Field of Law Handbook: J.S.D. Program

The Field of Law expects J.S.D. candidates to conduct original research into specific legal topics of individual interest while deepening their understanding of American domestic law, international law, and/or comparative law, particularly in areas in which Cornell’s faculty is world-renowned. 

Upon completion of the J.S.D. degree, graduates are expected to have demonstrated proficiency in the following areas: 

• Cultivate and maintain a level of expertise in the general Field of Law that befits the degree level and institutional standards. 
• Demonstrate an in-depth and dynamic knowledge of a specific, major, or emerging topic in the Field of Law. 
• Develop necessary effective professional skills, including surveying current events within the field, producing clear and concise writing, and creating well-organized presentations. 
• Adhere to an approved timeline of research and exploration, faculty consultation, writing objectives, and progression towards a comprehensive dissertation defense. 
• Produce original, publishable work(s) of novel and relevant scholarship, including publication of the dissertation in an external publication either prior to completing the degree or upon completion. 
• Participate in topic-specific professional organizations, publications, and conferences to maintain a peer scholar network. 
• Successfully complete and pass a prospectus and B examination prior to final dissertation submission. 
• Represent and uphold the rigorous academic standards, ideals, and ethics of Cornell Law School and the Cornell University Graduate School throughout the program of study and after graduation. 

• Minimum of four registration units (semesters), with two full semesters in residency during their first year. 
• Satisfactory competition of coursework. 
• Complete the Graduate School’s online Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training. 
• Formation of your Special Committee consisting of at least three members.  
• Successful Prospectus: oral exam administered by Special Committee to examine preparedness for dissertation research. 
• Successful Defense of Dissertation (“B” exam). 
• Submission of the final dissertation to the Graduate School. 

J.S.D. students should complete the program with a minimum of 4 registration units (semesters) and successful completion of the Prospectus and Defense of Dissertation (B Examination).  Students are required to be in residence during their first academic year and could complete the program in two years, though most J.S.D students complete the program in three years.   

The three-year time period may include time spent on Leave of Absence or In Absentia but does not include Health Leave of Absence.  In rare circumstances, the Special Committee may allow a student to extend their study beyond 6 registration units (semesters), however, no additional Cornell Law School funding will be available.  It is strongly suggested that J.S.D. students follow the standard timeline to successfully complete the program. 

1st Semester:

• J.S.D. students begin in the fall semester only.  
• Students must enroll in the Cornell Research Colloquium course (LAW 7991) during the first academic year of study. 
• Students are strongly encouraged to take at least one other course in the Law School or another University Department. It is suggested that this course be methodologically oriented and taken for credit.  
• Students must complete the Graduate School’s online Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training. 
• Students must submit the name of the Chair of their Special Committee by the end of their third week. 
• Students should plan to attend at least two Graduate School events or opportunities. 

2nd Semester:

• Students must have formed their Special Committee in its entirety. 
• Students are advised not to take more than one additional course in the Law School or another University Department while working on their prospectus. 
• The written prospectus must be completed and submitted to the Special Committee and orally defended before the Special Committee within a month of its submission (Under no circumstances later than the middle of the 3^rd semester). 
• Students should plan to attend at least two Graduate School events or opportunities. 

3rd and 4th Semester:

• Students begin writing their draft dissertation, gradually expanding its structure, content, and methodology. It is strongly recommended that students regularly circulate draft chapters to the members of their Special Committee for comments. 

5th Semester:

• Students continue their dissertation research and writing. 

6th Semester:

• Students submit their final Dissertation to all members of the Special Committee and defend their Dissertation (B Exam). See Understanding Deadlines and Requirements for a suggested timeline to ensure completion by degree conferral deadlines.  
• The Dissertation must be submitted to the Graduate School. 

Students must enroll in the Cornell Research Colloquium course (LAW 7991) during the first academic year (in residence). A minimum GPA of 2.25 is required for all required courses. Students who do not meet this GPA threshold may not advance to the next academic milestone and will no longer be in good academic standing. Exceptions or substitutions to course requirements must be approved by the Special Committee and must be submitted before the semester begins. Failure to meet course requirements will trigger an academic review, the results of which could affect eligibility for exams or continued funding. 

It is assumed that graduate students entering the Field of Law will have completed the equivalent of a J.D. and LL.M. and have already completed significant coursework related to the Field. 

J.S.D. students are automatically pre-enrolled for twelve credits to dedicate to graduate-level research and thesis defense each semester in residence. Each student’s program is then developed with the advice and direction of their Special Committee.  Specific courses may be required by the Committee and are usually recommended to provide essential training, saving students from having to spend more time and effort mastering the subject independently.  Such suggested courses may be taught in other departments, in order to advance the breadth and depth of the student’s methodological training.  Students should use their own judgment, along with the advice of the Committee, in deciding which courses will provide the best training for future needs. 

Additional course enrollment beyond three credits per semester must be approved by the Committee and may only be undertaken during the student’s first five semesters of study. 

Because Cornell’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy stipulates that students in research degrees must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25 to be in good academic standing or to be eligible for Title IV Aid, it is required that a MINIMUM GPA of 2.25 be set. A GPA below this threshold triggers a formal academic warning, requiring a remediation plan. If a GPA is not raised within two semesters, the student faces loss of funding or dismissal, following Graduate School due process procedures.