Program Description
The Doctor of Juridical Science is NYU School of Law’s most advanced law degree. It provides intense training in academic research, geared primarily to those intending to pursue a career in academia. The program prepares students to produce first-class scholarship with a view to a teaching career either in the US or elsewhere in the world. The commitment to this mission makes NYU School of Law one of the best points of entry into legal academia worldwide.
Only a very small number of students who demonstrate outstanding academic promise are admitted to JSD candidacy. The articles and dissertations produced in the JSD program are typically published in the most prominent law reviews and professional journals, and by notable publishing houses.
Admissions
Program Requirements
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| LAW-LW 11387 | Legal Theory Thesis Seminar | 3 |
| LAW-LW 10144 | J.S.D. Workshop | 0 |
| 2-5 |
| Total Credits | 5-8 |
Program Details
Year One/Pre-Candidacy
Students will complete two courses:
- LAW-LW 11387 Legal Theory Thesis Seminar
- One methodological seminar preapproved by the student's supervisor and the JSD Committee (this requirement can be completed anytime during the first three years in the program).
Students will conduct preliminary research with a view toward consolidating research questions, hypotheses and methodology for the dissertation.
Students will prepare and submit Candidacy Paper to Dissertation Supervisor to gain admission to the JSD candidacy.
Participate in LAW-LW 10144 J.S.D. Workshop.
Year Two
Students will continue to research and formulate theories for the dissertation, and begin drafting the dissertation. Additionally, students will complete one Law School Colloquium (2-5 credits) and coordinate with Dissertation Supervisor to determine potential Dissertation Committee members; present recommendations to the Chair of the JSD Committee; ensure appointment of such committee members.
Participate in LAW-LW 10144 J.S.D. Workshop.
Year Three
Students will draft and revise the dissertation, supplementing with research as needed, and participate in LAW-LW 10144 J.S.D. Workshop. Students will then defend the dissertation orally before the Dissertation Committee.
Beyond the Third Year
Although the JSD program is designed to be completed in three years, circumstances may arise that require candidates to continue in the program after the third year. A candidate may request to do so with support from the candidate’s supervisor. Requests for extensions of enrollment beyond the first three years will be considered one year at a time only. While those granted extensions are entitled to remain in residency, eligibility for the JSD degree expires after five years.
Starting from AY 20-21 candidates whose request to continue in the program beyond the third year was granted, will be eligible for funding during their fourth year if in residence.
Learning Outcomes
In accordance with Revised ABA Standard 302; N.Y. Court of Appeals Rule 520.18(a)(1) please find an inventory of student learning outcomes that covers the areas of “substantive knowledge and procedural law”; lawyering skills; and “proper professional and ethical responsibilities to clients and the legal system.”
Policies
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
School of Law Policies
Additional academic policies can be found on the School of Law academic policies page.