SJD Frequently Asked Questions | Doctor of Juridical Science | Law Testing123

What is an SJD?: A Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is an advanced legal degree involving research and writing for students interested in legal scholarship.
Will an SJD make me eligible to sit for the bar exam?: An SJD would not fulfill the eligibility requirements for a foreign-trained lawyer wishing to sit for the bar exam. For those wishing to sit for the bar, please see our JD, Flex JD, Global Accelerated JD, or LLM pages.
What are the admission requirements?: A completed SJD application requires the following documents:

Completed PDF application (including personal statement)

Resume or C.V.

A substantive research proposal on your dissertation topic*

Two letters of recommendation

Transcripts (unofficial suffice for admission purposes)

English Language Proficiency Scores (waived if English is first language or primary language of instruction)

Is the LSAT required for admission?: An SJD does not require LSAT scores, but it does require a graduate degree in law (typically a JD or an LLM).
Is Proof of English Proficiency required for international applicants?: A Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) program requires a high degree of English proficiency for research and writing. Proof of English proficiency is required for admission.
When is the deadline for my application?: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible in order to expedite the student visa application process.

What are the tuition and fees for the program?: Tuition

Year Credits Price

1 24 $40,000

2 12 $12,500

3 12 $12,500

Annual Fees

Fee Price

Student Bar Association (SBA) $101

Matriculation Fee $100

Wellness Fee $474
Are scholarships available?: Partial merit scholarships are available for SJD candidates who submit completed applications. Incomplete applications will not be considered for scholarship. Scholarships are based on merit and criteria can include (but are not limited to) the candidate’s statement of purpose, GPA, professional experience, service to the community, and prior research.
Can I get work experience while pursuing my SJD?: International SJD students in their second and third year of their program have the opportunity to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), work authorization which allows students to work off-campus in a job related to law for up to 20 hours per week. After completing the SJD program, approved students can participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), work authorization which allows students to work full-time in a job related to law for up to 1 year after their program end-date.

How many credits are required to graduate?: The SJD program is 48 credits total. Students complete 24 credits in their first year and 12 credits in the 2nd and 3rd years.
What are my housing options as an SJD student?: SJD students are eligible to apply for housing at Seattle University. Visit the Seattle U Housing page to learn more about on-campus living options. For more information regarding off-campus housing, view VeryApt, a resource designed specifically for Seattle U Law students.
Where can I get more information?: Prospective SJD candidates can email sjd@seattleu.edu with specific questions, or they can make an appointment to meet with an admissions advisor via Zoom.

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