10 Best PhD Law Programs in the United States

There are 10 PhD Law programs in the United States, spread across 9 universities; the most common length is 4–6 years. The list starts with courses at CUNY Graduate School and University Center, The University of Texas at Dallas and University of Texas at Dallas.

Subject

Level

University type

Location

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Universities 9 Programs 10 Scholarships 0

1PhD / Doctorate

QS World #545 #134 in United States New York, United States

Criminal Justice

CUNY Graduate School and University Center — The PhD program in Criminal Justice at CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers a comprehensive exploration of the criminal justice system, including its complex...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Law

View program → About the university

2PhD / Doctorate

#229 in United States Richardson, Texas, United States

Criminology

The University of Texas at Dallas — The PhD in Criminology at The University of Texas at Dallas provides an in-depth exploration of crime, criminal behavior, and the complex interaction between societal fac...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Law

View program → About the university

3PhD / Doctorate

#230 in United States United States

Criminology

University of Texas at Dallas — The PhD in Criminology at the University of Texas at Dallas provides students with an in-depth understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and the social and institutional...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Law

View program → About the university

4PhD / Doctorate

#442 in United States United States

Criminal Justice

University of New Haven — The Doctorate in Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven offers a comprehensive exploration into the criminal justice system, preparing students for advanced rese...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Criminal Law

View program → About the university

5PhD / Doctorate

#656 in United States United States

Law (Graduate/Doctorate)

Northern Kentucky University — The Doctorate in Law at Northern Kentucky University offers a rigorous and comprehensive academic journey for those looking to deepen their understanding of legal theorie...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Law

View program → About the university

6PhD / Doctorate

#657 in United States United States

Doctor of Criminal Justice

National University

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Law

View program → About the university

7PhD / Doctorate

#657 in United States United States

Doctor of Criminal Justice

National University

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Law

View program → About the university

8PhD / Doctorate

#735 in United States United States

PhD in Criminal Justice

Walden University

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Law

View program → About the university

9PhD / Doctorate

#1,264 in United States United States

Juris Doctor

University of Findlay

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Mode

—Intake

Law

View program → About the university

10PhD / Doctorate

#1,864 in United States United States

Doctor of Juridical Science / Doctor iuris

College of Eastern Utah — The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) program at the College of Eastern Utah is a prestigious doctoral program designed for legal scholars and practitioners wishing to en...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Law

View program → About the university

Law at other levels

Bachelor's Law Diploma Law Master's Law Professional Law

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How these courses are ranked

Only one university here holds a QS World position — CUNY Graduate School and University Center at #545 — so it heads the list. The rest are ordered by research impact. CUNY Graduate School and University Center has the largest research record in this group, with 4,320,501 citations and an h-index of 573.

Inside the course list

Within the subject, the largest areas are Law (9) and Criminal Law (1). The usual length is 4–6 years and 4 years. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake). National University offers the widest choice, with 2 of these courses.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for PhD Law in the United States?

CUNY Graduate School and University Center (QS World #545), The University of Texas at Dallas (#229 in United States) and University of Texas at Dallas (#230 in United States) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for PhD Law in the United States?

Of those with published fees, CUNY Graduate School and University Center is the least expensive at about USD 15,185 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How long does a PhD Law course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4–6 years, with 4 years the next most common.

When do PhD Law courses start in the United States?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then.

Which university has the most PhD Law courses in the United States?

National University, with 2, ahead of The University of Texas at Dallas (1).

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