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Find Your SJD Program

Find Your SJD Program

What to study
Where to study

The highest law degree is often referred to as an SJD (also JSD) which is the abbreviation of the Latin Scientiae Juridicae Doctor (Juridicae Scientiae Doctor). This translates to Doctor of Juridicial Science or Doctor of the Science of Law. In the US, where the degree is most common, the SJD is the equivalent of a PhD in law. SJDs are usually completed after a student or legal professional has completed a Bachelor of Law (LLB) and/or a Master of Law (LLM).

Like a PhD, an SJD is meant for students with a passion for legal scholarship who wish to pursue careers in academia or as public officials. SJD candidates are expected to make substantial contributions with their research to the existing body of legal knowledge. The conference of an SJD occurs after a candidate has successfully completed significant research. In most SJD programs, successful completion includes both the submission of dissertation of publishable quality and an oral defense of the candidate’s research.

In order to pursue an SJD, prospective candidates must apply to their chosen program and demonstrate their aptitude for legal research. While some programs accept candidates who hold only an LLB, many require applicants to have completed an LLM or other graduate-level law degree.

SJDs are prestigious and rigorous courses of study. Most SJDs are completed within three years. Successful SJD candidates can expect to work as academics or legal professors, or in high positions within public office or government.

Newly added programs

  • The Pennsylvania State University Penn State Law
    S.J.D. PROGRAM
    The Pennsylvania State University Penn State Law
    • State College, USA
    More information
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School
    Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
    University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School
    • Madison, USA
  • University of Connecticut School of Law
    Doctor of Laws (SJD)
    University of Connecticut School of Law
    • Hartford, USA
  • University of Florida Levin College of Law
    S.J.D. in Taxation
    University of Florida Levin College of Law
    • Gainesville, USA
  • Golden Gate University School of Law
    Doctor of Juridical Sciences (SJD) in International Legal Studies
    Golden Gate University School of Law
    • San Francisco, USA
  • KoGuan School of Law, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Doctor of Juridical Science
    KoGuan School of Law, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    • Shanghai, China
  • SMU - Dedman School of Law
    Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
    SMU - Dedman School of Law
    • Dallas, USA
  • Suffolk University Law School
    Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
    Suffolk University Law School
    • Boston, USA