harvard university phd in political science

Politics and Institutions Track

In this section.

• Degree Requirements
• What We Look For

The Politics and Institutions track provides a curriculum for students interested in a rigorous program of study and research on international or domestic politics and institutions as these issues relate to major public policy issues in the U.S. and around the world.  

Graduates will be prepared for academic research and teaching positions in schools of public policy and disciplinary departments such as, but not limited to, political science and history, as well as policy positions in national governments, research centers, and international institutions.  

HKS offers a strong cadre of faculty across multiple social science disciplines specializing in politics and institutions, renowned and dynamic research centers, and a unique interdisciplinary atmosphere of scholars and practitioners with expertise in diverse fields. In addition to research opportunities with leading scholars, the PhD program offers training in teaching as well as in public policy writing and communication.

Undergraduate

The concentration in Government introduces students to the discipline of political science: the study of power in all of its many forms and consequences. The program aims both to prepare students to lead engaged civic lives and to introduce them to the ways in which political scientists explain and analyze the social and political world around them.

Harvard University’s Department of Government is dedicated to excellence in all fields of political science and encourages diverse approaches to scholarship. Students in the Department of Government pursue a wide variety of approaches to the study of politics and have the opportunity to define and explore their own questions about politics and government.

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Daniel Carpenter

Freed professor of government, harvard university, daniel carpenter is allie s. freed professor of government and chair of the department of government in the faculty of arts and sciences..

Professor Carpenter graduated from Georgetown University in 1989 with distinction in Honors Government and received his doctorate in political science from the University of Chicago in 1996. He taught previously at Princeton University (1995-1998) and the University of Michigan (1998-2002). 

Professor Carpenter's research on petitioning appears in his book   Democracy by Petition: Popular Politics in Transformation, 1790-1870 (Harvard University Press, 2021), which was awarded the J. David Greenstone Prize of the American Political Science Association, the Seymour Martin Lipset Prize of the American Political Science Association and the James P. Hanlan Book Award of the New England Historical Association; " L’éruption patriote: The Revolt against Dalhousie and the Petitioning Explosion in Nineteenth-Century French Canada ,” Social Science History (2019, with Doris Brossard); " Recruitment by Petition: American Antislavery, French Protestantism, English Suppression ,"  Perspective on Politics  (September 2016); " Paths of Recruitment: Rational Social Prospecting in Petition Canvassing ," American Journal of Political Science (2018, with Clayton Nall and Benjamin Schneer), which was awarded the AJPS Best Article Award for 2018; “ Party Emergence Through Petitions: The Whigs and the Bank War of 1832-34 ”  Studies in American Political Development  (October 2015, with Benjamin Schneer), and “ When Canvassers Became Activists: Antislavery Petitioning and the Political Mobilization of American Women ,” American Political Science Review (August 2014, with Colin D. Moore), which was awarded the Mary Parker Follett Prize of the American Political Science Association for best article in political history of 2014.

Professor Carpenter's scholarship on regulation and government organizations appears in Reputation and Power: Organizational Image and Pharmaceutical Regulation at the FDA (Princeton, 2010), winner of the Allan Sharlin Memorial Award of the Social Science History Association; and of The Forging of Bureaucratic Autonomy: Reputations, Networks and Policy Innovation in Executive Agencies, 1862-1928 (Princeton, 2001), winner of the Gladys Kammerer Prize of the American Political Science Association and the Charles Levine Prize of the International Political Science Association.  With David Moss of Harvard Business School, he is the author and co-editor of Preventing Regulatory Capture: Special Interest Influence in Regulation and How to Limit It (Cambridge, 2013).

He is a Guggenheim Fellow, a Radcliffe Institute Fellow (2007-2008), and Fellow at the Stanford Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (2003-2004), as well as an elected fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.  His articles have appeared in the American Political Science Review , American Journal of Political Science , Studies in American Political Development ,  Science , the New England Journal of Medicine , the  Journal of the American Medical Association , the Lancet , and the  Bulletin of the History of Medicine , among other venues.  His public writings have appeared in The New York Times , Le Monde , the  Washington Post , Boston Globe , Washington Monthly and other outlets.

Recent Projects

The FDA Project

A large-scale theoretical, historical and statistical analysis of pharmaceutical regulation in the U.S. as it is carried out by the FDA.

Political Institutions and North American Political History

Political Economy of Government Regulation

Recent publications.

• Approval Regulation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence: Pitfalls, Plausibility, Optionality
• Lawyers as Lobbyists: Regulatory Advocacy in American Finance
• Petitions above Party: Congressional Representation by Petition, 1789– 1950
• Empire, Ministry, Indigeneity
• Securing the Trustworthiness of the FDA to Build Public Trust in Vaccines
• Just How Much of History is Countable?

Program Type

• Combined Degree (4)
• Degree Granting (72)
• Summer Programs (1)
• Visiting Students (4)

Academic Areas

• Arts & Architecture (4)
• Biological Sciences (4)
• Engineering & Applied Sciences (10)
• Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (14)
• History (14)
• Humanities (22)
• Languages (9)
• Mathematics (2)
• Medical Sciences (7)
• Physical Sciences (6)
• Social Sciences (21)

Degrees Offered

• AB/AM, AB/SM (1)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (68)
• Master of Arts (AM) (8)
• Master of Engineering (ME) (2)
• Master of Science (SM) (4)

GRE Requirement

• Not Accepted (28)
• Optional (28)
• Required (14)

African and African American Studies

American studies, anthropology, applied mathematics, applied physics, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning, bioengineering, biological and biomedical sciences, biological sciences in public health.

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Political Science-Prep (PS-Prep) 2023

Interested in applying to graduate programs in political science?

Great! The Harvard Department of Government (academic political science) community is thrilled to announce the fourth annual Political Science-Prep (PS-Prep) , an informational and mentoring event for individuals interested in pursuing doctorates in political science.

Who is this program for?

The goal of this workshop is to help students who are underrepresented in PhD programs with their applications to graduate school in political science. PS-Prep offers participants the opportunity to ask important questions and to receive feedback that they may not otherwise receive without the workshop. Past participants have come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to submit an application even if you are unsure whether you match this section's description. Interested applicants from any institution or organization are invited to apply!

Why is Harvard Government doing this?

The Harvard Department of Government is actively and intentionally committing to building an inclusive field. While we intend to be more intentional about increasing diversity and support for diverse individuals within our own department, we also feel strongly that we should help underrepresented students pursue training in political science no matter what institutions they're interested in, because the field needs everything you have to offer! As such, our goal in offering this workshop is to help you put your best foot forward as you apply widely for training opportunities in political science.

What is the format?

Our community of graduate students and faculty will hold a free day of informal panel discussions. You will also be paired with current members of our department (i.e., faculty and graduate students) who will provide structured feedback on the materials you intend to use to apply to Ph.D. programs in political science.

What will the application feedback portion look like?

You will receive feedback on your research statement, or a brainstorm about how to approach it if you haven’t started yet.

How do I apply?

Click here to apply!

What's the application like?

The application is estimated to take between 7 and 15 minutes. It consists of a few quick questions about your background and identities that you hold, as well as a single short response question asking for information about you, your interests, research experience, and why you're interested in this program.  This application is meant to be very informal!

Is this only for people who are applying to positions at Harvard?

Nope! You can apply to this workshop regardless of whether or not you plan to apply to Harvard (though we hope you'll apply to Harvard as well)!  Please Note: that this event is NOT associated with admissions to Harvard University.

How are participants selected?

We will first review applications to ensure selection criteria are met. Then, we will randomly select from this pool by sub-discipline (i.e., American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory) to form a cohort for the event. We are using random selection to comprise the final cohort of attendees to ensure a maximally equitable selection process. 

Important Dates:

Friday, November 3rd, 2023 : PS-Prep applications are due

Monday, November 6th, 2023 : you will receive email notification of PS-Prep admission decision

Saturday, November 11th, 2023 : the informal, live event will take place virtually (via Zoom)

Week of November 13th : Peer/faculty feedback on application materials

Eligibility Requirements:

At least 18 years of age

Important Notes:

Priority will be given to individuals who are planning on applying for Ph.D. programs in political science THIS CYCLE (i.e., applying in Fall 2023 to begin a PhD program in Fall 2024).

If you have questions about this event or the application, please email [email protected] . 

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44d3fa3df9f06a3117ed3d2ad6c71ecc

• Administration

Professor Claudia Goldin awarded the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2023

Undergraduate

The large number of professors and their diverse interests enable a student to study virtually any area of economics.  The extraordinary quality of Harvard undergraduates makes the classroom environment stimulating for teacher and student alike.

Supported by a diverse group of faculty who are top researchers in their fields and fueled by a vast array of resources, the PhD program is structured to train and nurture students to become leading economists in academia, government agencies, the technology industry, finance and banking, and global policy organizations.

At a Glance

Faculty Members

Areas of Study

Undergraduate Courses

Undergraduate Concentrators

Graduate Courses

Graduate Concentrators

The Department of Economics is part of the larger academe of teaching and research at Harvard University.

Faculty Spotlight

Harvard undergraduate and graduate students are the finest in the world and are the lifeblood of the department. Every year we get a new group that challenges me to the utmost. I thrive on it.

Claudia Goldin

Henry lee professor of economics, news and events, senior economics winners announced, senior prize winners (l to r): hemanth asirvatham, aden barton, sara moore, jay garg.

Kunal Sangani awarded Padma Desai Prize

Jiafeng Chen Awarded for Best Dissertation

Econ 3012 graduate student workshop in labor economics and public economics, location: .

Andres de Loera (Harvard University)

Ruru Hoong (Harvard University)... Read more about ECON 3012 Graduate Student Workshop in Labor Economics and Public Economics

ECON 3012 Student Graduate Workshop in Labor Economics and Public Economics

James Stratton (Harvard University)

Jennifer Walsh (Harvard University)

Contact:  Ursula Ferraro /  [email protected] Directions to  Littauer Center

Stephanie Kestelman (Harvard University)

Fiona Chen (Harvard University)... Read more about ECON 3012 Graduate Student Workshop in Labor Economics and Public Economics

Fields of Study

The study of the application of using hypothetical quantitative economic models.

Political Economy

The study of production and trade and their relations with law, custom and government; and with the distribution of national income and wealth.

Econometrics

The study of developing and using statistical and mathematical tools to analyze economic issues and policy questions.

Macroeconomics

The study of the national economy and the determinants of national production, unemployment, and inflation.

Economic History

The study of how economies and economic outcomes have changed over history and how economic institutions have developed. 

International Economics

The study of the effects upon economic activity from international differences in productive resources and consumer preferences and the international institutions that affect them. 

Behavioral Economics

The study of the cognitive and emotional dimensions of economic decisions.

GA4 Tracking code

Introducing husi 2024.

HURI is looking forward to the launch of the 53rd consecutive Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute (HUSI) , a dedicated program within the Harvard Summer School offering Ukrainian Studies courses. Established in 1971, it is the only program of its kind in America, catering to undergraduates, graduates, and working professionals. HUSI offers four academic courses, each involving seven weeks of intensive instruction.

Courses are supplemented by a weekly events series hosted by the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI). Dr. Emily Channell-Justice highlights this guest lecture series, calling it a chance for students to see the “kinds of research happening about Ukraine today” and to “hear different perspectives than those of their course faculty.”

For a rigorous introduction to the Ukrainian language, HUSI offers “Intensive Elementary Ukrainian,” a course designed for those with no prior Ukrainian knowledge. The program stresses speaking, writing, reading, listening, and viewing comprehension. The course is taught by preceptor Dr. Nataliya Shpylova-Saeed, who says that grasping the Ukrainian language is vital to understanding Ukrainians’ “unflagging resistance against Russia’s brutal invasion,” as well as “their belief in freedom and democracy.” She points out that the language has “endured numerous bans” from both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Nonetheless, this language has survived and is spoken by about 45 million people worldwide. “This is quite symbolic in the context of Ukrainians’ defense of their country, culture, and language in the face of Russia’s ongoing assault,” Shpylova-Saeed concludes.

This course addresses Soviet attempts to Russify the Ukrainian language and explores how these efforts were overcome through Ukrainian independence. Shpylova-Saeed recognizes that traditionally, there is often “a considerable focus” on Russian, in discussions about Ukraine’s language scene. The instructor refers to this as one of the “long-lasting stereotypes'' that was “vigorously maintained” by the Soviet Union. She suggests more attention should be paid to the many other languages that played a role in Ukraine’s multilingualism. Crimean Tatar, Polish, Hungarian, and Romanian are examples she brought up as contributors to the country’s cultural diversity.

As an educator, Shpylova-Saeed enjoys learning from her students. Through the students’ questions, insights, and comments, she says she winds up learning new things about “the language and culture that I have known since my childhood.” In her teaching, she prioritizes dialogue and the “collaborative exchange of ideas.” She says she invites students to pose tough questions and to explore those questions through reading, writing, and discussions. “Challenging questions take us out of our comfort zones,” she explains. Shpylova-Saeed adds that such questions help open “new perspectives and avenues” to deepen the students’ appreciation of complexities. With these methods, Shpylova-Saeed says she aims to push forth the class’s “inquisitive spirit.”

Graduate students of the humanities with some prior background in Slavic languages are eligible to take “Ukrainian for Reading Knowledge.” Taught by the well-known Ukrainian writer and HURI Research reporter Dibrova, this course aims to bestow advanced Ukrainian reading comprehension for research purposes and professional use. Dibrova has been teaching this popular course since the summer of 2011. Texts from various fields are explored, enabling students to learn about the social, cultural, and historical context of the Ukrainian language. 

Dibrova says, “Among my students there are political scientists, historians, linguists, anthropologists or literary scholars who suddenly discovered a new, exciting country. This course is for them.” Dibrova conceptualized and began creating this program fifteen years ago. When asked what drew him to teach this subject, Dibrova said he realized that there is a need, as well as a “huge audience,” amongst people who have already studied Russian or other Slavic languages, to switch to handling Ukrainian material. This course involves many types of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, academic writing, newspaper articles, and even websites. Instruction focuses on expanding the students’ vocabulary, building up essential grammar, and employing different strategies for reading.

The instructor is particularly fond of Fridays, when students get the opportunity to discuss their favorite books, poems, artists, and songs. He referred to it as a wonderful chance to “let your hair down” as well as a time to build bridges with Ukrainian culture. As an educator, he believes that when a teacher has fun, so do their students. “Joy is contagious.” When asked for a fun fact about his course to include in this article, he responded that fun is “everywhere or nowhere,” and that his curriculum is “packed with good vibes.” Dibrova says he has never stopped discovering new things about Ukraine: its history, its culture, “and above all, its people.”

This summer marks Dr. Emily Channell-Justice’s third year of teaching “Ukraine in the World: Exploring Contemporary Ukraine.” The Temerty Contemporary Ukraine Program director at HURI seeks to help students from all academic backgrounds understand the Russo-Ukrainian war. Her approach is to cover significant geopolitical changes in the wake of Ukraine’s independence while also acknowledging “the daily experiences of ordinary people.

Starting with the fall of the USSR, this course excavates the connections between Ukraine, Russia, and the West. It examines the legacy of the Soviet Union on Ukraine’s language, cultural practices, and ethnic/national identity. Students will discover the role of mass protest and civic organizing in Ukraine’s political culture. This topic is a particular area of expertise for Channell-Justice, who wrote a 2022 book about the Euromaidan protests called “Without the State.” What’s more, the course considers the role of information in the current conflict and aims to provide students with the tools to find and verify knowledge in the kinetic context of war.

Channell-Justice hopes to support those who are considering Ukrainian studies or focusing on Ukraine for thesis research. This year, she organized the course around a very recent publication  by Maria Popova and Oxana Shevel, the latter of whom will be delivering a HUSI public lecture this summer. Channell-Justice is excited at the prospect of her students engaging with the authors’ ideas on the intersection of geopolitics and Ukraine’s decolonial war.

The instructor says one of her favorite days of class focuses on “gender, feminism, and sexuality in Ukraine.” She says she encourages students to use gender as a lens in their research on any topic. She also likes to highlight recent publications about Ukraine in gender studies, including her own work about feminism during Euromaidan. “There’s still often a misconception that feminism or LGBTQ activism doesn’t really exist in Ukraine,” she explains. “That’s simply not true- even in the context of full-scale war.”

Students seeking an introduction to the most significant social, political, and cultural issues facing modern Ukraine, stemming from imperial to Soviet and post-Soviet times, may consider the course “Tradition and Modernity: Ukraine in the 19th and 20th Centuries.” Taught by Dr. Serhiy Bilenky, this course focuses on cities and the complex relationship between tradition and modernity. Bilenky is the director of HUSI, a historian at the University of Toronto, and the author of a recent book titled “The Laboratory of Modernity.” This publication explores how 19th-century diversity shaped modern Ukraine into a multiethnic country.

The course explores the reactionary backlash towards modernity through topics such as anti-Semitism or religious conservatism. Some subjects dwell on the logistics of nation building, such as urbanization, the burden of resources, public hygiene and regulatory control, and the lasting impact of war and extreme violence. Other topics lean towards culture, such as the artistic avant-garde, revolutionary attitudes, national identity, and the popularization of sports and mass culture.

Bilenky has created a varied, multifaceted, and comprehensive history course that leaps between the past and present. Urban centers are the focal points of this course, with emphasis given to Kyiv, Odessa, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. Jewish shtetls, hydroelectric works, and monuments of the "Soviet industrial sublime” all get their day in the sun. Discussion questions span a broad range of topics, from epidemics to anti-Semitism to Chornobyl. With Dr. Bilenky as a guide, prepare to do a deep dive into this nation, which exists at a civilizational crossroads.

The Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute supports students in their academic advancement and career development. This summer, we’re welcoming new members to this diverse and interdisciplinary community of scholars!

Danielle Allen

Feyaad Allie

Stephen Ansolabehere

Eric Beerbohm

Matthew Blackwell

Peter Buisseret

Melani Cammett

Daniel Carpenter

Stephen Chaudoin

Timothy Colton

Christina Davis

Nara Dillon

Grzegorz Ekiert

Ryan D. Enos

Katrina Forrester

Jeffry Frieden

Claudine Gay

Frances Hagopian

Peter A. Hall

Chase H. Harrison

Michael J. Hiscox

Jennifer Hochschild

Alisha C. Holland

Kosuke Imai

Torben Iversen

Alastair Iain Johnston

Joshua D. Kertzer

Steven Levitsky

Mashail Malik

Christoph Mikulaschek

Eric Nelson

Elizabeth J. Perry

Paul E. Peterson

Pia Raffler

Marcel Roman

Michael Rosen

Stephen Peter Rosen

Michael Sandel

Theda Skocpol

James M. Snyder, Jr.

Latanya Sweeney

Stephanie Ternullo

Dustin Tingley

Daniel Ziblatt

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Dr. Burghardt and Dr. Nadeau share strategies to reduce exposure to heat to support children’s healthy development and well-being, and to ensure all children have access to safe places to grow, learn, and play in our changing climate. They also explore the intersection of heat and health equity in the United States.

May 2024 Newsletter

We are excited to announce that the IDEAS Impact Framework Toolkit is now available in Spanish. Register for our upcoming webinar about the Toolkit, too!

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Top 10 Best PhD in Law Programs [2024]

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.

Table of Contents

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
• 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

Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD)

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
• Tuition : $7,647 per year
• Financial aid: Full tuition scholarship, fellowship, and health insurance.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

Columbia University, Law School

JSD Program

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
• Tuition : $75,572 per year
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, and first child allowance.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

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
• 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
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location:  Richardson, Texas

Abraham Lincoln University, School of Law

Juris Doctor (JD)

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.
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $10,100 per year
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Presentation
• 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Does a PhD in Law Do?

A PhD in law will equip you to work in legal research or academia.

Lisa Marlin

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.

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