A PhD in law is an advanced qualification that will make you a true legal expert. You can use that credential to work as a legal research scholar or teach at a post-secondary level. This is not only a prestigious career path but also a lucrative one — today’s law PhD holders have an average salary of $93,000.
Today’s law schools emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to legal education, equipping students to work in a diverse range of fields.
Interested in an advanced criminal justice career? Below we’ll cover the top PhD in law programs, universities, and what you need to know before pursuing a doctorate in law.
Top PhD in Law Programs
Yale University, Law School
Yale University’s Law School ranks first in the nation, with its 20 legal clinics offering an immersive experience for students. This PhD program has a purely academic focus. To qualify for admission, you’ll need to already have a JD (Juris Doctor) degree. If accepted, you’ll be able to benefit from Yale Law School’s acclaimed “Yale Teaching Program.”
- Courses: Criminal law & administration, international human rights, and complex civil litigation.
- Duration: 3 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: Fully funded
- Financial aid: Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipend.
- Acceptance rate: 7%
- Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Stanford University
Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD)
Stanford University is another highly acclaimed institution in the field of law education with a tough admissions process. Only a few exceptionally gifted students with an international JD or LLB or a SPILS (Stanford Program in International Legal Studies) qualification are accepted into this program every year. The program has an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to law.
- Courses: Advanced antitrust, current issues in business law, and reinventing American criminal justice systems.
- Credits: 44 units
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $64,350 per year
- Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, grants, assistantships, federal work-study, and loans.
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Location: Stanford, California
The University of Chicago, The Law School
The Law School of the University of Chicago is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and cross-lists its courses with other departments. The faculty include philosophers, political scientists, historians, and law scholars. Students also have the option to pursue a Doctorate in Comparative Law (D.Comp.L.) instead of a JSD if they wish.
- Courses: Antitrust & intellectual property, civil rights clinic: police accountability, and American legal history.
- Duration: 5 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $7,647 per year
- Financial aid: Full tuition scholarship, fellowship, and health insurance.
- Acceptance rate: 7%
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
Columbia University, Law School
The Columbia Law School emphasizes experiential learning with law clinics, moot courts, and externships, offering opportunities for innovative education and valuable intellectual exchange. Students can conduct independent research with the help of their faculty advisors and they need to submit a DPR (Dissertation Progress Report) at the end of each year.
- Courses: Intellectual property & technology, international & comparative law, and law of the workplace.
- Duration: 5-6 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $75,572 per year
- Financial aid: Grants, loans, and first child allowance.
- Acceptance rate: 7%
- Location: New York City, New York
Harvard University, Law School
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
Harvard University is one of the world’s most famous centers for education, and its Law School is equally renowned. The school has a unique grading system that uses the classifications honors, pass, low-pass, and fail. This flexible SJD program allows students to design their own study plan and choose faculty supervisors for independent research.
- Courses: Advanced comparative perspectives on US law, environmental justice, and strategic litigation & immigration advocacy.
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $67,720 per year
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
The University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School
Doctor of Science of Law (SJD)
Carey Law School’s curricula cut across disciplinary and international lines to create law experts in every field, including business, health, technology, education, and social work. For admission to the Carey Law School PhD, you must already hold an LLM or JD from the same school or an institution of similar standing.
- Courses: Privacy & racial justice, appellate advocacy, and disability law.
- Duration: 3 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: Refer tuition page
- Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, health insurance, and scholarships.
- Acceptance rate: 9%
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
The University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law is one of the country’s most affordable top-tier law schools. This PhD law degree offers the choice of two concentrations: International Trade & Business Law, and Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy.
- Courses: International business & investment structuring, federal Indian law, and trusts & estates.
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition and fees: $26,000 per year
- Financial aid: Scholarships, federal work-study, loans, veteran benefits, and fellowships.
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology
The University of Texas’ School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences creates professionals capable of dealing with modern issues like risk management, political violence, social inequality, healthcare, and international trade & conflict resolution. You’ll need a bachelor’s in criminology or a related discipline to apply for this PhD in criminology.
- Courses: Advances in criminology theory, evidence-based crime prevention, and regression & multivariate analysis.
- Credits: 75 semester credit hours
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: Refer tuition page
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- Location: Richardson, Texas
Abraham Lincoln University, School of Law
This school was founded with to provide affordable education to working professionals who cannot attend regular law school. This doctorate in law is a flexible JD degree that can be completed entirely online through the university’s high-level education technology.
- Courses: Criminal law, civil procedure, and wills & trusts.
- Duration: 4 years
- Delivery: Online
- Tuition: $10,100 per year
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Acceptance rate: 90.3%
- Location: Glendale, California
Walden University
Online PhD in Criminal Justice
Walden University aims to help working professionals pursue advanced degrees and has been ranked #1 in research doctorates for African-American students. This program was one of the first online doctorates in criminal justice and allows students to explore national and international issues in criminal justice administration with a dual emphasis on contemporary theory and practice.
- Courses: History & contemporary issues in criminal justice, policy & analysis in criminal justice systems, and research theory, design & methods.
- Credits: 77 quarter credits
- Delivery: Online
- Tuition: $636 per quarter hour
- Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran benefits.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Law?
The exact requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a LLB, LLM, or JD as a basic prerequisite.
As part of the admission process, you usually need to submit:
- Academic transcripts from previous studies
- GRE scores
- Personal essay and/or research proposal
- Recommendation letters
To earn your doctorate, you’ll have to complete coursework, qualifying examinations, and usually a dissertation to a high standard.
Preparing for a Law Doctorate Program
The best PhD in legal studies programs are competitive, so it’s important to start preparing early. Keep up to date on developments in the field and research the best universities that offer your preferred specialization.
Look into leading faculty members in your areas of interest, and network by joining relevant professional communities. Once you’ve decided on your dream program, check admission requirements to prepare the strongest possible application.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Law PhD Program
Choosing the best law PhD program will depend on a range of factors, including your passions and interests. However, there are a few general factors that are essential for everyone deciding on a law school for their PhD to consider:
- Location: First, a school close by could save you on accommodation costs. But that’s not the only location consideration. You should look at your school destination for evidence of a booming legal or education industry. For example, New York is a hub for business, while Boston is known as a center for technology.
- Cost and funding: Ensure the program costs align with your budget and explore financial aid opportunities.
- Specialization: Some schools offer unique specializations like social justice, law and economics, and international law. Choose a program with a focus on your preferred specialization.
- Faculty: The university’s reputation is important, but its faculty credentials are equally critical. Explore faculty backgrounds by researching published papers and social media profiles like LinkedIn.
- Class sizes: Smaller class sizes mean better one-on-one attention; however, a larger cohort offers better networking opportunities.
- Placement support: What happens after graduation? Are you on the hook for finding a job on your own, or does the school offer placement options? Find out where alumni are employed to get an idea.
Why Get a Doctorate in Law?
A doctorate degree in law will allow you to pursue roles in the legal field as a scholar, researcher, or academic, and build a worthwhile career.
Several candidates apply for admission to PhD in jurisprudence programs every academic year, but top law schools have low acceptance rates, and only a few are accepted. For example, Harvard only has around 70 SJD students while hundreds or thousands may apply. Therefore, with this qualification, you’ll belong to an exclusive group of in-demand professionals.
Jobs for PhD in Law Degree Holders
Here are some common roles for PhD holders in law with the average annual salaries for each:
- General Counsel ($170,183)
- Staff Attorney ($71,106)
- Professor of Law ($131,926)
- Project Manager ($76,264)
- Senior Research Associate ($75,029)
Course Costs
The cost greatly depends on where you study, but prestigious law schools can charge annual tuition of around $65,000. Once you factor in living expenses, books, and facility fees, the total cost can add up to around $100,000 a year. However, you can find programs with tuition and fees for as little as $7,500 a year. Moreover, most top institutions offer full-tuition scholarships, stipends, and similar financial aid that cover almost all of your expenses.
Course Length
Typically, a PhD in law takes 3-5 years to complete. However, most programs will give you extra time to complete your doctorate if needed.
Skills You’ll Gain through a PhD in Law
Aside from giving you in-depth and expansive legal knowledge, PhD in law programs can also help you develop the following skills:
- Communication
- Research
- Presentation
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Project Management
- Problem Solving
Key Takeaways
A PhD in law is an excellent choice for legal professionals seeking a career in research or academia. While a JD or Juris Doctor is equivalent to a PhD, the former equips you to become a law practitioner.
On the other hand, if you want to teach at a post-secondary level or conduct further legal research, you will need a PhD. Prepare early and choose a program that will best help you to achieve your career goals.
For more law education advice, take a look at our guide on the best master’s in criminal justice programs, or weigh up your options with the highest-paying PhDs.
PhD in Law FAQs
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What is a PhD in Law Called?
A PhD in law is usually called a Doctor of Law or Doctor of Laws. Some universities offer a JD (Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree, while others offer SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Science in Jurisprudence) programs.
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Is a PhD in Law the Same as a JD?
A JD (Juris Doctor) degree is suitable for anyone who wants to practice as a licensed legal professional. These programs usually take three years to complete and are mostly coursework-focused.
On the other hand, a PhD in law may take 5-6 years to complete and usually involves a dissertation or major research project. If your aim is professional research or a job in academia in the discipline rather than practicing law, a PhD is better for you.
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What is the Highest Degree in Law?
A PhD in law is generally considered the most advanced law degree. While some universities call it by other names, such as SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Jurisprudence degree), this is essentially the same thing.
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How Long is a PhD in Law?
PhD Law programs typically take 3-5 years to complete. You may take longer for individual reasons, such as if you choose to study part-time.
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What Does a PhD in Law Do?
A PhD in law will equip you to work in legal research or academia.
Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.
