UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD)
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Original, innovative doctoral dissertationDegree Outcome
- Interdisciplinary faculty and research centersAcademic Strength
- Focus on comparative and theoretical legal analysisProgram Focus
- Preparation for careers as law professors, judicial officers, and policy leadersCareer Preparation
- Member of the Association of American Universities (AAU)University Ranking
The Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) at the University at Buffalo is the law school's most advanced degree. It is designed for lawyers globally who are interested in advanced legal analysis, comparative law, and the use of law as a tool for social organization and governance. This program aims to train legal scholars to employ interdisciplinary methods to critically examine legal doctrines, policies, and institutions. Through the JSD program, students will develop original and innovative scholarship, culminating in a doctoral dissertation that contributes significantly to the understanding of law. The curriculum encourages students to explore law from social, comparative, and theoretical perspectives, fostering dialogue with their existing legal knowledge and applying these insights to complex legal problems.
Curriculum
The JSD program cultivates advanced research skills tailored to each student's specific research agenda. Students are guided to address legal issues theoretically, comparatively, and from an interdisciplinary policy standpoint.
- Year 1-3
- Doctoral Dissertation ResearchJSD
Careers
The JSD program prepares graduates for distinguished careers as law professors, in judicial and other public offices, and in high-level policy positions within international organizations.
- Law Professor
- Judicial Officer
- Public Office Holder
- Policy Advisor (International Organizations)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) program?
- Applicants must be lawyers with a prior law degree (like a JD or LLB) and demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential. The program is designed for those interested in advanced legal analysis, comparative law, and the use of law for social organization and governance.
- What is the duration of the JSD program?
- The JSD program typically spans 1 to 3 years, during which students focus on doctoral dissertation research.
- What are the tuition fees for the JSD program?
- Graduate tuition rates apply for the JSD program. Specific amounts are determined annually by the SUNY Board of Trustees and can be found on the UB Tuition and Fees page.
- What are the career prospects after completing the JSD program?
- The JSD program prepares graduates for careers as law professors, judicial officers, public office holders, and policy advisors within international organizations.
- How can I apply for the JSD program?
- You can initiate the application process by requesting more information directly from the university or by visiting the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website to begin your application.
Entry requirements
Law DegreeA prior law degree (e.g., JD or LLB) is required. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential.
Applicants must be lawyers interested in analyzing, understanding, assessing, and using law as a mode of social organization and an instrument of governance. The program is designed to enable students to explore law in its social context, understand different schools of legal theory, apply theoretical approaches to legal problems, and master research methods.
Fees
Tuition (international)Graduate tuition rates apply. Specific amounts are determined annually by the SUNY Board of Trustees and are available on the UB Tuition and Fees page.
Tuition (home)Graduate tuition rates apply. Specific amounts are determined annually by the SUNY Board of Trustees and are available on the UB Tuition and Fees page.
LivingInformation on attendance costs, including living expenses, can be found on the UB Financial Aid website.
UB is committed to providing an excellent education at an affordable cost, positioning it as a strong value among major research universities.
How to apply
1. Request InformationVisit the JSD program page and fill out the 'Request More Information' form to receive details about the program.
2. Visit LSACNavigate to the LSAC website to begin the application process for LLM and other law programs.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the application form via LSAC, providing all required details and information.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) program?
+
Applicants must be lawyers with a prior law degree (like a JD or LLB) and demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential. The program is designed for those interested in advanced legal analysis, comparative law, and the use of law for social organization and governance.
What is the duration of the JSD program?
+
The JSD program typically spans 1 to 3 years, during which students focus on doctoral dissertation research.
What are the tuition fees for the JSD program?
+
Graduate tuition rates apply for the JSD program. Specific amounts are determined annually by the SUNY Board of Trustees and can be found on the UB Tuition and Fees page.
What are the career prospects after completing the JSD program?
+
The JSD program prepares graduates for careers as law professors, judicial officers, public office holders, and policy advisors within international organizations.
How can I apply for the JSD program?
+
You can initiate the application process by requesting more information directly from the university or by visiting the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website to begin your application.