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The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law degree program is designed to prepare J.D. graduates for careers as legal scholars and teachers through a three-year 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 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law program is directed at students who wish to pursue advanced studies in law from the perspective of law. This program offers young 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 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates will have already completed their J.D. degrees, the anticipated course of study toward the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law degree is three academic years and two summers in residence. In their first two semesters, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates 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, candidates 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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Law and Legal Studies
Study Level
PHD
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law degree program is designed to prepare J.D. graduates for careers as legal scholars and teachers through a three-year 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 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law program is directed at students who wish to pursue advanced studies in law from the perspective of law. This program offers young 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 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates will have already completed their J.D. degrees, the anticipated course of study toward the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law degree is three academic years and two summers in residence. In their first two semesters, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates 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, candidates 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.
Admission Requirements
7+
Admission is open only to LL.M. graduates of the Yale Law School. Applicants should have achieved high standing in taking the LL.M. degree at Yale Law School and demonstrate strong aptitude for performing advanced scholarly research. Admission to candidacy is highly selective rests entirely on the graduate committee's independent judgment of the applicant's qualifications. Admission to candidacy requires the endorsement of the graduate committee. The Yale LL.M. must have been awarded within the five years preceding the student's application. Similarly, if the dissertation has not been completed in five years from the date of J.S.D. admission, the candidate will be withdrawn. Only under extraordinary circumstances will an extension be granted.
Jan-2000
Domestic
0 USD
International
0 USD
Scholarships
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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law Degree
# 4QS Subject Rankings
36 monthsProgramme duration
Law and Legal StudiesMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Law and Legal Studies
Study Level
PHD
Programme overview
Main Subject
Law and Legal Studies
Study Level
PHD
Admission Requirements
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
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