About PhD Program,
Northwestern’s JD-PhD program is open to students who intend to pursue an academic or research career and whose teaching and research will be enriched by both degrees.
Northwestern’s JD-PhD program is open to students who intend to pursue an academic or research career and whose teaching and research will be enriched by both degrees. The program is designed to allow students to complete both degrees more effectively than they would through consecutive degree programs. Students are able to complete the entire program, including dissertation, in as few as six or seven years.
Northwestern JD-PhD graduates have obtained faculty positions in law and graduate schools as well as prestigious judicial clerkships.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Individuals who have completed a year of law school at an institution other than Northwestern University will not be eligible to apply to the joint JD-PhD program. Such students, however, may apply separately to The Graduate School and, as a transfer student, to the Law School. Students who successfully gain admission to the Law School will be required to complete all requirements associated with transfer students, including two years in residence at the Law School. Financial aid will be awarded in a manner consistent with prevailing Law School practices and policies for transfer students. Students should consult The Graduate School for information concerning their related programmatic and funding policies.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Use this portion of the website to learn more about our funding model and explore the sources of financial support available to you.
TGS and its graduate programs offer a wide array of financial support for doctoral students, who are typically fully-funded for four quarters per year for minimum of five years. Master’s students may receive scholarships or a student loan. MFA students can also apply for fellowships and assistantships.
$45,000 minimum annual stipend rate for PhD students, 2024–25
Application Requirement,
- Submit an application online.
- Pay an online application fee by credit card.
- Submit your essays.
- Upload your transcript(s) or academic record(s).
- Submit your test scores(international applicants are required to submit English language test scores; programs may also require scores from additional tests such as the GRE or GMAT)
- Upload two Letters of Recommendation.
Application Deadline,
Feb 15, 2025
Application Fee,
The application fee is $95 and is non-refundable.
