A JSD, or Doctor of Jurisprudence, is a doctoral-level research degree in law. It should not be confused with the JD, which is the standard professional degree for becoming a lawyer in the United States. The JSD is usually for advanced legal scholars, not entry-level law students.
Historically, the JSD developed as law schools adopted doctoral-style research degrees for legal scholarship. It occupies a role similar to a PhD in law. In the United States, the JSD and SJD are often treated as equivalent or closely related degrees, with different schools using different titles.
The purpose of the JSD is original legal research. Students usually enter after completing a first law degree and often an LLM. They work closely with faculty, develop a dissertation topic, and produce scholarship intended to contribute to legal thought.
The JSD is best for aspiring law professors, legal scholars, policy researchers, and internationally trained lawyers who want a high-level academic credential. It is not designed primarily for bar admission or ordinary legal practice.
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American Bar Association – Non-JD and Post-JD Programs by School