legal phd

Ph.D. Program Details

Why a Ph.D. in Law?   •   Course of Study   •   Placement and Support on the Law Teaching Market   •   Tuition and Financial Aid

Why a Ph.D. in Law?

In addition to offering an opportunity to study and contribute to the evolution of law as an academic field of study, the Ph.D. in Law program provides an excellent pathway to a career in legal scholarship and law teaching. Whether it is right for any individual candidate depends on a variety of factors. If you are trying to decide between the Ph.D. in Law program and a fellowship or a visiting assistant professorship (VAP), you should keep in mind a number of considerations, including that the Ph.D. in Law program is a three-year course of study beyond the J.D. and that it provides a more structured program—including coursework, qualifying exams, and close faculty supervision—than do most fellowships or VAPs. The Ph.D. in Law program requires coursework, a written and an oral comprehensive exam, a dissertation—which may take the form of a traditional monograph or three law review articles—and teaching experience. You should also consider the availability of appropriate mentors in different programs. At Yale Law School, you will have a three-member faculty committee advising you throughout your time in the Ph.D. program, and you will have an opportunity to work closely with a wide range of Yale faculty in your courses and in your research and writing. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage fully in the intellectual life of Yale Law School and Yale University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences .

If you are trying to decide between the Ph.D. in Law and a Ph.D. in another discipline, many of the same considerations come into play. Please keep in mind that Ph.D. programs in economics, political science, history, and other fields train scholars to produce research responsive to the questions central to those disciplines. The scholarship produced by law faculties—and expected of candidates for teaching positions at law schools—is largely motivated by different sets of questions. While many students are able to apply their training in other disciplines to the study of law, a significant advantage of the Ph.D. in Law program is that it is designed specifically to prepare students for careers in legal scholarship, rather than in scholarship in another field. We should also stress that the Ph.D. in Law program welcomes applications from candidates with interdisciplinary research interests—significant advanced training in other disciplines as a part of the Ph.D. in Law program is encouraged, where appropriate.

Course of Study

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Law program should know the area of law in which they would like to specialize and should be prepared to articulate that interest in a research proposal. Applicants’ research proposals, however, are not expected to be as refined as a dissertation prospectus, and it is anticipated that the nature of students’ projects and interests will evolve over their time in the program. Each student will have a faculty Advisory Committee, which will work with the student to develop the research project into a dissertation prospectus and, eventually, a dissertation—which may take the form of three significant, publishable articles that might appear in a leading law review, or a single, book-length manuscript.

The First Year

Most students will dedicate much of their first year in the program to coursework. Students will work with their Advisory Committees to select as many as six courses that will best prepare them to carry out their research projects. In cases where students have already completed relevant graduate training, their Advisory Committees may waive up to four of the six required courses.

All first-year Ph.D. candidates will be required to take a two-semester pro-seminar on legal scholarship and methodologies. The first semester of this pro-seminar will be dedicated to reading and discussing canonical works of legal scholarship. The second semester will be devoted to the presentation and discussion of student papers in a workshop format. The pro-seminar, required of all Ph.D. candidates, will be the cornerstone of a genuine intellectual and professional community, serving as well as an opportunity for students working in different areas of law to interact with and to learn from each other and from the faculty leading these and other seminars and workshops.

During their second semester, all Ph.D. candidates will complete the first of two qualifying examinations. The pro-seminar will constitute the primary preparation for this first, written, examination. During their second semester and first summer in the program, students will also work with their Advisory Committees to prepare for a second qualifying exam in their area of specialization. Unlike the first qualifying exam, which measures the breadth of a candidate’s knowledge, the second is an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the candidate’s area of specialization. The second qualifying exam will be conducted orally by the candidate’s Advisory Committee members and ordinarily will be administered at the beginning of the third semester in the program.

The Second Year

After passing the second qualifying exam, candidates will assemble a faculty Dissertation Committee. This committee often will—but does not have to—include the same faculty members who served on the candidate’s initial Advisory Committee. In their second year, students will work with their Dissertation Committees to bring their dissertation prospectus to fruition. The dissertation itself is expected to take the form of either a book-length manuscript or three publishable law review articles; it will usually constitute a portfolio of writing which students can use on the job market. Once the dissertation prospectus is approved, students are expected to spend the remainder of their time in the program, including summers, researching and writing the dissertation.

Each candidate in the Ph.D. in Law program also will gain training and experience in teaching, and will be required to participate in two semester-long teaching experiences. There will be a number of ways in which students may fulfill the teaching requirement. These may include (1) serving as a teaching assistant for a Law School course; (2) serving as a teaching assistant for a course in Yale College or another school at Yale; (3) co-teaching a class with a Yale Law School faculty member; (4) leading a Yale Law School Reading Group course; (5) teaching an independent seminar in one of the Yale Residential Colleges; or, (6) in unusual situations, teaching their own course. In all cases, students completing their teaching requirements will have faculty supervision, as well as close contact with and feedback from their advisors. The particular teaching assignment and the timing of this requirement will be determined by the candidate in consultation with his or her Advisory and/or Dissertation Committee, but ordinarily candidates will complete the first of their teaching requirements in the second semester of the second year of the program.

The Third Year

Those students interested in pursuing a career as a professor of law generally should expect to go on the job market during their third year in the program. Ph.D. candidates will be offered access to the same wide range of support in this endeavor as Yale Law School currently provides to its students, alumni, and fellows who enter the law teaching market. Students will otherwise devote the third year to completing their dissertation and, in many cases, completing a second teaching experience. Students will generally be expected to complete the program after three years, but requests to extend the course of study beyond three years will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, funding may be limited.

Placement and Support on the Law Teaching Market

Yale Law School has enjoyed tremendous success in helping its students secure law teaching positions. The Law School often places 25-40 of its graduates in tenure-track positions at law schools each year. Despite its relatively small size, Yale Law School has produced approximately ten percent of all professors currently teaching in American law schools. A recent study found that of the 189 faculty at the top sixteen law schools who had received their J.D. in the preceding fifteen years, a plurality—80 professors—graduated from Yale Law School. Many deans at law schools across the country and around the world also are Yale graduates.

The Law School provides comprehensive support to all its students, alumni, and fellows, guiding them through all stages of the legal teaching job market. Ph.D. in Law candidates enjoy access to the full range of support services currently available to Yale Law School students, alumni, and fellows.

For more information, consult the Law Teaching Program’s website .

Tuition and Financial Aid

Ph.D. in Law candidates will receive a full-tuition fellowship and a living stipend at an amount set by the Graduate School, Yale Basic Health coverage, and a Health Award covering the cost of hospitalization and specialty coverage. Financial support is conditioned on the student's making satisfactory academic progress. The Ph.D. in Law program is administered jointly by the Graduate School and the Law School. More information on financial aid and the cost of living in New Haven can be found on the Graduate School's  website .

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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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• School of Law

Ph.D. in Law

The Ph.D. in Law prepares graduates for global leadership in the judiciary, academia, business and government. Since 1966, the program has offered a select number of diverse students the opportunity to attain their highest professional aspirations and career goals. A preeminent center for interdisciplinary legal studies, UW Law offers a global focus and innovative approach to integrating legal scholarship within the humanities and social sciences, medicine and global health, business and technology, and environmental and public policy.

The Ph.D. program is designed to provide a rich and thorough foundation in research methodologies, jurisprudence, legal theory, policy, dissertation preparation and ready access to specialized elective coursework from within the law school and university-wide research centers, institutes and schools. Throughout the program, our graduate students receive individualized attention from exceptional faculty and staff.

With its long and respected history, the Ph.D. program provides students with a global alumni network. Alumni are committed supporters and mentors and lead in many sectors around the world.

The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of three years’ study, at least two years of which are comprised of coursework taken while in residence at the UW. Ph.D. candidates must complete 90 credits. A minimum of 60 credits must be taken at the UW including a minimum of 27 dissertation credits. Some of the credits earned in an LL.M. program may be counted among the 60 credits.

Doctoral dissertation committees are led by faculty experts from UW Law and include members with deep knowledge and expertise from across the university. Students can customize their studies with interdisciplinary coursework, independent study, field research, global internships and externships.

See full curriculum

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

Related Links

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

Doctoral Programs

The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

Staff Writers

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated October 24, 2023

TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

A doctorate in legal studies considers research methods, legal theory, justice policy, and jurisprudence as they pertain to legal institutions and the legal profession. Many programs prepare legal professionals and practicing attorneys to expand their expertise into specific areas of law, including maritime law, intellectual property law, and human rights law. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% growth for postsecondary instructors , including those in criminal justice and law, between 2022 and 2032. Use this guide to learn more about what you can expect from an online doctorate program in legal studies.

For more degree and career info, jump to:

• Choosing an Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Program
• What Else Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Program?

Careers with a Doctorate in Legal Studies

Legal phd programs for you.

Because numerous types of degrees fall under the umbrella of “Doctorate in Legal Studies,” the following sections display top-ranked programs from several related ranking articles on our website. To learn more about these different degrees, follow the link at the end of each section to their corresponding ranking article.

• Criminal Justice
• Homeland Security
• Public Administration

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

California University of Pennsylvania

• California, PA
• Online + Campus

The online doctor of criminal justice program at California University of Pennsylvania ranks as one of the field's best degrees. The public university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible format. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.

After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. As the field's terminal degree, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.

Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.

California University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 4,367

Online Master's Programs: 13

Online Doctoral Programs: 2

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,288

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

#2 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

National University

• San Diego, CA

The Ph.D. in homeland security leadership and policy at Northcentral University offers a doctorate in an online learning format. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students meet with career advisors and faculty mentors.

The online program requires a minimum of 82 credits of doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. A doctorate can lead to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.

Doctoral students qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs at the accredited institution. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.

National University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: Data not available

Online Master's Programs: 26

Online Doctoral Programs: 15

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,983

Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted

#3 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

Walden University

• Minneapolis, MN

Walden University offers a Ph.D. in criminal justice program with an online learning format. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.

After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. With a doctorate in, professionals may work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Contact the program for more information about doctoral admissions.

Walden University at a Glance:

Online Master's Programs: 39

Online Doctoral Programs: 20

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,039

#4 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

• Colorado Springs, CO

The online doctor of management in homeland security program, offered by Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, ranks as a top program in the field. At the private institution, degree-seekers take doctoral classes in a flexible format. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.

Degree-seekers move through the program by passing exams and researching a dissertation project. As the field's highest degree, the doctorate trains graduates for academic, research, and leadership careers.

The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 27,043

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 31-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,710

#5 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

California Baptist University

• Riverside, CA

Doctoral students seeking an online program benefit from the doctor of public administration program at California Baptist University. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexible enrollment options at the private university. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.

During the online program, learners complete advanced coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. A doctorate prepares graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.

At the accredited institution, doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about admission requirements.

California Baptist University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 6,112

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,830

See more of the Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Degree Programs .

Choosing a Doctorate in Legal Studies Program

50 Best Online Colleges & Universities Earning a doctorate in legal studies online give you extensive training in research and scholarship as you pursue coursework on legal theory and practice. You acquire knowledge applicable to personal and professional goals, with many programs providing you the opportunity to tailor the program to a particular subset of law.

The interdisciplinary nature of a legal studies doctoral program provides you with exposure to legal subfields across historical and geographical boundaries. Corporate law professionals, for example, can explore the intricacies of finance and commerce law, while civic-minded legal activists can focus on environmental or human rights law.

Legal studies and law doctoral degrees require two to three years of coursework with at least one additional year to write a dissertation. Coursework prepares you to conduct research necessary for your dissertation. You will also develop a research proposal with faculty and work closely with advisors.

Some programs give you the opportunity to teach undergraduate students and participate in mock trials. Students also complete comprehensive oral or written exams over all of the classes taken. This demonstrates your expert knowledge of standards, practices, and principles of legal studies. Students must pass these exams and complete a dissertation to graduate.

What Else Can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Program?

Doctoral programs in legal studies vary by school and department. Some classes remain consistent across the curriculum, but many degrees offer you the chance to concentrate on a particular segment of law, legal institutions, or jurisprudence. Programs that allow you to structure your program based on individual interests also give you practical knowledge applicable to your personal and professional goals.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Doctoral Degree in Legal Studies

• Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Corporate lawyer, human rights lawyer, corporate negotiator
• Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Criminal justice professor, law school professor, law school administrator, legal researcher
• Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Law school professor, legal scholar and researcher

Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Legal Studies

• Research Methods: Research methods courses train students to use qualitative and quantitative research techniques to gather data in anticipation of their dissertation. Students use research tools, including statistics and ethnographic software.
• Jurisprudence: Coursework on jurisprudence provides students with the history and philosophy of law to understand its current application. Students assess their own relationships with law and justice as well. Jurisprudence classes may involve activities such as moot court.
• Anthropology of Law: A course on the anthropology of law focuses on the relationship between law and society. Students learn about the interactions of culture, people, and institutions in the context of regulations, legal applications, and ethical norms.
• Current Issues and Trends in Law: Students learn about contemporary matters related to law and legal policy through extensive readings, in-depth discussions, and individual research. Classes may focus on a specific topic such as finance, management, human rights, or private law.
• Law and Morality: Law and morality classes emphasize the relationship between individual choice, dilemma, and law. Students study the nature of law as well as scenarios and case studies to assess how people make decisions when faced with punishment, penalty, or ethical conflict.

A doctorate in legal studies prepares you for careers that require expertise in research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills. You gain the knowledge needed to make ethical and informed decisions in a legal setting, and increase your potential career growth in academia, government, and business.

• Median Annual Salary: $80,840
• Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 8%
• Median Annual Salary: $97,250
• Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 0.4%
• Median Annual Salary: $135,740

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Graduate Program

Jurisprudence & social policy graduate program, may 10, 2024, april 19, 2024, april 12, 2024, march 8, 2024, march 4, 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

JD/PhD American Legal History

Offered through the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the Department of History, the JD/PhD Program allows students to take a deep dive into the complex field of legal history.

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About the JD/PhD American Legal History

Program course overview.

Students can earn both degrees in seven years. The Law School gives credit for up to four pre-approved courses in the Department of History toward the JD degree. The Department of History requires that the student complete the full PhD coursework, which may include several courses from the Law School curriculum.

Most often, students spend their first year in the Department of History and their second year at the Law School, completing the traditional 1L curriculum. The next two years are spent in combined coursework in the two departments, followed by dissertation writing. On occasion, for the exceptional candidate, some other arrangement of coursework may be possible.

How to Apply

Students must apply and gain admission separately to each department. Applications to the Department of History are welcomed contemporaneously with the Law School application and vice versa.

For more information, admitted or current JD students should contact Amanda S. Aronoff. Applicants or prospective applicants to the Law School should contact [email protected] .

Current and Former Students

• Gregory Ablavsky
• Amber Armstrong
• Smita Ghosh
• Justin L. Simard
• Sarah Winsberg

Additional Information

• Department of History
• History Department’s Graduate Admissions
• Penn Carey Law Admissions
• Penn Carey Law’s legal history offerings
• Penn Carey Law’s joint JD/PhD programs set graduates on the path to careers in academia

Interested in other humanities focused joint degrees?

JD/PhD Philosophy

JD/AM Islamic Studies

Law and Psychology, PhD

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Behavioral Health, Behavioral Psychology, Court, Criminal Justice, Human Behavior, Justice, Legal, Mental Health, Psychology, crime, forensic, law

Laws are written to maintain order among people in society while psychology studies why people do what they do. This program melds the two fields to help explain how human behavior interacts with and is impacted by the legal system.

The PhD program in law and psychology takes a broad interdisciplinary approach to train a new generation of scholars. The program combines rigorous training in the law and psychology field with training in advanced research methodology and statistics, criminological theory, and contextual training in other subfields of psychology.

The goal is for students to use this knowledge to tackle the many important but understudied areas within the legal system which are in desperate need of empirical psychological research.

• College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
• Location: Downtown Phoenix , West Valley

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (21 credit hours) PSY 515 Quantitative Analysis I (3) PSY 516 Quantitative Analysis II (3) PSY 517 Quantitative Analysis III (3) PSY 544 Advanced Psychology of Criminal Investigation (3) PSY 545 Advanced Legal Psychology (3) PSY 546 Advanced Forensic Psychology (3) PSY 550 Advanced Social Psychology (3)

Required Professional Development (3 credit hours) PSY 591 Seminar: Professional Issues in Law and Psychology (3)

Electives (33 credit hours)

Required Research (15 credit hours) PSY 500 Research Methods (3) PSY 792 Research (12)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) PSY 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Students are required to take 15 credit hours of research coursework and 36 credit hours of elective coursework.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 hours of coursework is made up of electives and research.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, criminal justice, social science, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

Graduates are sought-after for their unique skill sets melding the complexities of law and justice with human behavior. Careers can be pursued in government, academia or private enterprise.

Career examples include:

• academic researcher or instructor as a college or university professor
• criminal justice data analyst
• government or nonprofit researcher and evaluator
• legal policy researcher and evaluator
• legal or trial consultant
• mental health policy analyst or consultant
• postdoctoral research fellow

School of Interdisciplinary Forensics | FAB N101 [email protected] 602-543-3000 Admission deadlines

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PhD Programme in Law

The opportunity to undertake advanced legal research at one of the world's best law schools.

The London School of Economics is a world centre for advanced research and teaching with an outstanding reputation, with a campus situated in the heart of London, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Only a short distance from Europe's financial, legal and cultural centres, LSE stands at the crossroads of international debate, a location that is fundamental to our identity as an outward looking institution with an active involvement in UK and world affairs. Each year the School attracts many influential outside speakers. Regular events and seminars involving politicians, regulators, practitioners and academics take place to complement your studies. 

LSE Law School is one of the UK's pre-eminent research institutions for law. Our academics are the authors of influential and often path-breaking scholarship, and many have globally leading reputations.  LSE Law is also one of UK's largest law schools, with over 70 academic members of staff. It is a uniquely cosmopolitan academic community, with staff and students coming from all over the world.  Our academics draw on a wide range of literatures and traditions, and pursue analyses that seek to situate the law within the political, social and economic context within which it is formed and operates. 

PhD Programme

The PhD programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers the opportunity to undertake advanced legal research at one of the world's best law schools. Students in our PhD programme receive excellent training and work under the supervision of leading scholars with strong international, comparative and interdisciplinary commitments. Our doctoral students become members of a lively academic community which is at the cutting-edge of legal scholarship and which plays a major role in the education of lawyers and law teachers from around the world.

We hope that the questions you have about our PhD programme will be answered in these web pages. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us , or see our Frequently Asked Questions  ...

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Law and Psychology

Jd/phd — law and psychology.

There are nearly as many intersections between law and psychology as there are areas of policy regulation. Conflict resolution and negotiation; judgment and decision-making capacity; prejudice and stereotyping; criminal responsibility; competency; assessment of evidence, including the reliability of eyewitnesses, and lie detection; hedonics; developmental psychology and educational policy; addiction and drug policy—these are just a few of the frontiers open to scholars and practitioners educated in both law and psychology.

Stanford has a rich tradition of collaboration between its psychology department and law school, with faculty members co-authoring publications, and students working together and enrolling in interdisciplinary programs. Stanford’s psychology department has long been considered the strongest in the nation, with an atypical breadth of scholarly strength that supports a wide range of student interests. Stanford is also one of the nation’s leading centers for neuroscience research , bringing together biologists, psychologists, social scientists, and policymaker-lawyers to deepen our understanding of the brain.

Students pursuing a JD/PhD in law and psychology generally go on to academic careers in law schools, psychology departments, policy jobs, and think tanks. However, issues pursued through this joint degree program are also highly relevant to legal practice. Every day, litigators and negotiators make strategic decisions based on accounts of human decision-making. Those who regulate markets make decisions based on accounts of how people process distinct sorts of information. Those who work with medical ethicists make judgments that depend on assumptions about competency or the nature of pain.

Special Requirements

Students must have completed a year of law school before entering the psychology department or have completed a year of psychology graduate school before applying to the law school.

Course Requirements

As many as 54 quarter units of approved courses may be counted toward both degrees. No more than 31 quarter units of approved courses that originate outside the law school may count toward the law degree.

The maximum number of law school credits that may be counted toward the PhD in psychology is the greater of: (i) 36 quarter units; or (ii) the maximum number of units from courses outside the department that PhD candidates in psychology are permitted to count toward the PhD under general psychology department guidelines or in the case of a particular student’s individual program.

Note to applicants:  The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program awards full funding to Stanford graduate students from all disciplines, with additional opportunities for leadership training and collaboration across fields. Joint Degree applicants are encouraged to apply to the  Knight – Hennessy Scholars Program.  Please be aware that the Knight-Hennessy Scholars applications are due in early Autumn one year prior to enrollment. View dates and deadlines: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/dates-and-deadlines .

Janet Cooper Alexander

• Frederick I. Richman Professor of Law, Emerita

Ralph Richard Banks

• Jackson Eli Reynolds Professor of Law
• Faculty Director, Stanford Center for Racial Justice

Henry T. Greely

• Deane F. and Kate Edelman Johnson Professor of Law
• Director, Center for Law and the Biosciences
• Professor, by courtesy, Genetics
• Chair, Steering Committee of the Center for Biomedical Ethics
• Director, Stanford Program in Neuroscience and Society

Mark G. Kelman

• James C. Gaither Professor of Law

Deborah Hensler

• Judge John W. Ford Professor of Dispute Resolution

Daniel E. Ho

• William Benjamin Scott and Luna M. Scott Professor of Law
• Professor of Political Science
• Professor of Computer Science (by courtesy)
• Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
• Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic and Policy Research
• Director of the Regulation, Evaluation, and Governance Lab (RegLab)

Robert J. MacCoun

• James and Patricia Kowal Professor of Law
• Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies

Alison D. Morantz

• James and Nancy Kelso Professor of Law
• Director of SIDDLAPP
• Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute of Economic Policy Research

Robert Weisberg

• Edwin E. Huddleson, Jr. Professor of Law
• Faculty Co-Director, Stanford Criminal Justice Center

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Ethics and Legal Studies, PhD

The Ethics & Legal Studies Doctoral Program at Wharton focuses on the study of ethics and law in business. It is designed to prepare graduates for careers in university teaching and research at leading business schools, law schools, and other programs. Faculty and student interests range over topics including international business ethics and human rights, corporate governance, ethical conduct in business, social impact, environmental law and policy, securities, equality in law and ethics, normative political theory, negotiations, corporate constitutional rights, and corporate criminal law.

For more information: https://lgst.wharton.upenn.edu/programs/phd/

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses

The course of study for the Ph.D. requires the completion of sixteen graduate course units, including courses in statistics. Some graduate-level credit from courses at other universities may transfer to Wharton.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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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.

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70 years after brown v. board of education, new research shows rise in school segregation.

As the nation prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education , a new report from researchers at Stanford and USC shows that racial and economic segregation among schools has grown steadily in large school districts over the past three decades — an increase that appears to be driven in part by policies favoring school choice over integration.

Analyzing data from U.S. public schools going back to 1967, the researchers found that segregation between white and Black students has increased by 64 percent since 1988 in the 100 largest districts, and segregation by economic status has increased by about 50 percent since 1991.

The report also provides new evidence about the forces driving recent trends in school segregation, showing that the expansion of charter schools has played a major role.  

The findings were released on May 6 with the launch of the Segregation Explorer , a new interactive website from the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University. The website provides searchable data on racial and economic school segregation in U.S. states, counties, metropolitan areas, and school districts from 1991 to 2022. 

“School segregation levels are not at pre- Brown levels, but they are high and have been rising steadily since the late 1980s,” said Sean Reardon , the Professor of Poverty and Inequality in Education at Stanford Graduate School of Education and faculty director of the Educational Opportunity Project. “In most large districts, school segregation has increased while residential segregation and racial economic inequality have declined, and our findings indicate that policy choices – not demographic changes – are driving the increase.” 

“There’s a tendency to attribute segregation in schools to segregation in neighborhoods,” said Ann Owens , a professor of sociology and public policy at USC. “But we’re finding that the story is more complicated than that.”

Assessing the rise

In the Brown v. Board decision issued on May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racially segregated public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and established that “separate but equal” schools were not only inherently unequal but unconstitutional. The ruling paved the way for future decisions that led to rapid school desegregation in many school districts in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Though segregation in most school districts is much lower than it was 60 years ago, the researchers found that over the past three decades, both racial and economic segregation in large districts increased. Much of the increase in economic segregation since 1991, measured by segregation between students eligible and ineligible for free lunch, occurred in the last 15 years.

White-Hispanic and white-Asian segregation, while lower on average than white-Black segregation, have both more than doubled in large school districts since the 1980s. 

Racial-economic segregation – specifically the difference in the proportion of free-lunch-eligible students between the average white and Black or Hispanic student’s schools – has increased by 70 percent since 1991. 

School segregation is strongly associated with achievement gaps between racial and ethnic groups, especially the rate at which achievement gaps widen during school, the researchers said.  

“Segregation appears to shape educational outcomes because it concentrates Black and Hispanic students in higher-poverty schools, which results in unequal learning opportunities,” said Reardon, who is also a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and a faculty affiliate of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning . 

Policies shaping recent trends 

The recent rise in school segregation appears to be the direct result of educational policy and legal decisions, the researchers said. 

Both residential segregation and racial disparities in income declined between 1990 and 2020 in most large school districts. “Had nothing else changed, that trend would have led to lower school segregation,” said Owens. 

But since 1991, roughly two-thirds of districts that were under court-ordered desegregation have been released from court oversight. Meanwhile, since 1998, the charter sector – a form of expanded school choice – has grown.

Expanding school choice could influence segregation levels in different ways: If families sought schools that were more diverse than the ones available in their neighborhood, it could reduce segregation. But the researchers found that in districts where the charter sector expanded most rapidly in the 2000s and 2010s, segregation grew the most. 

The researchers’ analysis also quantified the extent to which the release from court orders accounted for the rise in school segregation. They found that, together, the release from court oversight and the expansion of choice accounted entirely for the rise in school segregation from 2000 to 2019.

The researchers noted enrollment policies that school districts can implement to mitigate segregation, such as voluntary integration programs, socioeconomic-based student assignment policies, and school choice policies that affirmatively promote integration. 

“School segregation levels are high, troubling, and rising in large districts,” said Reardon. “These findings should sound an alarm for educators and policymakers.”

Additional collaborators on the project include Demetra Kalogrides, Thalia Tom, and Heewon Jang. This research, including the development of the Segregation Explorer data and website, was supported by the Russell Sage Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.   

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Explore over 200 exciting PhD positions in diverse fields offered by the University of Turin, Italy

📢 Call for Admission to over 200 PhD Positions - 40th Cycle (2024/2025) 🎓

The University of Turin is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for quite large number of PhD positions in the 40th Cycle for 2024/2025 academic year. This is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue their doctoral studies in diverse fields.

💡 Highlights:

• Assignment of doctoral scholarships funded by the University, Next Gen.EU-NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), and other funds.
• Join a vibrant academic community and contribute to cutting-edge research.
• Benefit from world-class resources, facilities, and expert supervision.
• Develop your skills and expertise in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.

📆 Application Deadline: 20 June, 2024, 12:00pm (noon), CET.

Several academic units will be participating in the call for PhD admission

Comparative Analysis of Institutions, Economics and Law;

Business and Management;

Complex Systems for Quantitative Biomedicine;

Law and Institutions;

Law, the Individual and the Market;

Economy "Vilfredo Pareto";

Medical Physiopathology;

Food System;

Global History of Empires;

Computer Science;

Innovation for the Circular Economy;

Humanities;

Modern Languages and Literatures;

Mathematics;

Experimental Medicine and Therapy;

Molecular Medicine;

Modeling and Data Science;

Neurosciences;

Cultural Heritage and Historical-Artistic Audiovisual and Multimedia Production;

Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences;

Archeological, Historical and Historical-Artistic Sciences;

Biological Sciences and Applied Biotechnologies;

Biomedical Sciences and Oncology;

Health Sciences: Sociology, Nursing Sciences and Rehabilitation Sciences;

Chemical and Material Sciences;

Earth Sciences;

Pharmaceutical and Biomolecular Sciences;

Psychological, Anthropological and Educational Sciences;

Veterinary Sciences for Food and Animal Safety;

Sustainable Development and Cooperation (SUSTNET);

Technologies for Cultural Heritage (Tech4Culture);

Translational Oncology

For more information and to apply:  https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/234024

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Interim GSB Dean Named as Search Process Begins

Professor Peter DeMarzo will serve as interim dean beginning August 1, when Dean Jonathan Levin becomes Stanford’s president.

May 16, 2024

Finance professor Peter DeMarzo, right, will serve as interim dean when current dean Jonathan Levin, left, takes over as Stanford president. | Julia Yu

Peter DeMarzo, the John G. McDonald Professor of Finance and former senior associate dean of the school, will serve as interim dean effective Aug. 1. “Peter will provide important continuity for the school during this transition, and we are grateful to him for being willing to accept this responsibility,” Stanford Provost Jenny Martinez said.

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Changemakers: teaching young people a recipe for success in the restaurant industry.

Stanford GSB Professor Neil Malhotra Named Carnegie Fellow

Stanford GSB Researchers Discuss the Ideas They’re Most Excited About

April 04, 2024 Stanford Alum, Business School Dean Jonathan Levin Named Stanford President Jonathan Levin has been appointed the 13th president of Stanford University.

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NYU’s 191th Commencement is Held at Yankee Stadium

Legal Scholar Martha Minow addressed over 14,000 students who received undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees

NYU President Linda G. Mills and Board of Trustees Chair Evan R. Chesler today officiated at NYU’s 191th Commencement at Yankee Stadium. More than 14,000 students received undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees as an audience of 26,000-plus family, friends, alumni, faculty, and other NYU community braved a light rain to be in attendance.

Martha Minow —300th Anniversary University Professor at Harvard University and former dean of Harvard Law School, as well as a celebrated legal scholar and co-chair of the access to justice project of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; and key facilitator of Imagine Coexistence, a U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees program that promoted peace and development in societies ravaged by war and conflict —received a Doctor of Laws degree honoris causa . She delivered remarks on behalf of the honorary degree recipients.

Noting that in 2024, one of the few beliefs Americans have in common is just how divided we are as a nation, Minow said, “my hope is that we can learn from patterns of division and polarization to anticipate backlash, to mobilize transformative practices along with cultural creativity—as [NYU Law Professor] Bryan Stevenson has done by building the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the related museum and sculpture park in Montgomery, Alabama. How can we build durable activities and institutions to advance justice and to strengthen fair and peaceful dealing despite ongoing disagreements? By durable, I do not mean unchanging. To the contrary, durable work addressing what is unfair must anticipate disrepair, conflict, and our human frailties.”

President Mills singled out the work of the three women being honored with honorary degrees—the first all-women slate of honorary recipients in the University’s history—as models of transformational change, telling the graduates, “as we appreciate the work of our three honorary degree candidates, who hail from three distinct disciplines —business, science, and law—from three unique countries—Tunisia, Hungary, and the United States, we can see how each is committed to transforming millions of lives through their peace efforts and research discoveries. Together, they are doing the unrelenting work required to create a better planet. In their differences, they uncover novel ways of thinking, making the connections we all so desperately need to build.”

This year’s other recipients of honorary doctorates were: Ouided Bouchamaoui —an international business leader and advocate for women’s empowerment; a professor of practice of diplomacy and conflict resolution at NYU Abu Dhabi; and a central figure in the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, which was awarded the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize for its role in creating pluralistic democracy in Tunisia. She received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree honoris causa.

Katalin Karikó —co-winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her contributions to the development of the mRNA technology used in the BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to prevent COVID-19 infection; professor at the University of Szeged (Hungary) and adjunct professor of neurosurgery at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; and the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Japan Prize, the Horwitz Prize, the Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine, among others. She received a Doctor of Science degree honoris causa.

The student speaker at the 2024 Commencement Exercises was Samuel Fung Lik Yan , who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the Gallatin School of Individualized Studies, with a special concentration in The Playful Design of Learning , which focuses on how designed experiences engage and encourage people, regardless of age, to thrive as learners.

“I am indebted to the countless people who, like [my instructor], saw my limitations but didn’t reject me, and journeyed with me instead,” said Yan. “People who, regardless of whether they agreed with me, would sit and listen to my insane rambling as I tried to understand the world and its complexity, and shared their perspectives, their criticisms, so that we could think—and learn—together. It is the brilliant diversity of their voices that gives me hope that we can build a better tomorrow. Because individually, we are too limited to handle the world’s problems. But—if we can learn from one another—then we have unlimited potential.”

In keeping with NYU tradition, Commencement included the Ceremony of the Torch. The University Torch—designed and fashioned by Tiffany and Co. in sterling silver and donated to the University in 1911—was passed from a senior member of the faculty—Anthony J. Grieco, a professor of medicine and the associate dean for alumni relations and academic events at the Grossman School of Medicine—to the youngest undergraduate degree recipient in the Class of 2024—Paris Bustrum, a 19-year-old who received a BA from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

The 191th Commencement featured a special performance from the hit show Wicked , which paid tribute both to the friendship and resilience of the Class of 2024, as well as recognizing the NYU community’s enduring mark on the show currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. The performance featured Brittney Johnson (TSOA ’12), an accomplished actress and singer who made history as the first Black woman to play the role of Glinda in Wicked on Broadway; Johnson also starred in Les Misérables, Motown The Musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Sunset Boulevard , and Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls . The performance was introduced by Susan Hilferty , an arts professor and former chair of the Department of Design for Stage & Film at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Hilferty created Tony Award-winning costumes for Wicked . Her other Broadway credits include Spring Awakening, Parade, Funny Girl, and Into the Woods , among many others.

Founded in 1831, NYU is one of the world’s foremost research universities (with more than $1 billion per year in research expenditures) and is a member of the selective Association of American Universities. NYU has degree-granting university campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai; has 12 other global academic sites, including London, Paris, Florence, Tel Aviv, Buenos Aires, and Accra; and both sends more students to study abroad and educates more international students than any other U.S. college or university. Through its numerous schools and colleges, NYU is a leader in conducting research and providing education in the arts and sciences, law, medicine, business, dentistry, education, nursing, the cinematic and performing arts, music and studio arts, public administration, social work, and professional studies, among other areas.

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A Chicago teen entered college at 10. At 17, she earned a doctorate from Arizona State

C HICAGO (AP) — Dorothy Jean Tillman II's participation in Arizona State University's May 6 commencement was the latest step on a higher-education journey the Chicago teen started when she took her first college course at age 10.

In between came associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees.

When Tillman successfully defended her dissertation in December, she became the youngest person — at age 17 — to earn a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health at Arizona State, associate professor Leslie Manson told ABC’s “Good Morning America” for a story Monday.

“It’s a wonderful celebration, and we hope ... that Dorothy Jean inspires more students,” Manson said. “But this is still something so rare and unique.”

Tillman, called “Dorothy Jeanius” by family and friends, is the granddaughter of former Chicago Alderwoman Dorothy Tillman.

When most students are just learning to navigate middle school, her mother enrolled Tillman in classes through the College of Lake County in northern Illinois, where she majored in psychology and completed her associate's degree in 2016, according to her biography.

Tillman earned a bachelor's in humanities from New York's Excelsior College in 2018. About two years later, she earned her master's of science from Unity College in Maine before being accepted in 2021 into Arizona State's Behavioral Health Management Program.

Most of her classwork was done remotely and online. Tillman did attend her Arizona State commencement in person and addressed the graduating class during the ceremony.

Tillman told The Associated Press on Tuesday that she credits her grandmother and trusting in her mother's guidance for her educational pursuits and successes.

“Everything that we were doing didn't seem abnormal to me or out of the ordinary until it started getting all of the attention,” said Tillman, now 18.

There have been sacrifices, though.

“I didn’t have the everyday school things like homecoming dances or spirit weeks or just school pictures and things like that ... that kind of create unity with my peers,” she said.

She has found time to dance and do choreography. Tillman also is founder and chief executive of the Dorothyjeanius STEAM Leadership Institute. The program includes summer camps designed to help young people in the arts and STEM subjects.

She said her plans include public speaking engagements and fundraising for the camp, which Tillman said she hopes to franchise one day.

Tillman is motivated and has innovative ideas, said Manson, adding, "And truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader.”

Jimalita Tillman said she is most impressed with her daughter’s ability to show herself and her successes with grace, but to also understand when to “put her foot down” when choosing between social outings and her education.

Associated Press researcher Jennifer Farrar in New York contributed to this report.

Law and History Program of Study

Students who plan to practice in almost any area of law, as well as those interested in the academic study of legal history have much to gain from courses in Law and History. The Program of Study in Law and History offers students a chance to examine law and its relationship to the larger world of social movements, economic change, politics and government – in the context of studying law in a period of time different from our own. It is designed to reflect the present evolution of interdisciplinary university education in our rapidly changing world. Law and History offers students a chance to contrast our present circumstances with the past, a chance to understand the long path of development that led to the legal problems we grapple with in the present, and the chance to see the deep roots of the social forces that are changing the shape of our own world. The program offers a chance to study lawyers, legal institutions, and the larger society and its interaction with law. The study of law in historical context provides a rich foundation for both practice and scholarship in all fields of law.

The Program of Study in Law and History is designed to be useful to both students who might take one or several of its foundational or advanced courses to round out their law school education, and for those who are interested in more sustained exposure to academic legal history and interdisciplinary study that will connect them to faculty and students from other parts of the university. The program is designed:

• To guide students through foundational and advanced courses and seminars about law and history, and related subjects.
• To facilitate faculty-student interaction and scholarship about legal history—broadly defined—among interested faculty and students.
• To offer support and advising for students who are engaged in the JD/PhD program in history and plan to pursue academic careers.

The law school boasts unmatched expertise in law and history. Students involved in the program have the opportunity to study with renowned faculty who are leaders in the field. Members of the Harvard Law School faculty write and teach about a wide range of law and history subjects, periods, localities, and methods. We have experts in Civil Rights, the Legal Profession, Economic History, Comparative Law, the Ancient World, English Legal History, Legal Thought, Slavery and Emancipation, and all periods of American Constitutional and Legal History.

Interested students are advised to enroll in a range of course offerings. Foundational courses introduce students to the study of law and history, while advanced courses offer in-depth study of particular subjects. Students also are encouraged to attend the law and history workshop; in this context, students can deepen their understanding of the central questions and controversies that animate the field of legal history.

Academic Offerings

For the latest academic year offerings in Law and History, please visit the HLS Course Catalog .

Foundational Courses

These courses offer context, perspective and introductory readings about or relevant to legal history to interested students.

• American Legal History
• Legal History Workshop

Advanced Courses and Seminars

• American Legal History, 1776 – 1865
• American Legal History: Law, Economy, and Society in the Era of the American Revolution
• American Legal History: From Reconstruction to the Present
• Comparative Law: Ancient Law
• Constitutional History I: From the Founding to the Civil War
• Constitional History II: From Reconstruction to the Civil Rights Movement
• Constitutional Law: Money and the Making of American Capitalism
• English Legal History
• Legal History: History of American Economic Regulation
• Legal History: Workshop on the Political Economy of Modern Capitalism
• Legal History Seminar: Continential Legal History
• Legal History Workshop: Race and Policing in Historical Context
• Legal History Workshop: Sex and the Law
• Making Legal History
• Pierson v. Post and the Theory of Property Seminar
• Politics, Social Life and Law in Jeffersonian America
• The Warren Court

Related Courses

• Advanced Legislation: Statutory Interpretation
• American Legal Education
• Civil Liberties and the Second Reconstruction: Problems of Suppression and Covert Disruption
• From Protest to Law: Triumphs and Defeats of the Civil Rights Revolution 1950-1970
• Mind and Criminal Responsibility in the Anglo-American Tradition
• The Legal Architecture of Globalization: Money, Debt, and Development

Academic Careers

Students who wish to pursue academic careers in this area should enroll in a variety of the offerings described above combined with significant research and writing under the direction of relevant faculty. For further information, contact the Law and History Program of Study faculty leaders and advising faculty.

Advising Faculty

William Alford

Nikolas Bowie

Christine Desan

Tomiko Brown-Nagin

Charles Donahue

William Fisher

Annette Gordon-Reed

Elizabeth Papp Kamali

Michael Klarman

Adriaan Lanni

Anna Lvovsky

Kenneth Mack

Intisar Rabb

Kristen A. Stilt

Laura Weinrib

Fellowship Opportunities

• Raoul Berger-MarkDeWolfe Legal History Fellowship
• Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship
• Rappaport Fellowship

Interdisciplinary Study

The Law School offers a  Coordinated JD/PhD Program  with the Harvard  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences  (GSAS). Students in the program earn a JD and a PhD, allowing them to integrate the study of law with their doctoral studies in history. Several  members  of the  Harvard History Department  work in areas related or highly relevant to the law.

To be admitted to the coordinated JD/PHD program, students must apply to and be separately admitted to both the Law School and to GSAS. Students interested in the coordinated program are encouraged to contact  April Pettit , in the Office of Academic Affairs at HLS, or  Shelby Johnson , in the Office of Student Affairs at GSAS, for further information.

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Father-Son Classmates Graduate From Texas A&M School Of Law

David Lawson and his son Shannon naturally share many of the same qualities, like a witty sense of humor, natural curiosity and an ability to not take themselves too seriously. They recently added to the list of things they share in common – graduates of Texas A&M University’s School of Law.

The Lawsons, who earned their degrees this May, say it all began with a text message.

Shannon, 49,  was scrolling on his phone while waiting for a flight one day in 2022 when he came across an ad for the law school’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program with an emphasis in Cybersecurity Law and Policy . Shannon, who serves as chief information security officer for the City of Phoenix, was intrigued by the idea. Designed for non-lawyer professionals who don’t intend to practice law, the degree would give him legal expertise that would build on his background in cybersecurity.

Shannon had done cybersecurity work for the U.S. Navy, the state of Alaska and regional areas in Southern California. He and David had a combined 70 years of experience in the cybersecurity and information technology fields, and both father and son shared dreams of one day attending law school. So, Shannon texted his father.

“I always wanted to go to law school, but nothing ever aligned for me to do it,” Shannon said. “This program allowed me to tie (my degree) to cyber in a field that is high demand, low density.”

David, 75, was also attracted to the idea. He had been retired for nine years after a 45-year career in information technology. As chief information officer for West Jersey Health System and vice president of professional service at AllScript, he oversaw some of the nation’s most cutting-edge information and security systems. In retirement, David found himself dissatisfied with the slow pace of living, and still had an interest in expanding his skillset.

The father-son pair both decided to enroll in the MLS program, becoming online classmates in January 2023. Shannon did his studies from his home in Phoenix, and David from the Sarasota, Florida area.

Despite the distance, the Lawsons often shared notes and compared grades. And in the spirit of friendly competition, they pushed each other to see who could complete assignments first.

“We thought we had a clear idea of what would happen while going through this program. What ended up happening was that my dad would always be ahead of me in every class, which was understandable,” Shannon said. “I was working full-time, and I have a 10-year-old. So, my plate was full.”

For his part, David appreciated the accountability he received from Shannon. It also helped him adjust to the demands of going back to school.

“This program helped open a side of me that I always knew was there,” David said. “You’ve got to think and write, think some more, and then write some more. When you get older, people talk about the importance of exercising your mind. If you want to activate your brain, try going to law school.”

Throughout the program, the Lawsons learned new, innovative approaches to their craft. They also developed a fondness for their legal courses, particularly contract law, legal writing and alternative dispute resolution.

“The law classes were my favorite,” David said. “In my 40-plus years in the IT area, I was familiar with contracts, arbitration, negotiations and things like that. However, having taken these law classes, I am now able to better communicate with others in the room. When the attorneys talk, I now know how to talk and use the language that they understand. Just being able to speak their language is incredibly important.”

Shannon said he was also able to directly apply his new skills to his career.

“The law classes really made me more curious,” he said. “There was immediate applicability to the job that I’m in now because I work with procurement, the legal team and human resources for personnel investigations. It gave me the ability to use specific legal language to better participate in those conversations at work — which was awesome.”

For Shannon, this is his third master’s degree.

“I think it’s extra special that my dad and I were able to do it together,” he said. “I think it’s great because this opportunity doesn’t really present itself very often, and everything lined up perfectly at the right time.”

As the Lawson reflect up on their accomplishment and plan their next joint adventure, Shannon said their next venture will likely be “much tamer,” per his mother’s request.

“My mom told me to stop giving my dad ideas,” he joked.

This article by Justin Ikpo originally appeared on the School of Law website .

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Legal Studies Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 103 results

Harvard Law School

Cambridge, MA •

Harvard University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   9 reviews

Doctoral Student: Extremely welcoming and friendly school. Makes everyone feel wanted and included! The teachers are very hands on and administration is wonderful. I was pleasantly surprised to see how much effort they put into supporting students throughout their experiences. ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Extremely welcoming and friendly school. Makes everyone feel wanted and included! The teachers are very hands on and administration is wonderful. I was pleasantly surprised to see how much effort... .

Read 9 reviews.

Duke University School of Law

Durham, NC •

Duke University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Doctoral Student: I love Duke Law. The community is excellent, the teaching is lovely, and Durham is such a nice place to live. I recommend it to anyone looking to attend law school. ... Read 1 review

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I love Duke Law. The community is excellent, the teaching is lovely, and Durham is such a nice place to live. I recommend it to anyone looking to attend law school. .

Read 1 reviews.

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

American University Washington College of Law

American University •

Graduate School •

WASHINGTON, DC

• • Rating 4.36 out of 5   11

University of Pittsburgh School of Law

University of Pittsburgh •

PITTSBURGH, PA

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   4

American University

• • Rating 4.48 out of 5   152

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Chicago, IL •

Northwestern University •

Northwestern University ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

University of Chicago Law School

University of Chicago •

University of Chicago ,

Georgetown Law

Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Doctoral Student: Lots of access to a variety of different courses depending on what your interests are. Also can take courses in the evening which is nice for those who work during the day. ... Read 2 reviews

Georgetown University ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Lots of access to a variety of different courses depending on what your interests are. Also can take courses in the evening which is nice for those who work during the day. .

Read 2 reviews.

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UCLA School of Law

Los Angeles, CA •

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3.5 out of 5   4 reviews

Doctoral Student: I think law school in general always goes from bad to better over time. I started out really confused and anxious, and I don't think I really took advantage of what UCLA Law offered while I was a 1L. Instead, I spent too much time trying to figure out everything on my own, which didn't work out so great for my grades or for my mental health. I felt things really turn around when I was able to do experiential coursework as a 2L because I felt like I was really functioning as a law student. UCLA's experiential courses and options really made my law school experience so much better than it would've been if I just took doctrinal classes. ... Read 4 reviews

University of California - Los Angeles ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I think law school in general always goes from bad to better over time. I started out really confused and anxious, and I don't think I really took advantage of what UCLA Law offered while I was a 1L.... .

Read 4 reviews.

University of Virginia School of Law

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

Doctoral Student: So far everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. I can’t wait to begin taking classes in the fall. I have heard nothing but positive things about the law program ... Read 2 reviews

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says So far everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. I can’t wait to begin taking classes in the fall. I have heard nothing but positive things about the law program .

Atlanta, GA •

Emory University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   4 reviews

Doctoral Student: The program has recently started, but we are in full force. I think the best part are the professors ability and energy to teach the classes. The worst part was probably the orientation. It seemed long overall and could have been shortened, or they could have added a school tour of the whole campus. The 1L experience as a whole is similar to other law schools from what I have been hearing though. So 4 out of 5 stars. ... Read 4 reviews

Emory University ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The program has recently started, but we are in full force. I think the best part are the professors ability and energy to teach the classes. The worst part was probably the orientation. It seemed... .

Berkeley Law

Berkeley, CA •

University of California - Berkeley •

Doctoral Student: Berkeley Law offers high quality legal education. Teachers are engaged and classes are stimulating. I am proud to be a Berkeley Law student ... Read 2 reviews

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University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Berkeley Law offers high quality legal education. Teachers are engaged and classes are stimulating. I am proud to be a Berkeley Law student .

Northeastern University School of Law

Boston, MA •

Northeastern University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   6 reviews

Doctoral Student: The professors are great and peers are more supportive than your typical law school. However, the administration is terribly unorganized year after year. It seems that have had the same problems for decades after speaking with alumni that graduated in the 90s and 00s. Disappointing given the fact that this is one of the most expensive schools around. ... Read 6 reviews

Northeastern University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The professors are great and peers are more supportive than your typical law school. However, the administration is terribly unorganized year after year. It seems that have had the same problems for... .

Read 6 reviews.

NYU School of Law

New York, NY •

New York University •

Doctoral Student: For the past year, I've been deferring to pursue a Fulbright Peru scholarship, but I'm even more excited with this experience to begin at NYU Law in the fall studying human rights and international law, with a focus on applying my studies to climate change litigation and policymaking. ... Read 1 review

New York University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says For the past year, I've been deferring to pursue a Fulbright Peru scholarship, but I'm even more excited with this experience to begin at NYU Law in the fall studying human rights and international... .

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Boston College Law School

Newton, MA •

Boston College •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   8 reviews

Alum: I am an alum of BCLS and can say, hands down, I received a great education. BCLS cultivates an inclusive and supportive culture, that is academically rigorous. The big difference between BCLS students and those that attend a larger mill of a law school, the school graduates well rounded, articulate, and worldly lawyers. They are ambitious but also know how to connect to people and the world around them. The alums network is incredibly tight and we do all we can to support each other and new graduates. I cannot say enough about BCLS. ... Read 8 reviews

Boston College ,

NEWTON, MA ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I am an alum of BCLS and can say, hands down, I received a great education. BCLS cultivates an inclusive and supportive culture, that is academically rigorous. The big difference between BCLS... .

Read 8 reviews.

School of Law - William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA •

William & Mary •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   3 reviews

Doctoral Student: W&M Law provides a personable and effective academic environment wherein the competitive nature of a normal law school takes a back seat. ... Read 3 reviews

William & Mary ,

WILLIAMSBURG, VA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says W&M Law provides a personable and effective academic environment wherein the competitive nature of a normal law school takes a back seat. .

Read 3 reviews.

School of Law - Boston University

Boston University •

Master's Student: BU has excellent faculty, a great facility, and a welcoming environment. While you can't escape competitiveness in law school, the cultivated atmosphere is one of helpfulness - in any way you may be struggling, you'll find peers, faculty, and staff ready to help. However, I wish there was more support from the administration for public interest students. Students in the field are left to lean on each other and select faculty members, while the school itself puts its resources into big law recruitment. ... Read 4 reviews

Boston University ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says BU has excellent faculty, a great facility, and a welcoming environment. While you can't escape competitiveness in law school, the cultivated atmosphere is one of helpfulness - in any way you may be... .

University of Illinois College of Law

Champaign, IL •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign •

Doctoral Student: I am an incoming student to the College of Law, but want to make sure it's noted that the professionalism, friendliness, and transparency of the administration during the application and consideration processes won me over extremely quickly. I have nothing but great things to say about the team and Assistant Dean. Illinois Law has an excellent reputation, and the people are clearly a significant reason for it. ... Read 6 reviews

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ,

CHAMPAIGN, IL ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I am an incoming student to the College of Law, but want to make sure it's noted that the professionalism, friendliness, and transparency of the administration during the application and... .

University of Miami School of Law

Coral Gables, FL •

University of Miami •

• • Rating 4.9 out of 5   10 reviews

Doctoral Student: The JD program at UMiami is really great because they are constantly providing us with options to meet employers, work with the community, and do real meaningful work. ... Read 10 reviews

University of Miami ,

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The JD program at UMiami is really great because they are constantly providing us with options to meet employers, work with the community, and do real meaningful work. .

Read 10 reviews.

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Cleveland, OH •

Case Western Reserve University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: The school was amazing, the professors were amazing, the area around the campus is nice. The only downside is the winters. I hate snow, and Cleveland gets a lot. ... Read 4 reviews

Case Western Reserve University ,

CLEVELAND, OH ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The school was amazing, the professors were amazing, the area around the campus is nice. The only downside is the winters. I hate snow, and Cleveland gets a lot. .

Tulane Law School

New Orleans, LA •

Tulane University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   6 reviews

Other: I am currently enrolled for the Juris Doctor (JD) Program at Tulane Law School. This program gives me the opportunity to participate in Journals, Moot Court, Clinics, Externship activities etc. I am currently an Editorial Board Member of the Sports Law Journal and a Staff Writer for the Sports Law Weekly publication. The curriculum at Tulane Law School is practical and hands-on and I look enjoy every bit of the academic and student life here. ... Read 6 reviews

Tulane University ,

NEW ORLEANS, LA ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am currently enrolled for the Juris Doctor (JD) Program at Tulane Law School. This program gives me the opportunity to participate in Journals, Moot Court, Clinics, Externship activities etc. I am... .

Santa Clara University School of Law

Santa Clara, CA •

Santa Clara University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   3 reviews

Doctoral Student: The classmates can be rude and mean but the professors are very nice. I feel like they have a lot of resources but you have to go out and seek the help yourself ... Read 3 reviews

Santa Clara University ,

SANTA CLARA, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The classmates can be rude and mean but the professors are very nice. I feel like they have a lot of resources but you have to go out and seek the help yourself .

Law School - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN •

University of Minnesota Twin Cities •

University of Minnesota Twin Cities ,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN ,

University of Washington School of Law

Seattle, WA •

University of Washington •

Master's Student: Application and acceptance went very fast. Classes start next month and I can't wait to begin my Master of Jurisprudence program. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Washington ,

SEATTLE, WA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says Application and acceptance went very fast. Classes start next month and I can't wait to begin my Master of Jurisprudence program. .

Michael E. Moritz College of Law

Columbus, OH •

The Ohio State University •

The Ohio State University ,

COLUMBUS, OH ,

Pittsburgh, PA •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: I am in the MSL program (Master of Studies in Law). I am in the online program. Online at pitt is fairly new so some program have kinks or so I have heard. The MSL does not. It has been smooth, educational and valuable. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Pittsburgh ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am in the MSL program (Master of Studies in Law). I am in the online program. Online at pitt is fairly new so some program have kinks or so I have heard. The MSL does not. It has been smooth, educational and valuable. .

George Washington University Law School

George Washington University •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Doctoral Student: My favorite part about attending law school at GW are the amazing professors and faculty who are truly so talented and successful and care about students' success. One thing I do not like about GW is the inability to navigate the portal easily and the long wait times to get a response from faculty regarding issues such as financial aid. ... Read 3 reviews

George Washington University ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says My favorite part about attending law school at GW are the amazing professors and faculty who are truly so talented and successful and care about students' success. One thing I do not like about GW... .

Law School - Suffolk University

Suffolk University •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   8

University of Pittsburgh

• • Rating 4.43 out of 5   74

College of Public Affairs and Education - University of Illinois at Springfield

University of Illinois Springfield •

SPRINGFIELD, IL

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   4

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