Doctor of Science of Law degree

The tuition fee is 29,500 USD per year.

The Doctor of Science of Law degree is for students aiming to become legal scholars and conduct original investigations into law's function, administration, history, and progress. Candidates typically concentrate on one legal field while engaging substantially with another. The program requires at least four terms of study, with candidates usually completing within six.

The program requires a minimum of four terms, with candidates typically completing within six terms. It includes a first-year research colloquium and ongoing enrollment in research courses each semester through graduation, culminating in a dissertation defense.

Applicants must detail their reasons for advanced graduate work and chosen fields of study. Enrollment is extremely limited, with most admitted students having completed an LL.M. degree at Cornell Law School, generally with all honors grades.

In person, on-campus program in Ithaca, NY. Requires a minimum of four terms, typically completed within six terms. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.