As the legal profession becomes more globally focused, academic research is a powerful and compelling instrument for forging social change and transforming how justice and the rule of law can be realized throughout the world. Comprehensive study in international and comparative law allows scholars to make original and substantial contributions to mitigating and solving critical issues that permeate all societies.
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is the highest degree in law. Loyola University Chicago School of Law's SJD Program in International and Comparative Law is a highly selective postgraduate program primarily for students who have graduated from the School of Law's current LLM degree programs. The SJD is designed for students aspiring to be legal academics who wish to pursue sustained independent study, research, and writing. Students will conduct academic research in a particular area of international and comparative law and complete a doctoral dissertation.
SJD candidates work under the supervision and guidance of School of Law faculty members, the Advisory Committee, and the SJD Committee.
Only graduates from one of our own LLM Programs are eligible for admission.
Curriculum
Students can begin the SJD program in the fall or spring. The curriculum of the SJD is tailored to the background of each candidate and entirely depends on the research topic(s) and field(s) of law chosen. All students must complete five components of study, research, writing, and final examinations.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| Doctoral Dissertation Research and S.J.D. Colloquium I (doctoral enrollment status) | |
| Doctoral Dissertation Research and S.J.D. Colloquium II (doctoral enrollment status) | |
| Doctoral Dissertation Supervision (doctoral enrollment status) | |
| Doctoral Dissertation Supervision and Completion (doctoral enrollment status) | |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Year 1:
With guidance and approval from the Advisory Committee, you will enroll in a total of 10 credit hours of course work related to your field of research (5 credits in each the first and in the second semester). In addition, you will complete an approved list of readings in your main and corollary study fields. All SJD candidates must be in residence in Chicago.
You will enroll in the SJD Colloquium and will give one presentation during the first year that and another prior to graduation. The oral presentations require a passing grades.
You must complete an oral examination at the end of the first year. If you pass the exam, the Advisory Committee will approve your continuation in the program.
Year 2:
You must register for the dissertation course for each term and regularly coordinate your progress with your advisor. You will continue to meet, either in person or remotely, with your Advisory Committee twice a year. Within three years of enrollment, you must submit a final doctoral dissertation for review and approval to the Chair of your Advisory Committee.
You must provide an oral defense of your dissertation before the Advisory Committee. Upon approval, the Advisory Committee will forward your dissertation to the SJD Committee and to the full faculty of the School of Law for final approvals.
Degree Requirements
Visit our Registrar for a complete list of degree requirements, academic calendars, and registration process. You may access full course descriptions here.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
