The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is the highest degree offered by Georgetown. Our students come here from all over the world; what they have in common is a desire to teach and write when they return home. We will support you every step of the way, from honing your original idea to confidently sharing your publication.

You will work with our extraordinary faculty, benefit from the world’s largest law curriculum, and learn to be an effective scholar.

You will live in one of the world’s most important cities—the capital of the United States and home to major international organizations—and have unparalleled access to resources here in Washington, D.C.

And you will join a small, close community of S.J.D. scholars for individualized attention, friendship, and the chance to be part of the academic and social life of our law school.

Admission is contingent on the availability of a full-time faculty member to serve as supervisor for the dissertation. After you are admitted, the S.J.D. Admissions Committee will pair you with a faculty member who will supervise your dissertation. There is no limit to the topics that students may consider as long as they are original, able to contribute to the production of new legal knowledge, and pursued with academic rigor.

National S.J.D. Roundtable: April 21, 2023