such as contracts
• Review and draft proposed local, state, and federal laws and regulations
• Understand and comply with regulatory requirements for specific industries
• Work with attorneys and compliance officers

Specialized degrees give you a higher leg up in today’s competitive job market. We have MSL programs in both government law and policy as well as water and environmental law. Both bring our students advanced knowledge of the legal system, which can open doors within their careers. Advanced knowledge of the legal system helps you:

• Gain a competitive edge when applying for jobs;
• Provide a greater understanding of how the law affects your current role;
• Enhance your resume by developing a specialization in government law or water & environmental law.

Whether you want to break into a new role, advance your current role, or pivot into being more focused on the legal possibilities within your career, an MSL could be a great move for you. 

McGeorge School of Law not only offers two specialized MSL programs but also offers them online. Our fully online programs allow our students to blend the demands of higher education with other demands in life, such as work or personal responsibilities. McGeorge has a nationally-ranked law program that our MSLs are rooted in, and our online students get access to all of the resources and networks that McGeorge has to offer. This includes on-campus academic and social events which can be joined either through live-streaming or in person. 

If you’re looking into an MSL program, consider McGeorge. Submit your application today or call our admissions office to get started.

• McGeorge School of Law
• May 1, 2024

3+3 law program celebrates first cohort of graduates and expanded program offerings

Megan Hartman, left, Kaitlin Sommer, center, and Kate Hickey, right, will continue studying law at Syracuse University with the goal of graduating with their Juris Doctors in 2026.

The path to obtaining a law degree typically requires at least seven years in higher education. However, students enrolled in RIT’s Accelerated 3+3 Law program are able to shave a year off of their journey and get a head start on establishing their career in law.

This May, fourth-year students Megan Hartman, Kate Hickey, Kaitlin Sommer, and Ella Walton will simultaneously graduate from RIT and complete their first year of law school, making them the program’s first cohort to fully transition from their undergraduate studies at RIT to their legal studies Syracuse University College of Law .

Hartman, from San Diego, Calif., pursued a double major in sociology and anthropology and public policy while at RIT. She explained that participating in the program gave her an advantage on her journey toward becoming an attorney.

“This field is notoriously competitive, and there are issues surrounding artificial intelligence and a possible next-generation bar exam that are shaking things up, so you need that competitive edge to power you through,” said Hartman. “We’ll also have a head start when it comes to applying for jobs. It will take time to get up to the more prestigious job titles, but I’ll be starting that journey when I’m 24. Many people don’t complete their law degree until their early 30s.”

Hickey, an international and global studies and public policy double major from Halifax, Mass., added that the guidance that came with enrolling in the program helped build her confidence prior to starting her first year of law school.

“There were a lot of people in our class who struggled the first few months because they didn’t have experience reading cases or things like that. While at RIT, I attended some of the RIT Pre-Law Society events where alumni would come in and run mock law classes with us, so I had some idea of what to expect going into my first year at Syracuse,” said Hickey. “I think that the confidence I had knowing that I already sat through similar classes and was able to succeed really helped prepare me.”

Looking beyond law school, Hickey and Hartman both have visions for their future careers. Hickey aims to work in the national security and counter-terrorism law sector, and Hartman is interested in becoming a litigator and working in the government sector. Both students extend their gratitude to Jennifer Gaylord , pre-professional studies coordinator and academic advisor, and the many RIT alumni who worked with the RIT Pre-Law Society and the 3+3 program students and helped them succeed in their studies.

As the program celebrates the first cohort of graduates, leadership in the College of Liberal Arts , where the program is housed, also announced that the 3+3 program is expanding through a new partnership with University at Buffalo School of Law . Qualified undergraduate students at RIT will have the opportunity to choose between pursuing their law degree at Syracuse University or at the University at Buffalo starting in fall 2024.

“Accelerated degree pathways can be invaluable for students who are hoping to streamline their education. Partnering with the University at Buffalo School of Law will provide more options for our students as they work toward law school,” said Kelly Norris Martin , interim dean of RIT’s College of Liberal Arts. “Having a plan in place that can save students both time and money is a clear benefit, but participating in the program can also provide some guidance as they navigate the world of higher education and ensure that they have the foundation they need to succeed in their career goals.”

To be eligible to apply to University at Buffalo School of Law, undergraduate students at RIT must have completed a minimum of 90 credits by the end of their third year of undergraduate studies; earned a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher; and successfully completed the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) with an LSAT score at or above the median LSAT score for the School of Law’s previous year’s enrolled class, or a GRE score at or above the 70th percentile on Verbal Reasoning and 40th percentile on Quantitative Reasoning. 

 For more information, go to the 3+3 law program webpage or contact Jennifer Gaylord at [email protected] .

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Grad earns law degree while overcoming cancer

Scott Tish overcame cancer while earning his Master of Legal Studies degree at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Courtesy photo

Editor’s note:  This story is part of a series of profiles of  notable spring 2024 graduates . 

Scott Tish never thought law school was in the cards for him. 

A former air ambulance helicopter pilot who now serves as an aviation consultant in Castle Rock, Colorado, Tish earned his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University in organizational leadership. But something shifted for Tish on his commute home from work one day. 

“I drove past a law school every day going to work. I stopped one day and had a chat with the dean,” said Tish, of a school close to his Colorado home. “I walked out hooked.”

He chose to attend the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University to earn his Master of Legal Studies as an online student from the convenience of his home due to its sterling reputation. But a big roadblock threatened his education mid-degree: he was diagnosed with cancer.

He was forced to take some time off of school to focus on his health. 

“Trying to study law, and do well at it, and chemo do not get along — at all,” Tish said. “I stopped and took care of myself, and then picked up where I left off.”

Now in remission, Tish is graduating with his MLS degree and has high hopes for the future. He even hopes to return to law school to pursue his Juris Doctor, proving it’s never too late.

Question: Why did you choose ASU?

Answer: Their reputation and willingness to give me the chance.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Professor Beth DiFelice in legal research. She was relentless in her passion to show me how to find those really hard answers. Never stop looking. There are amazing things to find.

Q: What about advice for those considering ASU Law?

A: Take it seriously. And don't give up mid-contracts. It doesn't get any easier, but you can adapt and learn if you ask your professor for help.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: Law school. I hope.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

Q: What does graduating mean to you and your loved ones?

A:  It was hard, and I did it with their help and patience.

Q: Who, if anyone, helped you get here?

A: My wife, Pam.

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ASU grad blends art and entrepreneurship, setting sights on allergy-focused startup

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2024 graduates. Tristan Tierce has spent much of his time at Arizona State University forging a unique path between the…

PhD graduate combines geological sciences and civic engagement

By Gabrielle Sangervasi Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2024 graduates. If Mara Karageozian were given $40 million to solve one problem on Earth, she…

4+1 master's grad plans to pursue research career in applied mathematics

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2024 graduates. Jade Buzinski is graduating with a master’s degree in mathematics, after completing the accelerated 4+1…

LL.M. Program

5005   Wasserstein Hall (WCC) 1585 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge ,  MA 02138

The LL.M. (Master of Laws) program is a one-year degree program that typically includes 180 students from some 65 countries. The Graduate Program is interested in attracting intellectually curious and thoughtful candidates from a variety of legal systems and backgrounds and with various career plans. Harvard’s LL.M. students include lawyers working in firms, government officials, law professors, judges, diplomats, human rights activists, doctoral students, business people, and others. The diversity of the participants in the LL.M. program contributes significantly to the educational experience of all students at the School.

LL.M. Degree Overview

Ll.m. degree requirements, academic resources, ll.m. class profile, modal gallery, gallery block modal gallery.