The J.S.D. degree program at New York University School of Law provides intense training in academic research primarily to those intending to pursue a career in academia. The program prepares students to produce first-class scholarship with a view to a teaching career in the U.S. and around the world. The
commitment to this mission makes NYU School of Law one of the best points of entry into legal academia worldwide.
The J.S.D. is NYU School of Law’s most advanced law degree. Only a very small number of students who demonstrate outstanding academic promise are admitted to J.S.D. candidacy. The articles and dissertations produced in the J.S.D. program are typically published in the most prominent law reviews, professional journals and notable publishing houses, and the program facilitates and inspires the creation of a dynamic intellectual community of scholars.
Prospective students should refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions for complete information about the application process. For information about degree requirements and registration matters, refer to the J.S.D. Handbook.
The J.S.D. Program: At a Glance
Year One – Pre-Candidacy
- Complete one pre-approved course on each of the following:
the evaluation of legal rules and institutions
the explanation of legal rules and institutions - Conduct preliminary research with a view toward consolidating research questions, hypotheses and methodology for the dissertation.
- Prepare and submit Candidacy Paper to Dissertation Supervisor to gain admission to the J.S.D. candidacy.
- Participate in the J.S.D. Forum.
- Continue to research and formulate theories for the dissertation, and begin drafting the dissertation.
- Complete one Law School Colloquium.
- Coordinate with Dissertation Supervisor to determine potential Dissertation Committee members; present recommendations to the Chair of the J.S.D. Committee; ensure appointment of such committee members.
- Participate in the J.S.D. Forum.
- Draft and revise the dissertation, supplementing with research as needed.
- Participate in the J.S.D. Forum.
- Defend the dissertation orally before the Dissertation Committee.
