Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

The application process for our SJD program is simple. You can apply at any time for any upcoming open term, if the deadline has not passed. The Admissions Committee will review your file once you have submitted:

1. Application form
Our online application form is free. You can start the application at any time and return to complete it when you are ready.

2. Official transcripts
You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. If you attended Loyola University Chicago previously, you do not need to request transcripts; we have them on record.

3. Two letters of recommendation
If you supply your recommender's email address on the online application form, we will send a personalized link by which to upload the letter. We recommend you ask your recommender to write the letter of support prior to starting the application.

4. Statement of purpose
In a statement no longer than two pages, explain your motivation for continuing your education and your interest in your specific area of law and research. In your statement, you must request, by name, your dissertation supervisor and an alternative advisor.

5. Study Abstract
The 2,500-3,000 word abstract should outline your study topic (the specific core legal field of study and one or two corollary fields), theoretical/research methods, significance of the study to legal scholarship, list of anticipated literature, a description of how the corollary fields will prepare for the completion of the study, and the suggestion of the two other members of the committee who should represent the corollary field(s). 

6. Resume
A current resume or curriculum vitae can be uploaded through the online application.

7. Research proposal
The research proposal is by invitation only and is required for the committee to make a final decision on admission. The research proposal should be no longer than 20 pages, detailing the anticipated dissertation topic and its significance to legal scholarship, summarizing related research already undertaken and a list of sources, and outlining of the goals and fields of the research and the anticipated methods to be used in pursuit of the SJD.

You may also be required to submit

1. Transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation is required of all applicants who attended and received their degrees from any institution outside the U.S. The evaluation is not an English translation of the transcripts, but a separate document completed by a professional evaluation agency, which shows that the degree you’ve received or are pursuing outside the U.S. is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree or U.S. master’s degree. This requirement is waived for applicants with a bachelor’s, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. institution. You are required to submit your official international education credentials (e.g. transcripts, mark sheets, degree certificates, graduation diplomas) and evaluation fee directly to any evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), or the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). You should request a General Evaluation with Grade Average. You should request your chosen evaluation agency to send the evaluation directly to Graduate & Professional Enrollment Management (GPEM) at gradapp@luc.edu, and that they send your transcripts along with your transcript evaluation. Transcripts received from these evaluators are considered official. Please note this is the preferred method to get your official transcripts to us.
2. English language test requirement. An official TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo score report is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. Copies are not accepted, and if scores are sent from applicants they will be added as unofficial scores; we must receive test scores directly from the testing service, and the school’s code for the TOEFL and IELTS scores is 1412. English language test scores are valid for two years from the test date. The law school requires a minimum overall TOEFL iBT score of 95 with minimum scores of 24 in the writing and reading sections, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 7 with minimum scores of 7 in the writing and reading sections. The minimum test score for Duolingo is 125 and for the PTE it is 75. This requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree or master’s degree at an accredited institution in the U.S., or for applicants who are citizens of or have completed a bachelor's degree at an accredited institution at which the language of instruction is English in these countries: Canada (except Quebec), the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Jamaica, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guyana, Monserrat, Hong Kong or Singapore. Programs may offer a waiver of the English language test requirement under certain conditions. Contact the program director or enrollment advisor for more information.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Graduate Enrollment Management at 312-915-8950 or GradApp@luc.edu.