The Bellerophon Taming Pegasus statue outside Jerome Greene Hall

J.S.D. Admissions

Engage the resources of a world-class university to pursue a distinguished career in legal scholarship.

 

In Columbia Law’s J.S.D. program—our most advanced law degree—candidates undertake high-level original research, and produce a dissertation (either one unified work or a set of three articles) that makes a significant contribution to legal scholarship. Candidates also forge close bonds with their faculty chair and other faculty members on their advisory committee, whose insights, expertise, and guidance will accelerate their professional development and enrich their intellectual perspective.
 
By the time candidates earn the J.S.D. degree, they will have built the foundation for their future as a leader in the international academic community.

Office of Graduate Degree Programs

All LL.M., Executive LL.M., and J.S.D. students receive individualized support from the Office of Graduate Degree Programs (OGP) throughout their Law School experience—from application to degree conferral. The office also maintains close contact with our broad network of alumni.