phd in law subjects

Ph.D. Program

The ph.d. in law degree.

The Ph.D. in Law degree program is designed to prepare J.D. graduates for careers as legal scholars and teachers through a doctoral program aimed at the production of a substantial body of academic research and writing under the close supervision of a three-member faculty dissertation committee. Unlike programs designed for students who wish to learn about law from the disciplinary perspectives of the social sciences or the humanities, the Ph.D. in Law is directed at students who wish to pursue advanced studies in law from the perspective of the law. This program offers emerging scholars an opportunity to contribute to the development of law as an academic field, and it provides an alternate pathway into law teaching alongside existing routes such as fellowships, advanced degrees in cognate fields, legal practice, and clerkships.

Because our entering Ph.D. students will have already completed their J.D. degrees, the anticipated course of study toward the Ph.D. in Law degree is three academic years and two summers in residence. In their first two semesters, Ph.D. students will enroll in courses designed to help them acquire the background and research skills needed to complete a dissertation in their field of interest and to prepare them for qualifying examinations that test the depth and breadth of the literacies and skills they have acquired. During their second year, students will prepare a dissertation prospectus and begin work on a dissertation. The dissertation may take the form of either three law review articles or a book-length manuscript and will make up a portfolio of writing that will be essential for success in the job market. Ph.D. students will also gain experience in the classroom, and receive the full support of Yale Law School’s Law Teaching Program , which has had remarkable success in placing graduates in tenure-track positions at leading law schools.

Ph.D. students receive a full-tuition waiver, a health award for health insurance coverage, and a stipend to cover their year-round living expenses, as well as support for participation in national and international conferences.

Applications for admission to the Ph.D. in Law program are available starting on August 15. The deadline for submission of all materials is December 15. Applicants to the Ph.D. in Law program must complete a J.D. degree at a U.S. law school before they matriculate and begin the Ph.D. program. Any questions about the program may be directed to Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, at [email protected] .

Watch Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, describe the Ph.D. program at Yale Law School.

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Doctor of Science of Law (JSD)

The Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) is the Law School’s most advanced law degree, and is considered a doctorate equivalent to a Ph.D.  It is designed for those interested in becoming scholars and teachers of law including interdisciplinary approaches to law.

Study toward the degree is open only to a small number of exceptionally well-qualified students who hold a JD or LL.B earned outside the United States.  Students in the program develop substantive expertise in one or more fields of law and have the opportunity to pursue substantive and methodological training in allied disciplines across the broader university, including but not limited to, the social sciences, humanities, and engineering.  The program culminates in the student producing a dissertation under the personal supervision of a Faculty committee comprised of law school professors as well as, where appropriate given the student’s interests, faculty from other departments of the university.

There are two different tracks for admission into the JSD program.  A minimum of two students will be admitted from among students who have completed the Stanford Program in International Legal Studies (SPILS)  at Stanford Law School.  In addition, students at Stanford and at other law schools in the United States who will have completed LLM degrees prior to the commencement of the JSD program are encouraged to apply for admission and will be seriously considered.  To be competitive, students applying from LLM programs must have completed (and must submit) a serious piece of independent, original research demonstrating their scholarly potential.

Admission to the JSD program is on a highly selective basis. Please note that admission to SPILS or to any Stanford LLM program does not imply a commitment by Stanford Law School to accept a student into the JSD program.

Some need-based funding, as well as funding to conduct research and attend conferences is available to admitted JSD students.

Questions concerning the JSD program should be directed to [email protected] .

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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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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in law.

105 degrees at 70 universities in the UK.

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About Postgraduate Law

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law through distance learning offers a flexible platform for in-depth legal research and scholarship. It caters to those who wish to combine an advanced higher education qualification with their existing work or personal commitments by providing the ability to study from anywhere globally. You’ll be able to undertake the majority of your research at an off-campus location.

There are 19 such courses in the UK, and full-time students are expected to complete their work within three years. Courses are competitive, and a first class or upper second-class honours degree in law (or a subject related to the proposed area of research) is usually required.

What to Expect

The distance learning Law PhD spans approximately 3 to 6 years, depending on whether you choose to study with full-time or part-time enrolment. The programme is predominantly research-based, requiring candidates to produce a lengthy thesis that offers a significant, original contribution to the legal profession. This involves rigorous independent research, under the guidance of experienced faculty members who provide academic oversight and support through online communication.

Candidates are required to engage in critical analysis of legal texts, case studies and contemporary legal issues, demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills. Online seminars and workshops are integral to the curriculum, promoting academic development and networking within the legal community.

Upon completion, graduates possess a thorough understanding of their chosen area of law, prepared for careers in academia, legal research, policy development or high-level advisory roles.

Related subjects:

• PhD Arbitration
• PhD Civil Law
• PhD Company Law
• PhD Constitutional and Public Law
• PhD Criminal Law
• PhD European Law
• PhD International Law
• PhD Jurisprudence
• PhD Labour Law
• PhD Law and Legal studies
• PhD Law of Specific Areas and Countries
• PhD Legal Practice
• PhD Legal Practice and Procedures
• PhD Legal Rights (Law)

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Bangor University

Bangor School of Law welcomes applications from suitably qualified graduates to read for the degrees of PhD, MPhil and LLM Res by Read more...

• variable - to suit the learner Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• variable - to suit the learner Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

SOAS University of London

The School of Law accepts candidates for research work leading to a PhD. The central feature of PhD work is the close relationship Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,860 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,430 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate Research in law

University of east anglia uea.

UEA Law School is one of the top law schools in the United Kingdom. We want your research to make a real difference. Our inspiring Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Oxford Brookes University

We have a lively and supportive research culture with a number of specialist research groups led by internationally recognised Read more...

• 4 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD in Law

Manchester metropolitan university.

RESEARCH CULTURE Manchester Law School’s general research focus is on the operation and impact of law in society. Our work is Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,850 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree

PhD (School of Law) Doctorate

University of bradford.

Our Law PhD programme enables you to conduct legal research under the supervision of our international, experienced, and highly committed Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,342 per year (UK)

PhD/MPhil Law

City, university of london.

The PhD/MPhil programme at the City Law School offers you the opportunity to carry out legal research and to contribute to professional Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £11,140 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £5,570 per year (UK)

PhD Law and Criminology

Sheffield hallam university.

Course summary Your research will take place in the Department of Law and Criminology. We are a group of approximately 80 academics Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Aberystwyth University

Founded in 1901, Aberystwyth Law School bases itself on a long, distinguished and increasingly varied experience of legal and Read more...

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate research opportunities in Law

Liverpool john moores university.

Excellent research opportunities await at the School of Law, enabling you to work at the forefront of developments with leading Read more...

University of Surrey

Why choose this programme Our PhD in Law aims to train the next generation of legal thinkers, law reformers, policy advisors, political Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree
• 8 years Part time degree

Law PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Kingston university.

Whether you are planning a career as an academic within the education sector, or as a professional researcher within the public or Read more...

Royal Holloway, University of London

The multidisciplinary Department of Law and Criminology is home to applied, theoretical and doctrinal research across Criminology, Forensic Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Mphil Phd School of Business and Law

University of east london.

The School gives postgraduate research students the chance to learn from the best academic minds and industry experts. You’ll be studying Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,740 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,870 per year (UK)

PhD Human Rights

University of essex.

Our PhD Human Rights was established to meet the demands of our students who have an established interest in human rights and wish to Read more...

• 7 years Part time degree

University of Glasgow

Our staff are experts from across all areas of the law, supervising top-calibre international research students. Our academic staff Read more...

University of Hull

About our programmes We welcome applications for postgraduate research into many areas of law at PhD level. Our particular range of Read more...

Law PhD, MPhil - Socio-Legal Studies

University of leicester.

Leicester Law School is a research-led department, recognising the important relationship between excellence in research and in teaching. Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,333 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Law LLM (by research), MPhil, PhD

Newcastle university.

Our Law LLM by Research, MPhil and PhD are courses of independent research under supervision. Join us for your Law LLM by Research or an Read more...

• 36 months Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 72 months Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

University of Nottingham

With well-established research centres and links to leading institutions around the world, the School of Law is a dynamic centre for PhD Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)

1-20 of 105 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• University of Warwick
• University of West London
• Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• University of Portsmouth
• Cardiff University
• University of Suffolk
• University of Plymouth
• University of Buckingham
• University of Sussex
• University of Aberdeen
• The University of Edinburgh
• King's College London, University of London
• Ulster University
• University of Reading
• University of Salford
• University of Sunderland
• UCL (University College London)
• Birkbeck, University of London
• Birmingham City University
• University of Kent

Related Subjects:

• School of Law

Ph.D. in Law PhD in Law

A Ph.D. requires a minimum of three years' study, at least two years of which comprises work done while in residence at the University of Washington. Students enter the Ph.D. program having already identified a dissertation supervisory chair and additional committee members (referred to as the student’s Doctoral Supervisory Committee), who will support and shepherd them through the Ph.D. curriculum and dissertation writing process.

Ph.D. candidates must complete 90 credits, at least 60 of which must be taken at the University of Washington, in order to receive a doctoral degree.

I. Requirements

Overall course requirements.

Ph.D. students must successfully complete a minimum of 90 credits including at least 60 course credits and 27 dissertation credits (LAW 800—minimum two credit hours per quarter). With the approval of the Ph.D. Program Director and Steering Committee, an appropriate master’s degree from an accredited institution may substitute for up to a maximum of 30 of the course credits.   This determination of substituting master’s credits takes place at the time when the presumptive chair agrees that the Ph.D. student’s prospectus is ready to defend at a General Examination.   The 60 course credits also include courses required by the School of Law as described immediately below.

Required Competencies:

The primary requirement is the production of a dissertation that, in the opinion of the Ph.D. Doctoral Supervisory Committee, represents a novel and significant contribution to the discipline of law. In addition, Ph.D. students are required to demonstrate competencies in four areas: 

• Understanding of common law legal systems and differences between major legal systems around the world.
• An understanding of a research methodology area relevant to the topic of their dissertation research.
• Subject matter expertise in the area of their dissertation research.
• The ability to present and discuss the results of their dissertation research.

An understanding of common law legal systems and differences between major legal systems around the world

This requirement will be satisfied by 8 credits of coursework as follows:

• Required course: B550 American Legal Systems and Methods (4 credits) or equivalent
• Additionally, students will have to complete B557 Graduate Writing Seminar (4 credits) or the equivalent to demonstrate understanding of the American legal system.

Research Methodology

Broadly speaking, modern academic legal research is supported by one or more of the following:  jurisprudential approaches, qualitative approaches, quantitative approaches. Competency will be satisfied by at least 3-4 credits of coursework as follows, chosen in consultation with the supervisory chair:

• PPM 502 Research Design (4)
• EDPSY 586 Qualitative Methods of Educational Research I (4 credits)
• ARCH 567 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
• CS&SS 536 Analysis of Categorical and Count Data (3)
• LAWA 595 Jurisprudence and Moral Philosophy (4)

Elective courses: Law A599 Legal Research Methods (3 credits), Law   A 549 Advanced Legal Research   (4 Credits) 

Subject Matter Expertise (10-12 credits of subject discipline required courses)

The remaining courses to fulfill the credit requirement are to be chosen based on the Ph.D. student’s dissertation research topic. For instance, students with a focus on intellectual property must complete that discipline’s required courses. The same is true for sustainable international development, health law, etc.

Presentation/Discussion Competency

The presentation/discussion competency will be satisfied by successful completion of the general and final examination process described below.

Other Requirements

Law 600 tutorial with supervisory chair (1-2 credits per quarter).

In addition to the above requirements, students are expected to take 1-2 Law 600 credits with their supervisory chair per quarter to facilitate regular communication during the time leading up to their general exam. The chair will monitor the student’s academic progress and advise on appropriate courses to be taken (at the law school and in other departments on campus) related to the Ph.D. student’s research.

First- and Second-Year Elective Courses

All Ph.D. students are expected and encouraged to take subject-matter courses relevant to their dissertation research topic as part of their 60 credits of coursework. There is a rich variety of courses available in the School of Law and in other schools and departments across the University of Washington campus. For example, the   Graduate School has a variety of graduate certificate programs   that not only may be pertinent to student’s research interests but may provide an additional credential to enhance a student’s academic portfolio.

II. General Examination

Completion of 60 course credits (up to 30 credits from an accredited LL.M. or other pertinent master's degree may be counted toward the 90-credit total) and a Dissertation Prospectus approved by the Doctoral Supervisory Committee are required prior to this exam.

Students must pass an oral   General Examination   designed around individualized readings determined in consultation with the student’s Doctoral Supervisory Committee, and a Dissertation Prospectus that contains the student’s detailed dissertation study plans, including research questions and the chosen methodology and study plan to answer them.

To be eligible for the General Exam, the student must have completed a minimum of 60 course credits (including credits being taken the quarter of the exam) of which at least 18 credits must be at the 500 level and above. Numerical grades must be received in at least 18 quarter credits of coursework taken at the University of Washington. The Graduate School accepts numerical grades in department approved 400-level courses accepted as part of the major and in 500-level courses (this excludes 499 credits). 

Students are required to write and successfully defend a Dissertation Prospectus that outlines a detailed plan for the Ph.D. dissertation. The General Examination tests the student’s understanding of, and facility with, the scholarly literature that relates to the proposed dissertation topic, along with the strength of the proposed research proposal and its design.

III. Final Examination (Doctoral Defense)

In addition to a successful General Examination, the Ph.D. candidate must complete at least 27 dissertation credits over a period of at least three quarters. Candidates total credit count must reach 90 and they must have completed their doctoral dissertation.

To complete the degree, the candidate must complete a   Dissertation Defense   (also known as the   Final Examination ) administered by the Supervisory Doctoral Committee and devoted to the presentation and defense of the dissertation. It should be noted that the Graduate School requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA to obtain a graduate degree. For the final Dissertation Defense, students must get their committee members’ signatures on the UW Graduate School Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee Approval form and submit that before the end of the quarter (the form will be provided at or prior to the student’s defense and submission instructions are on the form). More detailed information is on the Ph.D. Program’s Canvas page.

Students must be registered and may not be on leave during the quarter that the General and Final Examinations are taken.

IV. Official Submission

After a successful Final Examination, the dissertation must be submitted in the required format to the University of Washington Graduate School by 11:59 p.m. PST on the  last day of the quarter . The PhD Candidate must be registered and may not be on leave during the quarter that the dissertation is submitted.

For details of degree requirements please see Graduate School Policies-Doctoral Degree .

Ph.D. in Law

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

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

Everything You Need To Know Before Doing A PhD In Law

So, you’ve mastered the art of legalese, conquered the casebooks, and now the allure of a PhD in Law beckons.

Moreover, Before you dive headfirst into the world of legal academia, let’s unravel the mysteries and demystify the process of pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Law. Buckle up, future legal scholars – here’s the lowdown.

What Is A PhD In Law?

Alright, curious minds, buckle up because we’re about to demystify the enigma that is a PhD in Law. No, it’s not just a degree; it’s a journey into the legal unknown, a quest for knowledge that goes beyond the courtroom drama you see on TV.

The PhD Rundown: Beyond Your Average Degree

Let’s start at the beginning. A PhD in Law is not your run-of-the-mill degree where you memorize statutes and call it a day. 

It’s the pinnacle of legal academia, the Jedi Master level of legal education .

Moreover, Picture it as your golden ticket to dive deep into uncharted legal waters and emerge as the authority on a topic of your choosing.

A Love Story with Time: The Commitment Factor

Considering a PhD in Law? Prepare to embrace commitment like never before. This isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Think three to five years of scholarly devotion. 

You and your research are about to embark on a long, passionate journey.

Moreover, like a legal romance novel without the cheesy dialogue.

Passion, Not Just Law: What’s Your Legal Crush?

Before you start this epic adventure, you need to identify your legal passion. Environmental law, human rights, or maybe the arcane world of space law – pick your legal crush.

Moreover, Your PhD is essentially your love letter to that field of law.

Supervisors: Your Academic Sidekicks

Now, imagine you’re a superhero (because, let’s face it, you practically are). Every superhero needs a sidekick, right? Enter your supervisor, the Gandalf to your Frodo, the Batman to your Robin. 

They guide, mentor, and occasionally drop knowledge bombs that reshape your entire academic universe.

Blueprint for Brilliance: The Research Proposal

Every masterpiece starts with a plan, and your PhD is no exception. Enter the research proposal – your roadmap to academic greatness.

Moreover, Nail this, and you’re on the highway to unraveling the mysteries of legal academia.

Show Me the Money: Funding Your Legal Odyssey

Let’s address the elephant in the room: funding. A PhD might be your intellectual calling, but your landlord still expects rent. Explore scholarships, grants, and funding options. Your brainpower needs some financial muscle.

Balancing Act: Life Beyond the Law Library

Contrary to popular belief, a PhD isn’t a one-way ticket to a dusty library dungeon. Attend conferences, network with fellow legal minds, and, yes, indulge in the occasional Netflix binge. It’s all about maintaining sanity in the midst of legal chaos.

D-Day Drama: The Thesis Defense

Fast forward a few years – it’s D-Day, the thesis defense. Imagine it as the legal Olympics, where you defend your intellectual gold medal. Nail this, and you’re officially a Doctor of Philosophy in Law.

How To Get A Ph.D. In Law?

So, you’ve got the legal bug, the burning desire to delve into the intricacies of the law beyond what your LLB or JD provided . A Ph.D. in Law is calling your name, and you’re ready for the challenge. Let’s break down the roadmap to turning those legal dreams into reality.

Finding Your Passion

Before you plunge into the Ph.D. abyss, ask yourself, “What legal puzzle keeps me up at night?” Identify your legal passion; it’s the compass that’ll guide you through the academic labyrinth. Whether it’s environmental law, criminal justice, or the wild world of international law, find your legal muse.

Crafting Your Research Proposal

Picture your Ph.D. journey as a grand adventure, and the research proposal is your treasure map. It’s not just a formality; it’s your chance to articulate your research vision. Be clear, concise, and convincing – your academic destiny hangs in the balance.

Choosing Your Supervisor Wisely

Meet your academic Yoda – your supervisor. This isn’t just a partnership; it’s a mentorship. Choose someone who not only knows the legal ropes but also aligns with your research interests. They’ll be your guiding star through the academic galaxy.

Funding Your Legal Crusade

Let’s be real; pursuing a Ph.D. isn’t a cheap date. Explore scholarship options, grants, and funding opportunities.

Moreover, your brilliance deserves financial backing, so don’t shy away from funding Fandango.

Crafting Your Magnum Opus

Your thesis is the pièce de résistance of your Ph.D. Think of it as a legal manuscript that’ll make waves in academia. Dive deep, conduct rigorous research.

Moreover, present your findings with flair. It’s your chance to contribute something significant to the legal conversation.

Balancing Act of PhD in law

As you immerse yourself in the legal wilderness of writing, remember to balance work and life. Yes, the library is your second home, but don’t forget to attend conferences, network, and occasionally indulge in some self-care.

Moreover, A burnt-out Ph.D. candidate is nobody’s idea of success.

Defending Your Intellectual Fortitude

The day has arrived – your thesis defense. It’s your chance to showcase the intellectual muscle you’ve been flexing for years. Be confident, articulate, and ready to tackle questions.

Moreover, This is the final showdown before you emerge as a legal Jedi.

How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD In Law?

Alright, future legal scholars, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of a Ph.D. in Law. But let’s address the elephant in the courtroom – just how long is this academic escapade going to take? 

Buckle up; we’re about to navigate the twists and turns of the Ph.D. timeline .

The Legal Marathon: Setting Realistic Expectations

First things first – a Ph.D. in Law is no sprint. It’s a marathon, a scholarly expedition into the depths of legal academia. 

While the specific timeline can vary, the average duration is typically three to five years. 

Moreover, It’s not just a degree ; it’s a commitment to becoming the Jedi Master of your legal niche.

The Proposal Prelude: Year One

Year one kicks off with the grand proposal dance. This is where you pitch your tent in the academic campground. You’ll be refining your research question, crafting that all-important proposal, and finding your academic bearings.

Moreover, It’s the year of laying the groundwork for the epic journey ahead.

Supervisory Bonding: Years One and Two

Enter the academic Yoda – your supervisor. The early years are all about forging that mentorship, refining your research design, and diving into the sea of legal literature.

Moreover, This phase is where you build the foundation for your thesis and develop the crucial academic muscle required for the journey.

Funding Fandango: Concurrent with Years One and Two

Ah, the funding quest – it’s like searching for the golden key to the academic kingdom. While not everyone embarks on this quest simultaneously, securing funding often happens alongside the initial years of research.

Moreover, Scholarships, grants, and financial backing become your academic sidekicks.

The Write-Up Wilderness: Years Two to Four of PhD in law

Welcome to the write-up wilderness, where the real magic (and sometimes madness) happens. Years two to four are all about immersing yourself in the legal labyrinth, conducting research, and crafting that magnum opus of a thesis.

Moreover, It’s where you refine your legal arguments and contribute your unique perspective to the academic conversation.

Thesis Tango: Years Four and Five of PhD in law

As you waltz into years four and five, it’s showtime – the thesis defense is looming on the horizon. This is the crescendo of your academic symphony.

Moreover, Nail the defense, and you emerge as a Doctor of Philosophy in Law, ready to wield your legal prowess in the wider world.

Life Beyond Law School: The Aftermath of PhD in law

Congratulations, Doctor! The journey might be over, but the adventure is just beginning. Whether you choose academia, policymaking, or even intergalactic legal consultancy (who knows?).

Moreover, the world of law is now your oyster.

What Can You Do With A PhD In Law?

So, you’ve conquered the academic summit, and now you’re armed with a shiny new PhD in Law. But wait, what’s next? Fear not, intrepid legal scholar, because the world is your jurisdiction.

Let’s explore the myriad paths that open up when you wield the mighty title of Doctor of Philosophy in Law.

Academic Odyssey: Shaping the Legal Minds of Tomorrow

One of the classic moves post-PhD is diving into academia. Picture yourself as the wise sage of the law school , molding eager minds and imparting your wisdom.

Moreover, You become the beacon of legal enlightenment, guiding the next generation of lawyers and thinkers.

Policy Architect: Building Legal Bridges Beyond Academia

Ever dreamed of influencing policy and shaping the legal landscape beyond the ivory tower? With a PhD in Law, you’re equipped to dive into the world of policy-making.

Moreover, Become the architect of legal frameworks, advising governments and organizations on navigating the complex waters of law and justice.

Legal Luminary in Practice: Consulting and Expert Testimony

Step into the limelight as a legal expert sought after by law firms , corporations, or even governments. Your expertise becomes a valuable commodity.

Moreover, From consulting on intricate legal matters to providing expert testimony in courtrooms.

Moreover, your PhD is your ticket to becoming a legal luminary in the practical realm.

International Law Trailblazer: Navigating Global Legal Waters From Your PhD in law

With a PhD in Law, you’re not confined by borders. Dive into the dynamic world of international law. Whether it’s shaping global policies, working with international organizations, or advocating for human rights on a global scale.

Moreover, your expertise can have a far-reaching impact.

Research Maestro: Contributing to Legal Scholarship

Fuel your passion for research by continuing to make waves in legal scholarship. Your PhD isn’t just a culmination; it’s a launchpad for further exploration.

Moreover, Contribute articles, publish books, and be the driving force behind advancements in legal knowledge.

Corporate Counsel with a Twist: Navigating Legal Complexities From Your PhD in law

Corporations are always in need of legal wizards to navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape. Your PhD sets you apart.

Moreover, bringing a depth of understanding and critical thinking that can be invaluable in corporate legal departments.

Legal Entrepreneur: Carving Your Own Niche From Your PhD in law

Feel the entrepreneurial spirit bubbling within? Your PhD can be the foundation for launching your own legal consultancy or business.

Whether it’s providing specialized legal services or developing innovative legal solutions, the entrepreneurial path is yours to carve.

Interdisciplinary Explorer: Bridging Law with Other Fields From Your PhD in law

The beauty of a PhD is its interdisciplinary potential. Blend law with other fields like technology, business, or even environmental science.

Moreover, Become a trailblazer at the intersection of law and diverse domains, solving complex problems that span multiple disciplines.

Beyond Earth: Legal Consultancy for Space Ventures

Okay, this one might be a bit out there, but in the era of space exploration, who’s to say your legal expertise can’t extend beyond Earth?

Moreover, Imagine being the go-to legal consultant for interstellar ventures – because why not dream big?

Final Thoughts 

Congratulations, Doctor of Philosophy in Law !

Moreover, wait, is it the end or merely the prologue? The legal world is your oyster now. Whether you choose academia, policymaking, or intergalactic diplomacy – the journey has molded you into a legal maestro.

So, future legal scholars, armed with this roadmap, venture forth into the world of legal academia. Your PhD adventure awaits, filled with twists, turns, and the occasional ‘Eureka!’ moment. May your legal curiosity know no bounds!

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Nilanjana is a lawyer with a flair for writing. She has a certification in American Laws from Penn Law (Pennsylvania University). Along with this, she has been known to write legal articles that allow the audience to know about American laws and regulations at ease.

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PhD Justice, Law & Criminology

You are here: american university school of public affairs phd programs phd justice, law & criminology.

PhD Justice, Law & Criminology (On-Campus)

Prepare for university teaching and research, and a career as an authority and leader in fields related to justice, law, criminology, and homeland security.

(202) 885-6230

[email protected]

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At the Epicenter of Effectiveness

The PhD in Justice, Law & Criminology in the School of Public Affairs draws from the breadth and depth of resources across American University. Our program is rooted in contemporary theory, principles, practices, and research methods in criminology, criminal justice, terrorism and homeland security studies, and legal studies. Students come here not only for the academics, but for the chance to work firsthand with experts in our nation's capital.

Our students organize their programs around two fields of study. Our department offers options in three fields: Justice, Law & Society, and Terrorism & Political Violence. PhD students select one of these as their primary field. Their secondary field may be one of the other two, or they can take courses in Political Methodology or Public Policy from other departments in the School of Public Affairs. Students also have the flexibility to select relevant coursework from other schools at AU, or to take courses in another PhD-granting department at AU or through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, which includes George Washington University, Georgetown University, George Mason University, University of Maryland, and others.

Connection & Impact

SPA's PhD in Justice, Law & Criminology puts our students in the middle of one the best places to influence change in crime and policing, terrorism and homeland security, and the criminal justice system. They dive into research that addresses today's most pressing challenges and produce scholarship with real-world connection and immediate impact.

Each of our doctoral programs reflects values that guide the School of Public Affairs. We encourage engagement and discourse to influence policy makers; formulate critical thinking skills that are crucial to advancing lines of inquiry; cultivate strong leadership skills; prioritize evidence-based reasoning and analytics when addressing societal issues; and challenge the guideposts on equity, fairness, and inclusion to ground students in the institutions of justice and the rule of law. Along the way, we champion truth and self-awareness, as students undertake personal and professional journeys.

The PhD degree in Justice, Law & Criminology requires 36 credit hours of coursework.

All students must complete 12 credits of research design and methodology courses, 12 credits in their primary field of study, and 12 credits in their secondary field of study.

As work on the dissertation project progresses, students register for dissertation credit in order to maintain enrollment. They take Doctoral Continuing Enrollment (JLC-898) and Doctoral Dissertation (JLC-899) after their dissertation proposals are approved.

A minimum grade point average of 3.20 in all coursework is required to remain in good standing and to earn the degree. Full-time status is considered to be nine credit hours per semester.

Students advance to PhD candidacy by successfully completing all required courses, passing the oral qualifier and two written comprehensive exams (one in each of their fields of study), and defending their dissertation proposals. To earn the degree, students must pass a final oral defense of the dissertation.

More information about course requirements can be found here .

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-6230 or [email protected] .

Applicants are considered and students admitted for the fall semester only. Please refer to the application deadlines page for the deadline to apply. 

While previous academic or professional work in justice, law, or criminology is not required, applicants need to demonstrate a serious commitment to a career in this field. The personal statement on reasons for pursuing graduate study in the program is essential, along with the other required application materials .

We accept PhD applicants for full-time study only. Students must be funded either by the School of Public Affairs or by an external sponsoring organization (self-funding is not permitted for newly-admitted doctoral students).

The PhD in Justice, Law & Criminology is a 36-credit-hour program for students who already have a related master’s degree. To estimate the cost of tuition, please see the current cost per credit hour for graduate students.

Unless applicants expect to be funded through a reliable external source, they must request consideration for funding on their application. Upon acceptance into the program, students selected for AU funding are granted a fellowship with full funding for four years of study, contingent on maintaining satisfactory progress each year, with opportunities for further funding available.

As a requirement for the fellowship, students work 20 hours a week with a faculty member. If at all possible, our graduate office will assign students to faculty members with expertise in their areas of research interest.

Students must advance to candidacy by the end of their third year of study to continue receiving funding and to maintain their enrollment.

• Justice, Law, & Criminology Department
• Curriculum & Requirements
• Program Handbook

90 percent of SPA graduates are employed or in graduate school, or both within six months of graduation

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• Wharton Online

Ethics & Legal Studies

Wharton’s phd program in ethics and legal studies is unique: the only doctoral program in the world to focus on ethical and legal norms relevant to individual and organizational decision-making within business..

The Ethics & Legal Studies Doctoral Program at Wharton trains students in the fields of ethics and law in business. Students are encouraged to combine this work with investigation of related fields, including Philosophy, Law, Psychology, Management, Finance, and Marketing. Students take a core set of courses in the area of ethics and law in business, together with courses in an additional disciplinary concentration such as management, philosophy/ethical theory, finance, marketing, or accounting. Our program size and flexibility allow students to tailor their program to their individualized research interests and to pursue joint degrees with other departments across Wharton and Penn. Resources for current Ph.D. students can be found at http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/doctoral-inside/ .

Our world-class faculty take seriously the responsibility of training graduate students for the academic profession. Faculty work closely with students to help them develop their own distinctive academic interests. Our curriculum crosses many disciplinary boundaries. Faculty and student intellectual interests include a range of topics such as:

• Philosophy & Ethics : • philosophical business ethics • normative political philosophy • rights theory • theory of the firm •  philosophy of law • philosophy of punishment & coercion • philosophy of deception and fraud • philosophy of blame and complicity • climate change ethics • effective altruism • integrative social contracts theory • corporate moral agency
• Law & Legal Studies : • law and economics • corporate penal theory • constitutional law • bankruptcy • corporate governance • corporate law • financial regulation • administrative law • empirical legal studies • blockchain and law • antitrust law • environmental law and policy • corporate criminal law • corruption • negotiations.
• Behavioral Ethics : • neuroscience and business ethics • moral psychology • moral beliefs and identity • moral deliberation • perceptions of corporate identity

Our program prepares graduates for tenure-track careers in university teaching and research at leading business schools and law schools. We have an excellent record of tenure-track placements, including Carnegie Mellon University, Notre Dame University, and George Washington University.  Click here to see our placements .

Sample Schedule

Core courses.

In addition to the Wharton Doctoral course requirements, the student’s four-course unit core in the Legal Studies and Business Ethics Department consists of two required doctoral seminars, LGST 9200 Ethics in Business and Economics, and LGST 9210 Foundations of Business Law. The remaining two LGST courses may be selected from a list of LGST courses that the faculty coordinator has approved.

Students without basic law courses will be required to take LGST 1010 in their first semester. Students will take LGST courses, other than Ph.D. seminars, under an independent study number, meet with the instructor periodically outside class, and write a paper. These requirements should be satisfied through courses taught by members of the LGST standing faculty, though exceptions will be made in special circumstances. The requirements may be adjusted for students with law degrees.

Ethics and Law in Business Courses

Students must take four LGST courses, including these two core course seminars:

• Ethics in Business and Economics (LGST 9200)
• Foundations of Business Law (LGST 9210)

Major Disciplinary Cluster

The purpose of the cluster is to ground students in a single academic specialty other than Business Ethics. Clusters include the following:

Students must choose a disciplinary cluster during the first year, in consultation with a faculty advisor. Required courses may not be double-counted. For example, a student choosing Philosophy as the cluster may not use the two required courses in ethical theory as part of the five course cluster requirement.

Get the Details.

Visit the Ethics & Legal Studies website for details on program requirements and courses. Read faculty and student research and bios to see what you can do with an Ethics & Legal Studies PhD.

Ethics & Legal Studies Doctoral Coordinator Brian Berkey Associate Professor of Legal Studies & Business Ethics

Academic & Business Administrator Tamara English Legal Studies and Business Ethics Department Email: [email protected]

How to Find a Strong Human Rights Law Program

Target law schools with human rights law clinics and journals, as well as a broad selection of relevant courses.

Find a Strong Human Rights Law Program

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An introductory course on human rights law is a start, but a good human rights law program should have a variety of related course offerings.

Key Takeaways:

• Look for more than an introductory course on human rights law.
• Find out what law faculty know and are doing that's relevant.
• Find out what the school's students specializing in human rights law do after graduating.

Clinical opportunities, quality professors and active student organizations are important criteria when choosing a law school with a solid human rights program, experts say, and students should carefully research programs to find their best fit.

The Human Rights Clinic at the University of Miami School of Law "played a major role in my decision of where to attend law school,” says Gita Howard, a human rights attorney who graduated from the Florida law school in 2021.

Howard’s initial interest in pursuing international human rights law was formed during the many summers she spent in India growing up. She says she developed a nuanced understanding of global issues and a drive to create a positive global impact.

“International human rights law seemed like a tangible and meaningful way to pursue my passion for social change.”

Finding a strong human rights law program is important to prepare students for a successful career as a human rights lawyer, experts say. Here are the top features they say students should be looking for in a program.

A Broad Selection of Human Rights Law Courses

An introductory course on human rights law is a start, but a good human rights law program should have a variety of related course offerings, experts say.

Prospective students should research whether the program offers courses “on the full spectrum of international human rights law,” says Diane A. Desierto, professor of law and global affairs at the University of Notre Dame Law School in Indiana, where she also is faculty director of the LL.M. in International Human Rights Law and founding director of the Global Human Rights Clinic.

Such courses should include civil, political, economic, social, cultural, developmental, environmental and labor topics, “as well as the frontier courses on the expanding applications of international human rights law across public law and private law ,” she says.

Desierto says students should also find out whether a program offers legal and interdisciplinary methods, as well as theoretical and experiential opportunities to gain expertise in international human rights law.

Experienced Human Rights Law Faculty

Other features to look for in a program are faculty actively working on human rights law projects, faculty publishing human rights law papers and scholar-practitioners.

Notre Dame's program, for example, enables students “to customize their learning, training, and mentoring according to specific professional objectives across different forms of human rights law practice,” Desierto says. The small class sizes mean students have access to one-on-one mentoring and customized learning from different experts throughout the university and its global campuses abroad.

Students already in law school who want to specialize in human rights "should be researching which faculty are specializing in human rights in their scholarship and courses,” says Anna Ivey, founder of Ivey Consulting, which helps people apply to selective U.S. colleges and law schools.

An Impressive Job Attainment Record

Desierto says it's important to look into whether a program invests in the well-being and success of their students during and after graduation.

“Our program does this extensively during the student's matriculation into the program, as well as in supporting postgraduate clerkships and internships in international, regional and national courts and tribunals and organizations,” Desierto says. The program measures success by how its students "flourish and succeed in their work of striving for human rights outcomes in their respective countries and communities."

It's also important to find out whether alumni are working with major human rights institutions. Ivey recommends students check law schools' social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, "to see what alums work in the field to get a sense of the alumni network for that specialization.”

A Human Rights Clinic or Law Journal

Participating in a human rights law clinic or contributing to human rights law journals is important on the resumes of aspiring human rights lawyers, as positions in the field are competitive, experts say.

“Human rights clinics provide a really critical opportunity for students to develop their knowledge of human rights law, as well as practice the necessary skills to succeed in the field under the guidance of experts,” Howard says.

For example, the Human Rights Clinic at the University of Miami provides students with experiential learning opportunities in U.S. and international human rights litigation and advocacy, allowing students to work with the United Nations and the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.

“Its inspiring professors and meaningful projects gave me the skills, support and network necessary to pursue a career in human rights law,” Howard says.

Apart from looking at whether a law school offers clinics or journals dedicated to human rights law, Ivey recommends looking at whether such a journal “hosts some kind of annual symposium on the topic.”

Other activities, such as participation in relevant student groups, are important, experts say. For example, Howard served as president and co-founder of the Human Rights Society, an advocacy organization at her school.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Law school can be expensive and human rights law may not pay as well as other law specialties, so scholarship opportunities are an important consideration, experts say.

Experts say a law school’s investment in human rights law can be seen in scholarships offered to students in the discipline. Students can check a school's website for scholarship information. Notre Dame's program typically provides full scholarships for 15 to 20 students, Desierto says.

There are also fellowships available during and after law school. Twice, Howard was a HOPE Fellow, receiving funding to pursue public interest summer jobs while in law school. She spent her first summer interning at the Tibetan Legal Association in Dharamsala, India, and her second summer as an intern for the U.N.'s Office of Legal Affairs in the general legal division.

“After law school, a common way to break into the human rights field is through a fellowship with a human rights organization,” Howard says.

Howard received a Human Rights Program Fellowship from her law school with a placement at Human Rights First, a nonprofit, nonpartisan international human rights organization. After her fellowship, she was brought on as an associate attorney. She notes that fellowship opportunities often require funding from a student's law school, as well.

“It can be helpful for students to research whether fellowship funding is currently or potentially available at a prospective law school,” Howard says.

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Ph.D. in Law

The program is designed to provide emerging scholars with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as legal educators and researchers.  The program is a pathway to advanced degrees in cognate fields, legal practice, clerkships, fellowships and law teaching.

Program USP

• The Ph.D. Law program offers emerging scholars an opportunity to attain expertise in Law from an inter and intra- disciplinary perspectives.
• The research carried out during Ph.D. program aims to enhance the knowledge of Law from doctrinal and empirical perspectives by nurturing the research skills.
• The Ph.D. Law program aims to expose the scholars to the contemporary trends and transitions of Law at the national and global level with an intent to equip them to comparative legal literature and practice.
• The Ph.D. Law programme necessitates an original contribution to the body of knowledge aimed at the production of a significant academic research and writing under the close supervision of the guide, beneficial for careers as legal scholars, expert professional and educators.

Eligibility

Candidates for admission to the programme shall have a Master's degree in Law (LL.M.) or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.) by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational Institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the purpose of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and standards of educational institutions.

• Ph.D. in Law.
• All students will have to complete Pre-Ph.D. course work.
• On successful completion of Pre-Ph.D. course work student will be registered for Ph.D.

Those candidates who have obtained their LL.M. degree through distance learning, correspondence courses, externally, open school from recognized University are eligible to apply and register as per UGC guidelines.

The candidates appearing or awaiting for final year result are also eligible to apply. Candidates are required to submit all mark sheet/s / certificates at the time of admission.

The candidates are required to submit Graduation & Master’s degree all mark sheets of all years, also AIU Certificate (University Equivalence) is mandatory for those candidates who have completed their graduation/post-graduation from Overseas Universities.

Selection Process

• The candidate must have passed Entrance Test conducted by the University.
• The candidate is qualified in UGC-NET (including JRF)/UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/SLET/GATE/
• Phil. for Law examination of the apex bodies in higher/technical professional education or other equivalent examination

Minimum 3 years and Maximum 6 years (including course work)

In Take Capacity

Admission Open 2024

Important dates, admission handout, ph.d. scholarship form, ph.d. guidelines, application open - 2024 --> apply now, master of law (ll.m.) application open 2022 apply now apply now, b.a., ll.b. (hons.) / b.b.a., ll.b. (hons.) application open - 2022 apply now.

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Regarded as the highest degree in varied academic disciplines, a Doctorate of Philosophy ( PhD ) aims to provide students with a chance to delve deeper into a specific area of study. For a field like Law, a doctoral degree is suitable for those wanted to pursue their career as legal scholars and teachers. A PhD in Law incorporates intense coursework followed by detailed research in the chosen specialization. The program is devised for students who want to gain in-depth knowledge and advanced studies in the domain. If you also want to secure a doctorate degree in Law, you should definitely aim for attaining overseas education for the same. Through this blog, we will elucidate various aspects of PhD in Law, the eligibility criteria you need to fulfil, course structure and specialisations as well as top universities.

This Blog Includes:

Specialisations offered, course structure, top universities abroad offering phd in law, top colleges in india, entrance exams in india, phd in law: distance education, important books, eligibility for phd in law, application process , required documents .

Commonly offered as a 3-year degree, a PhD in Law implements a multidisciplinary approach and aims to impart students with the required theoretical background and research skills in the former part of the program while they are required to prepare their dissertation during the latter part. Often pursued as a full-time course, this degree prepares individuals for several leadership roles in Judiciary, Business, Academics as well as Government.

There are a plethora of concentrations available under PhD in Law from which applicants can choose from. These courses connect the vast discipline of law with its relevant sub-fields, hence students can opt for a unique course and specialize in the same. Selecting a particular specialization also helps to delve deeper into it by pursuing research. Take a look at the following list of PhD in Law specialisations: 

• PhD in Interdisciplinary Law
• PhD in International Law
• PhD in Legal Studies 
• PhD in Cyber Law
• PhD in Civil Law 
• PhD in Jurisprudence 
• PhD in Administrative Law Studies 
• PhD in Environmental Law  
• PhD in National Law Studies 
• PhD in Dispute Resolution  

Check Out: Law Subjects

The curriculum and syllabus of a PhD in Law can vary as per the specialisation as well the academic institution. But in order to provide you with a general overview, the following paragraphs describe the structure of this doctoral degree as followed for a 3-year program.

• In the first year of a PhD in Law, students get to focus on the coursework of their specialisations with their prospective Advisory Committees. Along with this, it also comprises a seminar regarding legal scholarships and methodologies. With all this, the degree also incorporates canonical workshops on legal scholarships in the first semester of the year. In the second semester, students are required to present a report on the same. 
• During the second year, you will get to work with the faculty dissertation committee. Students have to present the dissertation in a manuscript of almost a book’s length or 3 articles that can be published thus constituting the portfolio. Afterwards, the committees will provide their views on one’s dissertation prospectus and give their seal of approval if they liked the topic. Apart from this intense research work of PhD in Law, students ought to compulsorily participate in teaching activities where they can work as teaching assistants, co-teaching with faculty etc.  
• In the third year, students can either continue with their teaching as a professor of Law or they can go on with improvising their dissertation. In many cases, one can devote themselves to their research projects while pursuing teaching and at the conclusion of the third year, they will be required to submit their dissertation. However, the extension of the duration can also happen depending on a case-to-case basis.

Deciding the right university for a course can be a strenuous task and requires professional help. Leading law schools and universities around the globe possess the necessary capabilities to transform the personalities of enrolled students. These extra-edge attributes can help you have a kickstart in your career and convert your career aspirations into success. To grab a taste of global exposure and a plethora of opportunities in this field, here are some top-notch universities offering PhD in Law that you must consider:

Tabulated below are the top colleges in India offering a PhD in law. You can have a look here:

There are various entrance exams in India that you can apply for and attempt in order to be selected for a PhD in Law. They are mentioned below.

Did you know that you can pursue a PhD in law through distance education? A lot of established and good colleges as well as universities offer the course part-time or through correspondence. Tabulate below are some of the important colleges that offer PhD in Law through distance learning.

Tabulated below are the important and informative books you can refer to while pursuing a PhD in Law. You can check it out here: 

PhD Law Admission Process 

There are two ways of getting admission in PhD in Law. You can either get direct admission or merit. 

Direct Admission

• For direct admission, you must get the admission form from the college or university. You can get it both offline and online.
• To get the application form you can go to the official website of the institute or college and fill the form there. You can upload it there and then.
• Once you have completed filling out the application form you must go to the college for counselling and also attend the round of personal interviews.

Merit-Based Admission 

• The important exams conducted to give admission on the basis of merit include JMI Law Entrance Exam, CLAT, AILET – All India Law Entrance Test , NET – National Eligibility Test , and PET – PhD Entrance Test. 
• Students can apply for these exams both offline and online. The forms for the respective exams can be downloaded on their official websites. 
• Admission will be given on the basis of the subsequent marks obtained by students in these exams. 

To get enrolled in any degree, candidates need to meet certain prerequisites specified for the course by the institution. Since there are a lot of specializations available for PhD in Law, the eligibility criteria tend to differ from one university to another. Below listed are some essential requirements that you need to fulfil in order to apply for the program:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law such as LLB or any other related discipline 
• Master’s degree in Law, i.e. LLM although some universities may allow candidates having a postgraduate degree in similar disciplines  
• Students are also required to qualify for the LSAT exam with a good score. 
• Research Proposal (Around 1000 words): Describing the scope of the project along with undertaken dissertation. 
• If you’re applying to foreign universities, you need to give English Language Proficiency Tests such as IELTS , TOEFL , etc.
• It is recommended for the candidates have a well-designed Curriculum Vitae.

This is another important aspect you need to keep in mind if you’re planning to become a lawyer. But the application process might get overwhelming. This is where the professional from Leverage Edu will help you. It’s important to complete the application process without any mistakes. Here are crucial things to consider:

• Call us and we will help you shortlist your favourite law universities . But you need to submit your application to multiple universities to broaden your chances of getting selected. 
• Compile all essential documents. Don’t make mistakes while submitting the documents. 
• Submit the application before the deadlines and start the application process for accommodation, students visa, and scholarships / student loans .
• Accept the offer letter

The documentation process is one of the most essential steps you should consider. But making some common mistakes will jeopardize your application. The documents you need to submit are::

• Educational certificates. As you’re going for a law degree, you need to provide your other mark sheets such as the 12th mark sheet, UG mark sheet, etc.  
• Letter of recommendation
• Letter of intent 
• Financial documents 
• Statement of purpose  

Career Prospects and Salary

After completing your PhD in law from a reputed university, you will be able to boost your chances of getting hired by top companies. Employers will take a look at your university name as it will have a huge impact on your employability. Therefore, make sure you complete your PhD degree from a reputed university to stand apart from the crowd. Here are the jobs you can get after completing your PhD in law:

• Law Professor
• Political Advisor
• Project Manager
• Compliance Manager

The salary of a lawyer who holds a PhD degree will vary from one designation to another as well as the country. Here’s a table:

Also Read: Law Entrance Exams India & Abroad     

Taw law and corporate law are the most effective.

If you want to get into a high-ranked university, you’ll need more than just good grades; you’ll also need flawless application because the competition is fierce. You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realise your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

Team Leverage Edu

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PhD Law: Eligibility, Admission 2024, Fees, Entrance Exam, Syllabus, Jobs, Salary

Ph.D in Law is a doctoral-level programme in legal studies that span three to six-year duration. The curriculum focuses on providing knowledge of the constitutional law of India, legal theory, international law, and various other specialisation and types of law . Candidates with an LLM degree are eligible to apply for these programmes, provided they meet other eligibility as well.

Highlights - PhD in Law

Phd in law eligibility criteria, doctorate degree in law admission procedure, doctorate of law entrance exams, phd in law cutoff, doctorate in law degree skills, phd in law syllabus, phd law fees, phd law degree scope, career options after phd law, top recruiters, benefits of studying phd law degree, phd law salary, list of top ph.d. in law colleges in india with fees, top private ph.d. in law colleges in india with fees, top government ph.d. in law colleges in india with fees.

Ph.D is always the preferable choice of candidates interested in pursuing a career as an academician or researcher. UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF), and GATE are some of the popular PhD Law entrance examinations. Several universities in India offer Ph.D. in Law courses, among them; JNU, JMI, and Delhi University are well regarded.

There is no fixed PhD Law eligibility criteria and it varies across institutions. Generally, a master's degree with minimum marks, along with the passing marks in the entrance exam is required. The minimum marks and entrance exams are not static and universities or colleges hold the right to modify them. The PhD Law eligibility criteria are provided below.

Candidates must have an LLM or equivalent degree with a minimum of 50 per cent marks from a recognised university.

All candidates should complete the pre-PhD course first.

Final-year students can also apply for the course, provided they submit all the documents at the time of admission.

For reserved category candidates, the minimum required marks are 45 per cent.

The admission process for each course can be found on the official website of the provider colleges. Public colleges have a more rigid PhD in Law admission process as compared to private colleges. Below, we have listed the PhD Law application procedure as followed by most universities.

Candidates must pass the required national-level or university-specific entrance exam; UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, GLAET , or other university-level exam.

They can apply for the course through the official websites of their respective colleges.

Candidates who clear the cutoff of respective colleges will be invited to the next rounds.

For most colleges, personal interviews and group discussions are part of the next round.

The final selection of candidates will be based on their overall performance and total seat intake.

Selected candidates need to pay the course fees and submit the required documents to confirm the selection.

Ph.D. is the highest level degree one can pursue in any specialisation and interested candidates need to go through various exams to gain admission to well-reputed institutions. Below, we have listed important PhD Law entrance exams that facilitate admission to the best colleges in India.

UGC-NET: UGC-NET stands for University Grants Commission–National Eligibility Test and it is facilities twice a year in June and December. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency and provides candidates with the position of Assistant professor in universities across the country as well as with a Junior Research Fellowship.

UGC NET Eligibility Criteria

UGC NET Preparation Tips

UGC NET Syllabus

UGC NET Exam Pattern

UGC-CSIR NET: UGC-CSIR NET stands for University Grants Commission-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test and it is conducted by the National Testing Agency. It facilitates admission to Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) programmes across various universities in India. Candidates clearing this exam are eligible to become an assistant professor in any Indian university.

CSIR UGC NET Eligibility Criteria

CSIR NET Exam Pattern

CSIR NET Syllabus

CSIR NET Cut-off

The PhD in Law cutoff is published by providers colleges annually and it depends on various factors. These factors include the difficulty level of the exam, total seat intake, and number of applicants. Also, in public colleges, reservation plays an important role in determining the PhD Law cutoff.

Generally, the cutoff of the reserved category is less compared to general category candidates. Colleges release their PhD Law cutoff for respective entrance exams on their official website, some days after the exam.

A doctorate of law course equips students with various skills such as advanced research, analytical and critical thinking. Expertise in a specific legal area and staying ahead of current legal developments are essential for success in the field. The following listed PhD Law skills are beneficial for candidates during their curriculum, although not mandatory.

Critical Thinking

Legal Research

Academic Writing

Strong Communication

Presentation Skills

The PhD Law curriculum is of three to six years duration and divided into six to twelve semesters respectively. The first semester provides techniques and tools for legal research followed by the necessary skills for conducting research in the second semester. Below, we have compiled the PhD Law subjects taught at GGSIPU Delhi .

The governing body of the institution determines the course fees and includes tuition fees, admission fees, security deposit, and other service charges. The PhD Law fees vary across institutions and public colleges generally have low fees compared to private colleges. The average PhD Law fees range from Rs. 16,800 to Rs. 6.25 lakhs, depending on the choice of college.

A PhD in Law offers diverse career paths, including academia, legal research, policy analysis, and consulting. It provides expertise in specialised areas of law and opens doors to roles in universities, think tanks, government agencies, and international organisations. Graduates can also explore international opportunities if they have specialised in international law .

After graduating with a doctoral law degree, candidates can find employment in both the public and private sectors offering high-paying job roles. Below are some of the most pursued PhD in Law job roles.

Judges : Judges preside over legal proceedings, and interpret and apply the law. They impart decisions or verdicts based on the evidence presented in court.

Legal Advisors : Legal advisors are individuals with high expertise in law and related subjects. They are hired by the government, large companies, and other organisations for legal advice.

Academicians : Academicians are professionals whose primary work involves teaching and research activities. They are specialists in any one subject and are hired by colleges and universities.

Researchers : Researchers are individuals who conduct research and investigate topics of their interest or specialty. They work for any private organisation, government department, or university or conduct their own research.

Lawyers : Lawyers are professionals with high legal knowledge and they can also be called attorneys, solicitors, counsellors, or barristers. They represent their clients in legal proceedings before courts.

Many recruiters in India, both private and public, hire professionals with legal expertise for various roles. Graduating from top law schools will provide students with worthy job roles and a high salary package, allowing them to pursue careers in India as well as abroad.

Hester Bioscience Ltd

Khaitan & Co

Canara Bank

All India Judicial Service

A PhD in Law allows students to explore a specific legal area and opens doors to a career in academia, allowing them to teach, publish research, and contribute to the advancement of legal knowledge. Students will develop strong research skills, critical thinking, and analytical abilities that are valuable in various professional areas.

This legal doctorate degree offers a global perspective on legal issues, especially if students’ research involves international or comparative law . It also equips students with diverse career paths in legal consulting, government advisory roles, think tanks, NGOs, and international organisations.

Various legal PhD Law job roles are available in the current job market, as all organisations sought after professionals with legal knowledge. Below, we have provided the average PhD in Law salary for respective job roles.

Source: Payscale

Hundreds of law schools and universities offer legal PhD, each having its own eligibility and application process. Below, we have compiled the list of top PhD Law colleges in India, as per the NIRF ranking.

Among top providers, several private institutions have established themselves on the list. These institutions offer excellent academic and placement records, along with other facilities. More information on these institutions is provided in the table below.

Government colleges or universities that offer PhD in Law are available in most states in India. In the following table, we have highlighted the best government PhD Law colleges in India, along with their total course fees.

A PhD in law involves in-depth research, academic writing, and the development of expertise in the legal area. This coursework generally involves project, thesis, exams, and collaboration with faculty members. However, it is essential to check the curriculum and requirements first with the institution before applying.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

The Ph.D. in Law programme spans a duration of three to six years.

The curriculum emphasises constitutional law, legal theory, international law, and various specialisations and types of law.

Candidates with an LLM degree or an equivalent master's degree with a minimum of 50 per cent marks are eligible.

UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF), and GATE are some of the popular entrance exams for Ph.D. in Law.

Candidates must pass a national-level or university-specific entrance exam, followed by personal interviews and group discussions in some cases. The final selection is based on overall performance and total seat intake.

Graduates can pursue careers as Judges, Legal Advisors, Academicians, Researchers, and Lawyers.

The average salary varies depending on the job profile, ranging from Rs. 6.07 LPA for Legal Advisors to Rs. 12.12 LPA for Judges.

Yes, final-year students are eligible to apply for the Ph.D. in Law programme, provided they submit all required documents at the time of admission.

Yes, in public colleges, reservation plays a role in determining the cutoff, with generally lower cutoffs for reserved categories compared to the general category.

Top recruiters include Hester Bioscience Ltd, SEBI, JAG, Reliance, Khaitan & Co, Canara Bank, Tata Group, and All India Judicial Service.

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Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

GIS officer work on various GIS software to conduct a study and gather spatial and non-spatial information. GIS experts update the GIS data and maintain it. The databases include aerial or satellite imagery, latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, and manually digitized images of maps. In a career as GIS expert, one is responsible for creating online and mobile maps.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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The Ph.D (Law) programme offers candidates an opportunity to contribute to the academic field in their chosen areas of study. ​As a part of the programme, candidates are also provided an opportunity to teach or participate in ongoing research at NLSIU, in areas related to their dissertation, allowing for deeper integration with the NLSIU community and providing diverse feedback opportunities.

Related Videos

Watch videos on the programme here .

Eligibility for Ph.D. (Law)

The following candidates shall be eligible to apply for the Ph.D. (Law) programme:

a) Candidates having a 5-year/ 10-semester/ 15-trimester bachelor’s degree programme in Law through regular mode from a recognized University having secured a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed (70% of marks or its equivalent grade in case of SC/ST/OBC- NCL/Persons with Disability.)

b) Candidates having a 3-year/ 6-semester/ 9-trimester bachelor’s degree programme in Law (LL.B.) through regular mode from a recognized University having secured a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed (70% of marks or its equivalent grade in case of SC/ST/OBC-NCL Persons with Disability); and

c) Candidates having a Masters in Law degree (LL.M.) through regular mode from a recognized University having secured an aggregate of at least 55% marks or its equivalent grade (50% of marks or its equivalent grade in case of SC/ST/OBC-NCL)/ Persons with Disability);

d) Candidates having passed the Solicitors Examination conducted by the Bombay Incorporated Law Society and having a completed a bachelor’s in Law (LL.B./LL.B. (Hons.)) degree from a recognized University through regular mode; or

(e) Candidates having a Master of Business Laws (MBL) degree from the National Law School of India University with minimum CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of 4.00 and having completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized University through regular mode.

Provided that candidates in their final year of study in the respective degrees in (a), (b) and (c) shall be eligible to apply, subject to the candidate securing the minimum marks or equivalent grade prior to July 2024.

International Students

Candidates can apply for the NLSAT – International Examination for “international student” category, if they fulfil the following conditions:

• They should be a citizen of a country other than India; AND
• They should have completed a minimum of ten years of their education in a school/college/university outside India.

For more details, click here.

Admission Process

Admission to the programme will be through an all-India written admissions test, the National Law School Admissions Test (NLSAT-PhD). Candidates shall submit the application form duly filled up along with a research proposal of about 6-8 pages. The application form is available here.

The research proposal should contain: i. Tentative Title ii. Statement of the problem and the background information on the subject. iii. A brief outline of the research design including a set of research questions, a brief review of the relevant literature on the issue identified for research, a research hypothesis (where applicable) and the proposed methodology. Students who demonstrate a firm grasp of these foundational issues will be awarded higher marks.

The NLSAT-PhD shall have the following scheme: a) Research Aptitude: 50 marks b) Essays/Answers on relevant topics pertaining to law/ other disciplines: 50 marks

Candidates securing not less than 50% marks on the aggregate in the written test will qualify for evaluation of their Research Proposal and making an oral presentation before a Panel of Experts on the date specified by the University.

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based on the marks obtained by the candidate in the NLSAT- PhD, the research proposal, and the oral presentation. The weightage of each score component shall be as follows:

a) NLSAT-PhD: 50% b) Research Proposal: 35% c) Oral Presentation: 15%

Important Dates

• The National Law School Admissions Test-PhD (NLSAT-PhD) will be held on March 17, 2024 (Sunday), from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm in specified centres across the country. The duration of the test shall be 150 minutes.
• Application deadline has been extended to 11:59 pm IST, on February 28, 2024. View official notification. An application fee of Rs. 3000/- (Rupees Three Thousand Only) shall be payable at the time of submission of the application.
• The dates for the oral presentation shall be announced after the completion of the NLSAT-PhD. They are likely to be held in April – May 2024.
• Classes for coursework component of the Ph.D. programme shall commence in the University in July 2024.

The maximum number of Ph. D seats for the Academic Year 2024-25 are 8 (Eight). This includes 4 in Ph.D (Law) and 4 in Ph.D (Interdisciplinary). The University reserves the right not to fill all the seats where sufficient candidates do not satisfy the admission requirements.

PhD Regulations

Regulations governing the PhD programme are available here.  Candidates should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the programme, before applying.

The admission notification for AY 2024-25 is available here.

For Indian Nationals

For international students.

The total amount payable at the time of admission by foreign students for AY 2024-25 is Rs. 2,55,000/- as provided below:

Registration Fee – one time 90,000/- Course Work Fee – one time 90,000/- Annual Fee 75,000/- Total fee – per annum 2,55,000/-

* Fees mentioned above are provisional and subject to ratification by the University Governing Bodies.

Sample questions for NLSAT 2024 will be released to candidates who have registered through the admissions portal prior to the admissions test.

The University’s PhD programme in the previous year was offered in terms of the Ph.D. Degree Programme Regulations, 2021. The Regulations have been revised since the Academic Year 2023-24. 

The FAQs below reflect the Ph.D. Degree Programme Regulations 2023.  

NLSIU currently offers two Ph.D programmes:

– The Ph.D. (Law) programme allows a candidate to contribute academically in the field of law; – The Ph.D. (Interdisciplinary) involves research across disciplines to arrive at a more comprehensive perspective and solution for a particular problem.

Yes, they may apply for the Ph.D (Law) programme.

a) Candidates having a 5-year/ 10-semester/ 15-trimester bachelor’s degree programme in Law through regular mode from a recognized University having secured a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed (70% of marks or its equivalent grade in case of SC/ST/OBC- NCL/Persons with Disability.)

b) Candidates having a 3-year/ 6-semester/ 9-trimester bachelor’s degree programme in Law (LL.B.) through regular mode from a recognized University having secured a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed (70% of marks or its equivalent grade in case of SC/ST/OBC-NCL Persons with Disability); and

Provided that candidates in their final year of study in the respective degrees in (a), (b) and (c) shall be eligible to apply, subject to the candidate securing the minimum marks or equivalent grade prior to the date of the commencement of Ph.D.

No, there is no age limit to apply for the programmes.

Candidates will have to appear for the admission test NLSAT – Ph.D, conducted by the University. To apply, visit admissions.nls.ac.in

Note: While submitting the application for the admission test, candidates should also submit a research proposal of about 6-8 pages. The research proposal should contain: i. Tentative Title ii. Statement of the problem and the background information on the subject. iii. A brief outline of the research design including a set of research questions, a brief review of the relevant literature on the issue identified for research, a research hypothesis (where applicable) and the proposed methodology. Students who demonstrate a firm grasp of these foundational issues will be awarded higher marks.

No. Candidates may apply for either Ph.D (Law) or the Ph.D (Interdisciplinary) programme.

To apply for the Ph.D programmes, visit admissions.nls.ac.in

The University shall conduct a written test (NLSAT-Ph.D) along the following scheme:

a) Research Aptitude – 50 marks b) Essays on relevant topics pertaining to law/ other disciplines – 50 marks 

The list of selected candidates as above shall be displayed on the NLSIU website.

Candidates are required to be present at the NLSIU campus for the duration of their coursework spread over three trimesters. Course work is compulsory for all the Ph.D. candidates.

The first component of the course work must be completed during the first trimester upon their admission. The remaining two trimesters of the course work needs to be completed within the first two academic years.  

a) The candidate will have to complete a minimum of three (3) years’ research in their chosen subject, including the mandatory course work as provided in these Regulations.

b) Maximum period: The maximum duration of the Ph.D. programme shall be six (6) years* from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme, subject to the fulfilment of the requirements per the Regulations.

*- Provided that candidates who are Persons with Disabilities (having more than 40% disability) may be allowed a relaxation of upto two (2) years; however, the total period for completion of a Ph.D. programme in such cases should not exceed eight (8) years from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme; – Provided further that female Ph.D. candidates may be provided Maternity Leave/ Child Care Leave for up to 240 days in the entire duration of the Ph.D. programme; however, the total period for completion of a Ph.D. programme in such cases should not exceed six (6) years and eight (8) months from the date of admission in the Ph.D. programme.

c) Failure to complete the course within the maximum period set out in point (b) above will automatically result in cancellation of registration.

There are a total of six courses that a doctoral candidate has to complete. Three of these are compulsory taught courses. Each taught course will extend for around 10 weeks and will be held on campus.

The first compulsory taught course is to be completed in the initial trimester on admission to the programme. The second compulsory taught course can be completed in the initial or any subsequent trimester (depending on when the course is offered). These two taught courses have to be completed prior to the first presentation before the Research Advisory Committee. In addition, there are also two course requirements relating to review of literature and fine-tuning of the proposal which need to be completed under the guidance of the Supervisor prior to the first presentation before the Research Advisory Committee.

The third compulsory taught course has to be completed prior to the second presentation before the Research Advisory Committee. In addition, candidates also will also need to complete the course requirement relating to teaching/research assistantships as will be decided by the Supervisor/relevant University body of the University.

There is a Research Advisory Committee for each Ph.D. scholar consisting of a Supervisor and two members (one from within NLSIU and one external member).

Please refer to the fee tab on the respective programme pages for fee details. 

Yes, the University will release sample questions at a later date.

We do not offer rolling admissions to the PhD programme. New students are admitted once a year, to begin studying at the start of the Academic Year in July.

Yes, but only in the next academic year. Candidates will have to appear for the NLSAT after applying for the programme in any given year.  

Yes. The University will notify a ‘Campus Open Day’ for you to visit us and familiarize yourself with the campus before applying for any programme through the NLSAT. Follow our website for further updates.

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Ph.D (Law): Course Details, Eligibility, Duration, Fees, Admission

Updated on - Jan 4, 2023

PhD in Law is a full-time research degree commonly offered as a three to a five-year degree program, implements a multidisciplinary approach that deals to impart students with the required theoretical background and research skills. After completion of the PhD in Law in India, the graduates are hired for several leadership roles in Judiciary, Business, Academics as well as Government, etc.

Ph.D in Law Course Details

About phd in law.

The PhD in Law is a full-time research degree and may be awarded after three to four years of supervised independent research on the basis of a thesis not exceeding 100,000 words exclusive of bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary dissertation elements. The course falls under the umbrella of PhD.

According to Wikipedia, "Doctor of Law or Doctor of Laws is a degree in law. The application of the term varies from country to country and includes degrees such as the Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D. or S.J.D), Juris Doctor (J.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Legum Doctor (LL.D.).” 

Table of Contents

• PhD in Law Eligibility Criteria
• PhD in Law Admission Process
• Popular PhD in Law Entrance Exams
• Top PhD in Law Colleges
• Fees Structure for PhD in Law

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD in Law

• Why Choose a PhD in Law?

Preparation Tips for PhD in Law

• PhD in Law Salary

Career Options After PhD in Law

• Skills to Excel

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Law

The minimum eligibility criteria of the program are qualifying LLM or M.Phil in Law or Legal Studies with a minimum of 55% aggregate in the discipline passed from a recognized university. Selection of the candidates for admission in PhD is done on the basis of entrance examination or merit. PhD in Law admission is on the basis of the scores of entrance tests conducted by various universities. There is no age limit for the course.

How To Get Admission in a PhD in Law?

To get admitted into the best PhD in Law colleges in India, students must ensure that they satisfy the eligibility criteria. Aspirants are alleged to have passed the state or national level entrance exams held by different universities and government bodies. Candidates who are willing to get admission in this stream can apply to colleges by both offline and online means. Mentioned below is the general guidelines for the admission process:

How to Apply?

PhD in Law eligibility information for admission can be found on the colleges' official websites. Candidates can either browse the official website of the institute or visit the admission office of the institute to fill out the admission application form. Aspirants should then fill out the application form required and upload all the necessary documents required for admission.

Selection Process

Admission is strictly offered to only those candidates who clear the minimum cut-off. Applicants clearing the cut-off are shortlisted for the selection process. After completion of the process of application, students must appear for the counselling round and attend the personal interview round as part of the final steps for admission. And the interview decides whether the candidate will be allotted a seat or not.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD in Law

The applicants need to clear the entrance examination conducted by UGC or state to secure a seat in the top PhD in Law colleges in India. Some of the top entrance exams applicable for M.Phil programs are:

• JMI Law Entrance Exam

A Quick Glance at the PhD in Law Entrance Exams

To get into the top PhD in Law colleges in India, a candidate should clear the test. To prepare for the entrance exams, the candidates should know the PhD in Law course details, the syllabus, the question pattern, and should prepare according to it. 

• The exam is divided into objective and subjective type questions for a total of 100 marks and the total time duration is of 2 to 3 hours.
• The questions are asked from topics related to Law.
• The examination has subjective elements designed to assess a candidate’s analytical and critical thinking abilities.

Top 10 PhD in Law Colleges in India

Students can opt for the top government colleges for PhD in Law in India, or the most premium private colleges in India depending upon their ranking. Here is the list of top 10 colleges for PhD in Law in India for reference: 

Fee Structure for PhD in Law

The average PhD in Law fees in India ranges from INR 10,000 - 2 LPA depending on the colleges or the universities offering the course. The fees may vary according to the college or university based on the type of institute, location, infrastructure, faculties, and facilities available. Listed below is the average annual fee for some colleges:

PhD in Law course duration for three to five years. The curriculum and syllabus of a PhD in Law can vary as per the specialization as well as the academic institution. A PhD in Law implements a multidisciplinary approach and aims to impart students with the required theoretical background and research skills in the former part of the program. Some of the compulsory subjects are:

• Human Rights Law
• International Business
• Judicial Process
• Foundation of Business Law

Read More About   PhD in Law Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose PhD in Law?

Students often wonder about PhD in Law details before choosing the course. Before deciding on a career, students come across queries like, "What is PhD in Law course?" and "Why choose PhD in Law?”. To clearly understand the answers to these questions, we have framed the following three pointers:

What is PhD in Law All About?

PhD in Law course in India is a three years full-time doctorate programme within the field of Law. PhD in Legal Studies involves research and a tutorial approach to the study of Law. After completing the course, graduates can choose to become Legal Practitioners, Legal Advisors, Consultants, Researchers, Jurists, Caseworkers, Lawyers, Solicitors and others.

What Does a PhD in Law Graduate Do?

Those who hold a doctorate in Law find themselves highly qualified for positions such as Legal Professionals, Researchers, Professors, Policy-Makers and many more. Graduates from PhD in Law programs can seek leadership positions in High Courts, International Humanitarian Bodies, Governments, Organizations and Commerce.

Lawyer: A Lawyer is a person who practices law and fights legal battles for people. Lawyers provide counsel and represent businesses, individuals, and government agencies in legal matters and disputes. They advise, research, and collect evidence or information, draft legal documents such as contracts, divorces, or real estate transactions, and defend or prosecute in court.

Reasons Why PhD in Law Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

Working towards a PhD in Law is a process that develops the candidate in ways besides their specific understanding and knowledge of the subject they are researching. The completion of a PhD in Law degree program is a notable achievement and is valued very highly both inside and outside of academia. 

Career Scope and Options: Students after the successful completion of a PhD program have a large opportunity to explore various areas of professional life. Candidates have a good scope to explore their knowledge, skills, training and apply the tools in areas like Law organizations, Businesses, Government and personal organizations, Legal department, Research and Development, Colleges and Universities and others. 

Read More About PhD in Law Jobs

Having a PhD in Law degree opens up thriving career opportunities. Some tips for entrance exams are:

Get To Know The Syllabus: The syllabus of the course is something that a student should know, this helps the student to know how to perform at the time of the examination.

Study The Current Affairs: Updating Current Affairs regularly also helps in preparing for some aspects of the exam.

Practice Makes Perfect:  Go through all the subjects and the modules that are taught in the duration of the course.

Salary of a PhD in Law Graduate

The salary of a PhD holder will differ with field, designation and experience. As a fresher, the average salary ranges around INR 2 - 4.5 LPA. It will increase up to INR 5 - 12 LPA [Source: Glassdoor], depending on a graduate's skills and experience. Experience and skills will increase the job scope. And for a Professor, government colleges provide a salary of INR 5.8 LPA [Source: Glassdoor].

Read More About   PhD in Law Salary

After completion of PhD in Law, the graduates can work as Assistant Professor in different universities. Candidates have a good scope to explore their knowledge, skills, training and apply the tools in areas like Law Organizations, Businesses, Government and personal organizations, Legal Department, Research and Development, Colleges and Universities and others. Here are some job positions available after graduating in literature:

• Legal Practitioners
• Legal Advisors
• Consultants

Skills That Make You The Best PhD in Law Graduate

For a field like Law, a doctoral degree is suitable for those who want to pursue their career as legal scholars and teachers. A PhD in Law incorporates intense coursework followed by detailed research in the chosen specialization. Must have skills are:

• Analytical Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Good Management Skills
• Good Organizational Skills
• Research and Problem Solving Skills
• Strategic Communication Skills

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Law and Business Program of Study

Lawyers practicing in business-related areas – corporate law, real estate, tax, business litigation, many areas of government regulation, and aspects of nonprofit representation – need to acquire skills in three areas: basic analytics (accounting, finance, economics), an appreciation of transactions, and relevant fields of law. Most courses at HLS fall in the latter area, and a major benefit of all such courses is that they indirectly expose students to principles in the former two areas. For example, a course in Antitrust Law will enhance understanding of mergers, vertical distribution arrangements, and other market interactions. Most of what follows concerns courses in business law per se. Regarding basic analytics, it is very useful to take Analytical Methods for Lawyers (especially if your background in economics and finance is not strong) and/or courses at HLS or at other schools in Accounting, Finance, and Economics. Additionally, occasional offerings such as Real Estate Law – often best appreciated after taking some business law courses – are quite helpful in the second area. Courses in Negotiation can be helpful regarding both analytics and transactions, in addition to being directly valuable. Students interested in Law and Business should also consider the joint JD/MBA program with Harvard Business School .

Academic Offerings

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

Foundational Courses in Business Law

Corporations, taken by many students whether interested in pursuing a career in business law or not, is the base on which all advanced corporate and related courses build, and is a prerequisite or recommended course in related areas (such as Taxation of Business Corporations).

Corporations is taught by Professors Coates, Jesse Fried, Hanson, Kraakman, Ramseyer, Spamann and Subramanian in different years. Content, focus, and approach may vary significantly from professor to professor and over time. Students should read the course descriptions before choosing which Corporations class to take.

Likewise, all students interested in business law (and in most other legal careers) should take Taxation, another course taken by many HLS students. Taxation permeates nearly all areas of law practice (including litigation, family law, and nonprofit advising), so tax literacy is a minimal, but significant, requirement. Taxation is taught by Professors Brennan, Desai, Kaplow, and Warren in different years, as well as by visitors with a variety of backgrounds. The content, focus, and approach of these courses are fairly similar.

For students with no intention of becoming “corporate lawyers” or even general business lawyers, Corporations and Taxation provide an understanding of the legal regimen under which most business is conducted in the U.S., the rules that determine when corporations and corporate officials may be held liable, the ways in which corporations are likely to respond to regulation or litigation, and how various corporate activities are taxed (although the latter requires more advanced study as well). Such an understanding is valuable for litigators, government officials, prosecutors, criminal defense lawyers, and legal services attorneys, not to mention investment bankers, business consultants and entrepreneurs. Additionally, non-profits (such as Harvard University) are organized as “corporations.”

Students who have no background in accounting and contemplate a career in corporate law should take Introduction to Accounting. Students with no background in corporate finance should also take Introduction to Finance Concepts. We would also recommend Business Strategy for Lawyers, which presents the fundamentals of corporate and competitive strategy and through both traditional lectures and business-school case discussions. Topics include competitive advantage, industry analysis, strategic positioning, incentives, corporate control, firm scope, network externalities, and innovation. For an introduction to financial statement analysis for business valuation, we would recommend taking Business Valuation and Analysis.

Business law practice varies substantially, even for “corporate lawyers,” and because practice is increasingly both specialized and changeable, it is difficult to give strong guidance about what courses to take beyond the basics. Students should know that many large law firms expect attorneys to spend almost all their time on corporate transactional work (this is what “corporate lawyer” means to most practitioners). Some firms specialize in deals involving large public companies, often heavily regulated by industry and always subject to extensive federal securities regulation. For this reason, Securities Regulation is often a useful course for students to take. Other firms primarily represent private or family-owned corporations, for which tax or estate planning often takes precedence over securities law. Corporations themselves offer full time, in-house legal practice involving transactional work and a variety of more general “corporate” legal questions, ranging from employment and labor law to intellectual property law to commercial law.

Students often will not know which type of practice they will end up pursuing. Students thinking of Wall Street law firms or investment banks may want more exposure to corporate finance, securities, and international issues. Students thinking of a law firm in a large or mid-sized regional city, or an eventual move “in-house,” may want more exposure to courses relevant to employment disputes, lending relationships, and real estate transactions. As noted, general tools like accounting, business planning, contract negotiation, valuation and basic statistics may benefit lawyers in a wide range of practice areas. The Analytical Methods course is an effective way for students to begin to build these skills.

HLS offers a variety of business law and related courses, and students should remain flexible to take advantage of special courses offered by visiting professors or in the Winter Term. Consultation with professors teaching in the field should be helpful in making course selections.

Intermediate Corporate Law Courses

Two important intermediate courses that build on Corporations are Securities Regulation and Corporate Finance.

Securities Regulation covers the federal laws and regulations governing the public offering, sale and trading of stocks and other types of securities, and thus is the primary course focusing on initial public offerings (IPOs) and the process of “going public.” The approach is primarily statutory and regulatory, covering the Securities Act of 1933, important elements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and an overview of the work of the SEC.

Corporate Finance provides a theory- and policy-oriented approach to important, advanced topics affecting corporations, including valuation (discounting, net present value, uncertainty), debtholders’ rights (protective covenants, debt/equity conflicts), reorganization and bankruptcy, and hostile takeovers. It examines advanced topics in corporate law from a perspective informed by economics and finance. The two principal areas of law covered in the course are (1) relations between corporate debtholders and equity holders, both in the solvent firm and in bankruptcy, and (2) mergers and acquisitions. Both topics are addressed in some depth, although not with as much attention as they would receive in entire courses devoted to corporate reorganizations or mergers and acquisitions. In addition, corporate finance provides a brief introduction to financial economics, including discounting, analysis of risk, pricing models, and market efficiency. This course is not a substitute for financial economics as this would be taught at the MIT Sloan or Harvard Kennedy School, however.

In addition, there are a number of courses that might be of interest to those studying business law offered throughout Harvard University. The Business School, for example, regularly offers courses on valuation and finance theory.

Advanced Corporate Law Courses

Each of the following courses covers advanced areas of corporate law practice in more detail, using a variety of methodological approaches. Not all courses listed below are offered each year.

Mergers and Acquisitions taught in different years (and under slightly different titles) by Professors Coates, Gordon, and Subramanian, covers corporate and securities law issues relevant to mergers and acquisitions of large public companies, including the Williams Act, proxy rules, state case law, and important forms of private ordering (such as poison pills, lockups, and earnouts). It also touches on basics of accounting, tax, and antitrust relevant to a lawyer working on such transactions. The approach is practical rather than theoretical, and the focus is on law, not finance. In addition, Negotiation Advanced: Deals, offered by Professor Subramanian jointly between HLS and HBS, focuses on the negotiation of corporate deals generally. Venture Law and Finance, taught by Professor Jesse Fried, deals with financial contracting, governance, and fiduciary-duty litigation in startups backed by venture capitalists. Antitrust Law is another valuable course in this area.

Corporate Theory, offered occasionally by Professor Kraakman and Professor Elhauge, Corporate Control, offered occasionally by Professor Coates, and Corporate and Capital Markets Law and Policy, offered by Professor Bebchuk, are similar discussion/reading seminars that focus on advanced, current or ongoing research on corporate legal issues. Topics vary from year to year but have included policy analysis of takeover law, limited liability, ownership and financial structure.

Corporate Governance of the Public Firm, offered in some years by Professor Roe, focuses on current academic thinking about corporate governance and ownership, divided among various topics.

Regulation of Financial Institutions covers broker-dealer regulation, insurance regulation and banking regulation.

Regulation of Financial Markets, offered in some years by Professor Jackson, covers the stock and commodities exchanges and the government agencies charged with regulating them. Corporate Finance should be taken prior to this seminar.

Advanced Taxation Courses

Taxation of Business Corporations is the advanced tax course taken most often by those who go beyond the basic Taxation course, which is a prerequisite. Corporations is strongly recommended as a preparation. The course covers the federal income tax issues involved in the organization, operation, and restructuring of U.S. businesses, whether structured as corporations, partnerships, or limited liability entities. Additionally, with the increasingly multinational nature of business activities, International Tax has become ever more valuable.

For those interested in being tax lawyers per se, you should certainly take every tax course offered (or nearly so), including Trusts and Estates. In addition, most tax practice is in connection with other activity, so it is important to take other courses such as Corporations and some more advanced offerings as well as courses in other areas ranging from pensions and family law to Law of Nonprofit Organizations.

Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Courses

Much business law practice, whether centered on corporations or real estate deals, is greatly concerned with financing. Accordingly, it is helpful to know the law pertaining to creditor-debtor relationships, both in the ordinary course of business (Commercial Law: Secured Transactions) and in the event of business distress (Bankruptcy; Corporate Reorganizations).

International/Comparative Law Courses

In addition to the basic and core U.S.-centered courses described above, HLS offers several courses on advanced corporate law topics with an international or comparative dimension.

International Finance examines policies and regulation affecting cross-border banking and securities transactions in three major markets, the United States, the European Union and Japan.

International Trade Law examines the fundamental principles of international trade rules, the relationship between trade and environmental concerns, and domestic remedies to international trade violations.

International Antitrust Law explores competition policy outside the U.S.

HLS offers a number of research, writing and discussion seminars on a variety of corporate law and related topics. Here is a sampling of the seminars and reading groups most directly related to corporate law: Capital Markets Regulation Reading Group; Comparative Corporate Governance; Corporate Governance Reading Group; Current Issues in Executive Compensation and Corporate Governance Seminar; Current Topics in Financial Regulation Seminar; Dispute Systems Design Seminar; International Finance Seminar; Law and Economics Seminar; Laws, Markets and Religions Seminar; Seminar on the Law and Finance of Start-up Companies; and Tax Policy Seminar.

Note that not all seminars and reading groups listed are offered every year.

HLS Business Skills/Concepts Courses

• Analytical Methods for Lawyers
• Business Strategy for Lawyers
• Business Valuation and Analysis
• Introduction to Accounting
• Introduction to Finance Concepts 3-Day Section
• Introduction to Finance Concepts 3-Week Section

Empirical Courses at Harvard

For students interested in pursuing empirical courses in some depth, the following provides guidance on the possible tracks to take. Note that not all courses are offered every year.

Track 1 (introductory)

• Fundamentals of Statistical Analysis (HLS)
• Applied Quantitative Analysis I (HLS)
• Advanced Quantitative Methods (HLS)
• Quantitative Analysis and Empirical Methods (API-201; HKS)
• Advanced Quantitative Methods I (API-209; HKS)
• Advanced Quantitative Methods II: Econometric Methods(API-210; HKS)
• Quantitative Methods in Sociology (Sociology 156)
• Intermediate Quantitative Research Methods (Sociology 202)
• Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (Sociology 203a)

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

• Empirical Analysis of Law: Seminar (HLS)

OPTIONAL (TIME SERIES)

• Analysis of Longitudinal Data: Seminar (Sociology 203b)

Track 2 (intermediate)

• Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Economics (Statistics 104)
• Quantitative Methods for Political Science I (Government 1000)
• Advanced Quantitative Political Methodology (Government 1002)

Track 3 (advanced)

• Introduction to Probability (Statistics 110)  or  Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Economists (ECON 2110)
• Introduction to Applied Econometrics (ECON 2120)
• Econometric Methods (ECON 2040)
• Time Series Analysis (ECON 2142)

Clinical Offerings

Business and non-profit clinic opportunity.

The Transactional Law Clinic engages students in a wide range of transactional legal work including entity formations, contract drafting, sales and acquisitions, licensing, corporate governance, intellectual property matters, and many other kinds of hands-on practice-based legal experiences. Students are immersed in an applied learning context, counseling and representing transactional clients under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. Enrollment in the clinic is through the Clinical Program.

Associated Areas of the Law

Students interested in a possible career in corporate law should, as suggested previously, strongly consider one or more of the following related areas.

Negotiation/Mediation/ADR : A common and important function of corporate practitioners is to represent clients in negotiations and settlements with other corporations, employees, and government agencies. Students interested in corporate law should consider taking one of HLS’s many courses and workshops in negotiations and related fields.

Employment/Labor Law ,  Intellectual Property Law , and  International Law  (especially finance and trade) are areas of the law that all business lawyers encounter from time to time, and which some corporate lawyers encounter routinely. Students preparing for a business law practice should consider taking one or more representative courses in these fields.

Law and Economics : Economic analysis is also an important element of business. Students should consider taking one or more of the Law School’s law-and-economics offerings, such as taught by Professor Shavell. Also, as noted, economics-oriented seminars at HLS usually devote attention to corporate and related research topics.

Regulatory Law/Regulation : Although not limited to corporate law problems, Administrative Law is valuable to corporate lawyers who will find it important to understand the processes of law-making and application by the executive and independent regulatory agencies, as well as the forces that influence how regulators behave and the evolution of regulatory regimes

Advising Faculty

• Arevik Avedian
• Lucian Bebchuk
• John Coates
• Bala Dharan
• Jared Ellias
• Allen Ferrell
• Jesse M. Fried
• Tyler Giannini
• Howell Jackson
• Louis Kaplow
• Reinier Kraakman
• J. Mark Ramseyer
• Robert Sitkoff
• Steven Shavell
• Holger Spamann
• Kathryn Spier
• Guhan Subramanian
• Crystal Yang
• Alvin Warren

Joint Degree in Law and Business

Harvard Law School (HLS) and Harvard Business School (HBS) offer a joint degree program in law and business . Completion of the program leads to the degrees of Juris Doctor and Master in Business Administration (JD/MBA). The program is designed for students who have the background that will enable them to handle the rigorous and concentrated course of study. It allows students to gain expertise in both the law and general management practices. The program prepares students for careers in which an understanding of both legal and business principles is essential.

Professor Guhan Subramanian is the faculty director of the joint degree program at the Law School.

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Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis) (45 credits)

The 45-credit LL.M. program, thesis option, is a research-intensive graduate program focused on developing research interests into a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member. Graduate level courses on theoretical and methodological approaches to legal writing complement the research work and thesis completion process, and courses in specific areas of knowledge related to the candidate's research interests complete the program's credit requirements.

LL.M. candidates may be associated with the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism, the Quebec Research Centre of Private and Comparative Law, the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy, or one of the specialized Research Chairs at the Faculty of Law. For more information, see our Website: https://mcgill.ca/law/grad-studies/masters-programs .

Candidates must remain in residence for three terms for which full-time fees will be charged. The third term, usually devoted to thesis research, may be taken the Summer of the first year. If the thesis is not completed in this time, students must register for additional sessions as needed. All degree requirements must be completed within a maximum of three years of the date of first registration.

Thesis Courses (30 credits)

As part of the course Master's Thesis 1, a thesis candidate must provide a protocol to his or her supervisor setting out details as to the thesis topic, the deadlines for the completion of the various thesis courses and the schedule of meetings with the thesis supervisor. Modifications to the protocol must be made in writing and submitted to the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies).

Offered by: Comparative Law ( Faculty of Law )

Administered by: Graduate Studies

Comparative Law : Preparation of thesis proposal.

Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Comparative Law : Preparation of literature review.

Comparative Law : Thesis Seminar. A seminar bearing on thesis research in progress.

Comparative Law : Thesis research report.

Comparative Law : Completion of thesis.

Required Courses (9 credits)

Comparative Law : Legal research methodology, including electronic legal research and the formulation of research plans.

Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken CMPL 610 , CMPL 610D1 / D2 prior to 202109.

Comparative Law : Legal research methodology, including electronic legal research and the finalization of research plans.

Prerequisite: CMPL 610

Comparative Law : Introduction to a variety of theoretical approaches to legal scholarship.

Offered by: Law ( Faculty of Law )

Law General : Key writing and research strategies for graduate students in law.

Prerequisite(s): LAWG 601 .

Complementary Courses (6 credits)

The remaining 6 credits (or fewer if more credits are earned for the Master's Thesis) are chosen from among Faculty offerings at the 500 and 600 level.

Additional Thesis Courses

With the approval of the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) and Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), students may take up to an additional 3 credits of thesis courses by completing one or both of:

Comparative Law : Thesis research project.

Restriction: This course is open only to graduate law students registered in a with-thesis Master's program in the Faculty of Law.

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Nearly all members of the 118th Congress have a bachelor’s degree – and most have a graduate degree, too

More than nine-in-ten U.S. representatives and senators have a college degree, continuing a decadeslong trend. In the 118th Congress, 94% of representatives and all but one senator hold at least a bachelor’s degree, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. House and Senate biographical data .

The share of voting members of Congress with a college education has steadily increased over time. In the 79th Congress (1945-46), for instance,  56% of House members and 75% of senators  had a bachelor’s degree or higher. By the 103rd Congress (1993-94), this share had risen to 90% of members or more in both chambers. In each Congress since then, nine-in-ten or more members have held at least a bachelor’s degree.

The share of members in each chamber with at least a bachelor’s degree peaked in the 116th Congress (2019-20), when 96% of representatives and all 100 senators had one. Although both shares have remained high, they have slightly declined since then.

This analysis includes the 534 voting members of Congress seated as of Feb. 2, 2023.

This analysis builds on earlier Pew Research Center work to analyze the educational attainment of lawmakers in the U.S. Congress. To determine the educational background of lawmakers in the 118th Congress, we used U.S. House and Senate biographical data . Data on the educational attainment of U.S. adults overall comes from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Our analysis reflects the 534 voting members of Congress as of Feb. 2, 2023, not including one vacant seat in the House following  the death of Democratic Virginia Rep. Donald McEachin . Independent members of Congress are counted with the party they caucus with.

Those with at least a bachelor’s degree include a small number of members who do not hold a bachelor’s degree but have an advanced degree in a field that does not require one. For example, Republican Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee completed some undergraduate coursework at East Tennessee State University before going on to receive a doctorate in pharmacy from Mercer University.

In total counts of 118th Congress’ most-attended universities, lawmakers with multiple graduate degrees are counted once with each of the schools they have a graduate degree from; medical residencies are not included.

In the House, nearly two-thirds of representatives (64%) have a graduate degree. Five representatives (1%) have an associate degree but no bachelor’s. Another 22 members (5%) do not have a degree. This group includes one member who has a professional certification: Democrat Cori Bush of Missouri has a registered nursing diploma.

Among the 100 current senators, 78 have at least one graduate degree. Republican Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma is the lone senator without at least a bachelor’s degree. He holds an associate degree from Oklahoma State University of Technology. Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, earned a doctorate in medicine from Duke University Medical School but does not hold a bachelor’s .

The educational attainment of the current Congress far outpaces that of the overall U.S. population. In 2021, around four-in-ten American adults ages 25 and older (38%) had a bachelor’s degree or more education, including 14% who had a graduate degree, according to  U.S. Census Bureau data . Another 10% held an associate degree, while the largest share (52%) did not have a college or associate degree.

The educational attainment of members of Congress differs somewhat by political party, at least in the House. While 95% of Democrats and 93% of Republicans in the House hold at least a bachelor’s degree, Democrats are more likely than Republicans to have completed a graduate degree (73% vs. 55%). Fourteen of the 22 representatives without a college degree are Republicans. In the Senate, similar shares in both parties have undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Some universities are especially well represented in Congress. For example, about three dozen members of the House (9%) have at least one degree from Harvard University. In the Senate, 13% of senators have at least one degree from Harvard, while 9% have a degree from Yale University and 7% have at least one degree from Georgetown University.

House members are more likely than senators to have completed a degree at a college or university in the state they represent. About two-thirds of representatives (64%) have at least one such degree, and 21% received both an undergraduate and a graduate degree from an institution in their state. Among senators, nearly half (48 of 100) have at least one degree from a school in the state they represent, including 20 senators who have both a bachelor’s and an advanced degree from a school in the state they currently represent.

• Educational Attainment

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