The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degree represents the highest level of legal education offered at Harvard Law School, specifically crafted for individuals aspiring to become legal scholars and academics. This rigorous program is designed for those who wish to undertake significant independent study, in-depth research, and scholarly writing within the legal field.
Harvard Law School’s S.J.D. program fosters a dynamic and diverse intellectual environment, attracting promising young scholars from across the globe. A significant number of graduates go on to secure prestigious teaching positions in law schools in their home countries, the United States, and other nations. Typically, the program hosts around 60 S.J.D. candidates, primarily in residence, representing a diverse mix of 25 to 30 countries. These candidates are often drawn from the top graduates of Harvard’s LL.M. programs. The ultimate goal of the S.J.D. program is for each candidate to produce a doctoral dissertation that makes a substantial and valuable contribution to the body of legal scholarship.
The S.J.D. journey at Harvard Law School is structured into five key stages:
- Study Plan Completion: This initial phase involves developing and finalizing a study plan, which includes relevant coursework designed to support the candidate’s research interests.
- Oral Examination: Candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive oral examination to demonstrate a broad understanding of their chosen legal field and research area.
- S.J.D. Colloquium Presentations: Presenting research at the S.J.D. Colloquium provides candidates with valuable feedback and the opportunity to engage with the Harvard Law School scholarly community. Two presentations are required.
- Dissertation Submission and Acceptance: The cornerstone of the S.J.D. degree is the doctoral dissertation. Candidates are required to submit and have accepted a dissertation that showcases original research and makes a significant contribution to legal knowledge.
- Oral Defense of Dissertation: The final stage involves a successful oral defense of the dissertation before a committee of legal scholars, demonstrating the candidate’s mastery of their research and its implications.
Generally, the first two requirements, encompassing the study plan and the oral examination, are completed within the first one to two years of enrollment. The remaining stages—colloquium presentations, dissertation submission, and the oral defense—are typically undertaken in the subsequent three years following the successful completion of the oral examination.
Each S.J.D. candidate benefits from personalized guidance under the supervision of a dedicated faculty supervisor. This supervisor, a full-time member of the Harvard Law School faculty, is selected by the candidate and approved by the Committee on Graduate Studies, ensuring expert mentorship throughout their doctoral journey.
