J.S.D. Field Handbook – Program and Duration

Degree:	Juris Science Doctor (J.S.D.)
Degree Requirements:	Minimum of 2 residency semesters, minimum of 4 registration units, 3 committee members, prospectus, dissertation defense (B exam), and dissertation.
Special Committee:	Each member of the committee represents an interest within the dissertation.  The Special Committee Chair represents the greatest interest.
Prospectus:	Oral exam administered by Special Committee; to examine preparedness for dissertation research.
Final Exam (B Exam or Dissertation Defense):	A public talk on the dissertation research followed immediately by an oral exam by the Special Committee.

Year One

1^st Semester:

• J.S.D. students begin in the fall semester only. 
• All incoming students must enroll in the Cornell Graduate Colloquium during the first year of study.
• Students are strongly encouraged to take at least one other course in the Law School or, even better, in some other 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.

By end of 3^rd Week of 1^st semester:

• Students must submit the name of the Chair of their Special Committee.

After completion of the 1st semester (and under no circumstances later than the end of the 2nd semester):

• Students must have formed their special committee in its entirety.

Second Semester:

• Students are recommended not to take more than one other Law School or other course while working on their prospectus.

After completion of the 2^nd semester (and under no circumstances later than the middle of the 3^rd semester):

• The written prospectus must be completed and submitted to the Special Committee
• The written prospectus must be orally defended before the Special Committee within a month of its submission.

Year Two

3^rd and 4^th 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.

Year Three

5^th Semester:

• Students continue their dissertation research and writing.
• Students may serve as Graduate Student Lecturer (only upon approval of their Special Committee).

No later than 7 weeks prior to end of 6^th semester:

• The draft of the dissertation must be submitted to the Chair of the Special Committee.
• Students should schedule the dissertation defense immediately after receiving thet Chair’s feedback on the draft dissertation.

5 days prior to defense:

• Students must submit the final draft to all members of the Special Committee.

By the end of 6^th semester:

• The Final Exam (B Examination) must be completed by the end of the student’s third year (May-August).

60 days after the Final Exam (B Examination):

• The Dissertation must be submitted to the Graduate School.

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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 the first 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 Cornell Law School funding will be available.  It is strongly suggested J.S.D. students follow the timeline outlined above to successfully complete the program.

At the beginning of each semester, all students must register with the University.  Registration establishes student status and confers access to the range of University resources available to students.  Registration is not, however, synonymous with course enrollment.  (See “Course Enrollment” p.30 Code of Legislation).  Registration is required every semester until either withdrawal or completion of degree, unless a leave of absence is granted.