About PhD Program,
The UCLA School of Law and the UCLA Department of Philosophy offer a joint JD/PhD program for exceptionally talented and especially committed students who hope to dedicate their careers to research and teaching in law and philosophy. Admission is extremely competitive, and very few students are admitted. It would be highly unusual for more than one candidate to be admitted in a year, and it is possible for no candidates to be admitted in an admission cycle.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The University requires that an applicant hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, comparable in standard and content to a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, with an overall scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better (or its equivalent if the letter grade system is not used), or an overall scholastic average of 3.0 in graduate level study in a field related to the one to which the application is submitted.
An international student whose post-secondary education is completed outside of the U.S. is expected to hold a degree with above average scholarship from a university or university-level institution.
Please keep in mind that UCLA graduate programs have additional requirements and/or requirements beyond the minimum given above, and that many more applications are received from qualified applicants than there are places available.
Applicants should contact the programs they are interested in for specific information and applications.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Given the constraints on funding to public universities, the UCLA Department of Philosophy has been constrained in the funding we could offer to graduate students who were not citizens or permanent residents of the US. Thanks to a new funding commitment made to our department, we can now do better. In keeping with our efforts to build a diverse community and link its discussions with a global conversation, the UCLA department intends to guarantee a minimum of six years of tuition and support at a highly competitive level to every incoming PhD student, irrespective of citizenship and residency status.
We strongly encourage you to apply for extramural funding as this may often add to your funding package. The department also strives to offer competitive funding packages to each of our admitted students, both international and domestic. Please see here for more information.
Application Requirement,
- Completed application.
- Personal statement (use an electronic attachment).
- Separate essay not to exceed two double-spaced typed pages.
- No less than 11-point font.
- Discuss any matters relevant to your ability to succeed in law school and the practice of law, and any attributes, experiences, or interests that would enable you to make a distinctive contribution to UCLA Law or the legal profession.
- Current résumé (use an electronic attachment).
- Two letters of recommendation (no more than two) submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service are required.
- Official transcripts sent directly to LSAC. Applicants should not wait for fall grades before sending transcripts to LSAC. However, applicants must submit work completed after the initial registration to LSAC, as updated reports will be forwarded to the Law School Admissions Office. Accepted applicants will be required to have their undergraduate institution submit directly to UCLA School of Law a final transcript showing the award of a baccalaureate degree before classes begin in the fall semester.
- Nonrefundable application fee of $75. You may submit your application and pay the fee electronically via LSAC. You may also pay by check, money order, or international money order payable to the Regents of the University of Californiaand include it with your signed Certification Letter.
- David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy Application, if applying to that program.
- Early Decision Program Agreement, if applying to the Binding Early Decision Program. The priority Early Decision deadline is November 15, 2024. Students applying priority Early Decision must take the LSAT or GRE by October 31, 2024. Applicants will be informed of their admissions decisions by the end of December 2024. Students applying Early Decision after November 15 must take the LSAT or GRE by January 31, 2025 and will receive decisions on a rolling basis.
- Distinguished Scholars Award Agreement, if applying for the Distinguished Scholars Award. The deadline is November 15, 2024 and applicants must take the LSAT or GRE no later than October 31, 2024.
- If applying to the Achievement Fellowship Program, applicants are required to include an additional one page essay describing in detail the obstacles they have overcome in life and why they are a strong candidate for the program. The deadline to apply to the Achievement Fellowship is December 16, 2024 and applicants must take the LSAT or the GRE no later than November 30, 2024. However, applicants taking the LSAT or GRE after these dates may still apply and be considered for any remaining Achievement Fellowships that are available.
Application Deadline,
Jan 04, 2025
Application Fee,
Nonrefundable application fee of $75.
