Pursue Your Career in the Academy.
SJD Program
Doctor of Juridical Science at Boston College Law School
The SJD program at Boston College Law School is a highly selective program for students from around the world who are motivated to pursue careers in the academy, research, policy-making, and high-level positions in the public and private sectors. The program draws on the broad and deep expertise of the Law School’s faculty, who will serve as mentors and advisors for SJD candidates. The program is both flexible and rigorous. Graduates will go out into the world having grown intellectually and having built the tools and networks to be global leaders in their fields of expertise.
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Learn more about the SJD
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“BC Law has a long tradition of academic excellence and intellectual rigor. Our globally renowned and engaged faculty are committed to pursuing the very best scholarship and to mentoring students across all facets of their professional and personal lives. The SJD Program allows exceptionally talented academics to flourish in an environment of support and shared community.”
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PrintApplications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Prerequisites:
- You must hold a JD or an LLM
- Exceptional candidates with equivalent background will be considered
Deadlines
- Regular Decision.
- April 15
English Language Requirements
BC Law coursework and academic activities require written and spoken fluency in English.
You must be able to express yourself in spoken and written English and must read the language with ease.
You must submit evidence of your English language ability unless English is your native language or English was the language of instruction for your previous legal degree.
We accept the following tests as evidence of your English ability:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)—we require a minimum score of 100
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)—we require a minimum Overall Band Score of 7.0
Application Requirements
Your completed application must include:
- Application form
- A personal statement (1-2 pages in length) which addresses your motivation for applying and your career goals related to the program
- A substantial writing sample (English would be appreciated, but if you do not have one in English please contact us at bclawadm@bc.edu to discuss alternatives)
- A research proposal (2-4 pages in length) describing your prospective doctoral dissertation topic (you may include faculty members at Boston College Law School with whom you would like to work)
- Three signed letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts with a certified English translation from all of your colleges, universities, and graduate and professional schools
- Official TOEFL or IELTS score report
- [$] application fee
Non-Discrimination Policy
Boston College is committed to encouraging and sustaining a learning and work community that is free from prohibited discrimination and harassment.
Visit the Office for Institutional Diversity website to learn more and review the full policy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is the highest degree in law. It is a doctorate degree designed for legal academics who wish to pursue careers in the academy, research, policy-making, and high-level positions in the public and private sectors. The program requires the completion of a substantial dissertation that makes an original and significant contribution to legal scholarship, as well as extensive independent research under the guidance of faculty advisors.
36 credits are required over the first three years. During the first year candidates will participate in three separate two-credit directed readings with each of their committee members. They will also take a minimum of six credits of upper-level courses at the law school or other schools and departments in the university. Students will choose these courses in partnership with their committee. An example of a representative degree timeline is available here.
The SJD program requires a minimum of one calendar year in residence. The actual period of residence for each SJD student may be affected by such factors as the specific needs of one’s research, financial aid, field-work, teaching and research assistantship, etc.
Applications are due on April 15th.
This is variable and is largely based on the candidate and the dissertation topic. Students have between 3-5 years to complete the program.
SJD students begin the program during the fall semester.
No. Boston College does not currently offer housing for graduate students, However, graduate students have access to the University’s off-campus housing website as a resource.
SJD students who require financial aid are guaranteed covered tuition, medical and dental insurance, and a service stipend for 3 years. In their fourth year, there is an opportunity to receive funding for various services such as teaching a seminar course.