Job Description
Northwestern University offers a fully funded JD-PhD program through a collaboration between the Pritzker School of Law and The Graduate School (TGS). This integrated program is designed for students aiming to pursue academic or research-oriented careers that benefit from both legal and doctoral training.
Program Overview
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Degrees: Juris Doctor (JD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Institution: Northwestern University
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Schools: Pritzker School of Law and The Graduate School
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Program Structure: Typically completed in 6–7 years
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PhD Disciplines: Includes, but not limited to, African American Studies, Anthropology, Economics, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Communication Studies​
The JD-PhD program is structured to allow students to integrate their legal studies with doctoral research effectively. Students begin with two years of PhD coursework, followed by two years at the Law School, and then return to focus on dissertation research and completion. This structure enables the completion of both degrees more efficiently than pursuing them separately. Faculty from both schools jointly supervise students’ research and dissertations, fostering an interdisciplinary academic environment.​
Funding Package
All admitted JD-PhD students receive comprehensive financial support, which includes:​
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Tuition and Fees: Full coverage for up to seven academic years and six summers
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Stipend: Annual stipend to cover living expenses (exact amount may vary)
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Health Insurance: Fully subsidized health insurance coverage
This funding is contingent upon the student making a good faith effort to secure an academic or research position within three years of graduation. A good faith effort is understood as a dedicated, serious effort by the student to find a tenure-line teaching position in a Law School and/or academic department/program, including submitting at least three applications per year for four consecutive years until a position is secured. The job search should not be limited by geography. This contingency may be postponed or lifted for students who experience significant life events that interrupt their academic job search.
Admission Requirements
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Academic Background: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution
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Application Materials:
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Completed online application form through The Graduate School (TGS) of Northwestern University
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Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
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Three letters of recommendation
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Statement of purpose detailing research interests and career goals
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Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
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Writing sample demonstrating scholarly work
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LSAT scores for the JD program
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GRE scores may be required for certain PhD programs
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TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers
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Applicants must apply to both the Law School and the specific PhD program of interest. The admissions process is coordinated to ensure a cohesive evaluation of candidates for the integrated program.​
