Law, SJD

Degree Requirements

Based primarily on legal research, S.J.D. students will work under the supervision of a College of Law faculty member to produce an original dissertation that makes a substantial contribution to legal scholarship.

Candidates for the S.J.D. degree must complete a minimum of 54 credits over at least three academic year (or 6 fall/spring semesters). This includes one year of substantive coursework in residence at Syracuse University College of Law. During their year in residence, students must enroll in the full-year S.J.D. Colloquium Course. Students spend their remaining time pursuing course work and research activities that culminate into a dissertation. The S.J.D. degree is awarded upon successful oral defense of the student’s S.J.D. dissertation.

For further information regarding admissions, please contact the College of Law Admissions Office, 315-443-1962, SJD@syr.edu

For further information regarding Scholarships and Financial Aid, please contact the College of Law Financial Aid Office, 315-443-1962, financialaid@syr.edu

For further information regarding academic programs, and policies, please contact the College of Law Office of International Programs, 315-443-3583, SJD@syr.edu

Student Learning Outcomes

S.J.D. Program

Graduates will use their research skills to conduct comprehensive research on their dissertation topic.
Graduates will develop and express ideas in writing, which synthesize their research, culminating in their dissertation.
Graduates will present the results of their dissertation research.