For International Lawyers

Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD)

Pursue advanced legal research at the doctoral level for careers in academia, policy, or scholarly legal research through our JSD degree program designed for exceptional candidates.

Program Overview

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.

Following admission to the JSD program, the JSD Admissions Committee will appoint a faculty advisor. The JSD program emphasizes original research and writing, culminating in the preparation of a significant and extensive dissertation of publishable quality.

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. 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.

Why WashU Law?

Learn from 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. Every admitted WashU Law student is automatically considered for a wide range of scholarships with no separate application required.

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. Alumni can continue their legal education by auditing courses at no cost.

FAQs

Your questions answered.

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.

Ph.D. programs require original, often interdisciplinary research that advances a specific field such as history or the sciences. J.S.D. programs focus on the theoretical, philosophical, and advanced practical study of law.

WashU Law’s JSD program must be completed within 3 to 5 years.

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.

Careers for individuals with a JSD degree include:

Political affairs officer
Law professor
Compliance officer
Paralegal

Applicants must have earned an LL.M. from a U.S. law school in addition to proving exceptional academic distinction. Applicants must possess significant knowledge in the area of scholarly interest prior to beginning the JSD degree program.

A successful application will include:

Application
Dissertation Proposal
A test of English language proficiency such as the TOEFL, IELTS, Gateway or Duolingo (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.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but it is recommended that applicants submit their application by May 15 of each year for the fall semester.

WashU Law does not provide any scholarships for the JSD program. Students who qualify may apply for federal financial aid and have access to additional financial support through the federal Stafford Loan and Grad PLUS Loan programs.

For more information about the application process, program curriculum, coursework, admission requirements, or degree requirements, please contact gradlaw@wustl.edu.