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

About the Program

Time Frame & Funding

The SJD Program is designed to take a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years to complete. Students who need financial aid will be guaranteed three years of covered tuition, medical and dental insurance, and a living stipend. In their fourth year, there is an opportunity to apply for funding for various services such as teaching a seminar course.

Dedicated Faculty Advisors

During their first two years, each candidate will be assigned one primary faculty advisor, who will generally serve as the committee chair, and two additional committee members. In the first year, candidates will participate in three separate two-credit directed readings with each of their committee members, and will also take a minimum of six credits of upper-level courses at the law school or other University schools and departments. Students will choose these courses in partnership with their committee.

Guided Research & Dissertation

Between the first and second year, candidates will draft a dissertation prospectus to be presented to the faculty in the third semester of the program. Candidates will then participate in guided research with their committee while they complete their dissertation. During this period, in consultation with their committee, students may audit classes. Candidates will also have a variety of opportunities to teach, both in partnership with faculty and on their own.

View A Sample Course of Study

“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.”

Odette Lienau, The Marianne D. Short, Esq., Dean

Apply

Our application will open on December 1.

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
$75 application fee

The application will be reviewed by the SJD Committee which will make acceptance decisions and arrange for faculty supervision for successful applicants. There is no need to contact individual Boston College faculty members as there will be an opportunity to engage with potential advisors during the application process.

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.

Apply Now

Apply through our Slate online system starting December 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)?

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.

How many credits are required for this program?

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.

What is the in-residence requirement for the SJD program?

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.

What is the deadline for applications?

Our applications opens on December 1. Applications are due on April 15th.

How long does it take to complete the degree?

This is variable and is largely based on the candidate and the dissertation topic. Students have between 3-5 years to complete the program.

When can students enter the program?

SJD students begin the program during the fall semester.

Do you offer graduate student housing?

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.

Does Boston College guarantee funding for SJD students?

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.

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