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JSD Law (Doctor of the Science of Law) at Columbia University

Columbia University, United States

Programme overview

The J.S.D. is Columbia Law's most advanced law degree and prepares students with exceptional academic aptitude for careers in legal scholarship. Candidates complete a minimum of one academic year of full-time study and research in residence and finish all requirements within six years.

Faculty: Columbia Law School  |  Department: J.S.D. Program  |  Duration: All requirements within six years; minimum one academic year full-time in residence (optional second year)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

In year one candidates set a study plan and milestones and do preliminary research to scope the dissertation, typically without classroom work. They submit annual progress reports and write a dissertation, either one unified work or three articles, followed by an oral defense. No grades are given.

Career pathways

Careers in legal scholarship.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must identify and obtain the agreement of Columbia Law professors to serve on their advisory committee of three full-time faculty members, one of whom chairs.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Duration: All requirements within six years; minimum one academic year full-time in residence (optional second

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