Advanced Law Program for Ambitious Scholars
WashU Law offers international lawyers the opportunity to select a graduate program of study that best fits their particular academic and professional goals.
Students can pursue:
- Juridicae Scientiae Doctoris/JSD degree (described below)
- General LL.M. degree for international lawyers
- LL.M. in intellectual property and technology law
- Two-year LL.M. with a focus on legal English
About the WashU Law JSD Program
The WashU Law JSD degree program is designed for attorneys pursuing a career in academia, policy, or scholarly legal research. The JSD program is very small and geared towards exceptional candidates who have a sophisticated scholarly focus.
Students have up to five years to complete the program but may not finish in less than three years.
Curriculum & Studies
Following admission to the JSD program, the JSD Admissions Committee will appoint a faculty advisor.
Year 1
During the first year of the program, students are expected to form their dissertation committee of at least three members. The faculty advisor will serve as the chair of the committee.
It is recommended that first-year JSD students enroll in Research Design, taught by Professor Sunita Parikh. First-year JSD students should meet with their advisor to discuss a plan of study and auditing courses. However, coursework is not a requirement of the program.
By the end of the first year, students are required to have completed a literature review and made any necessary revisions to their proposal.
Year 2 & Beyond
During the second year and following years, JSD students focus on submitting drafts of chapters and revised chapters to their faculty advisor on a regular basis. The JSD program emphasizes original research and writing, culminating in the preparation of a significant and extensive dissertation of publishable quality.
Students must complete the dissertation and have it accepted by the candidate’s Dissertation Committee within five years of matriculation. All JSD candidates must defend their dissertation viva voce. In extenuating circumstances, a student may defend the dissertation via a video conference or similar computer-facilitated meeting.
For more information about program curriculum or coursework, please contact gradlaw@wustl.edu.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have earned an LL.M. from a U.S. law school in addition to proving exceptional academic distinction.
For more information about admission requirements, please contact gradlaw@wustl.edu.
Degree Requirements
For more information about degree requirements, please contact gradlaw@wustl.edu.
Enrollment Deadlines & Start Dates
- Summer Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
- Summer Semester Start Date: June 2, 2025
- Fall Application Deadline: Aug. 11, 2025
- Fall Semester Start Date: Sept. 8, 2025
Why Choose a JSD Degree from WashU Law?
Renowned Faculty
Learn from nationally recognized leaders in the legal field. Our faculty bring real-world experience and deep expertise to the classroom, helping students build practical skills, sharpen their analytical thinking, and master the complexities of the law through a rigorous, hands-on curriculum.
Scholarships & Fellowships
Every admitted WashU Law student is automatically considered for a wide range of scholarships; no separate application required. These scholarships are guaranteed for all three years of study, regardless of academic performance.
Students may also qualify for federal financial aid.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Beyond scholarships and fellowships, WashU Law students have access to additional financial support through the federal Stafford Loan and Grad PLUS Loan programs.
Continuing Education
WashU Law supports student growth at every stage, even after graduation. From bar exam preparation to externship placement support, we’re committed to student and alumni success. As proof of our commitment, alumni can continue their legal education by auditing a course at no cost.
How to Apply to the WashU Law JSD Program
To file an application for admission to the JSD program, an applicant must have earned an LL.M. degree from a U.S. law school and demonstrate academic and scholarly distinction. Applicants must possess significant knowledge in the area of scholarly interest prior to beginning the JSD degree program.
Application Materials
A successful application will include:
- Application
- Dissertation Proposal
- TOEFL or IELTS score report (exceptions may be made if a student has studied in the U.S. for at least three years within two years of beginning the JSD program)
- Official transcripts and English translations of transcripts from the applicant’s first degree in law and LLM program.
APPLICANTS SHOULD NOT CONTACT LAW FACULTY ABOUT THEIR ADVISOR. If admitted to the JSD program, the program administrators will match students with an appropriate faculty member.
Acceptance Timeline
Admissions are on a rolling basis, meaning we consider applications as they are completed. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible. JSD students begin their studies in August of each academic year.
For more information about the application process, prospective students should contact gradlaw@wustl.edu.
JSD Degree FAQs
What is JSD?
JSD stands for Juridicae Scientiae Doctoris, Doctor of Juridical Science, or Doctor of the Science of Law. A JSD is sometimes also known as an SJD.
Many consider it to be the law equivalent of a PhD.
What is the difference between a PhD and a JSD?
Both PhDs and JSDs are research-focused degree programs. The difference is in the area of study (JSD degrees are law-based only) as well as the location someone intends to practice law. For U.S.-based researchers, a PhD is often the primary option. For international lawyers or those who want to specialize in international law with a focus on legal theory, a JSD is preferable.
How long does it take to get a JSD?
Washington University School of Law‘s JSD program must be completed within 3 to 5 years.
Is JSD higher than a JD?
A JSD is not necessarily higher than a JD. They are both advanced degrees focused on the field of law. A JSD law degree is concerned more with legal scholarship whereas a JD is concerned more with practicing law in the United States.
What career opportunities are available with a JSD degree?
Careers for individuals with a JSD degree include:
- Law professor
- Compliance officer
- Paralegal
- Political affairs officer
Start Your Legal Studies Journey Today
Ready to start your legal education at WashU Law?
Want to learn more about our JSD degree?
For more information, contact:
E-Mail: gradlaw@wustl.edu
Phone: (314) 935-3346
Fax: (314) 935-7961