Pace University

What you'll study

This research-focused doctorate emphasises rigorous theoretical and empirical investigation of law and professional practice. Early study typically combines advanced coursework and seminars in legal theory, comparative and international law, socio-legal studies and law and public policy with intensive methodological training. Common module topics and seminar themes include:

• Advanced Legal Research Methods — qualitative and quantitative methods tailored for legal research, archival and doctrinal techniques, mixed-methods design.
• Legal Theory and Jurisprudence — contemporary philosophical approaches to law, critical theory, law and society perspectives.
• Comparative and International Law — comparative legal institutions, transnational regulation, human rights frameworks.
• Law, Policy and Governance — regulation, public law, administrative law and policy analysis.
• Empirical Methods for Lawyers — statistics for legal researchers, empirical design, survey and interview techniques.
• Legal Professions and Ethics — professional responsibility, legal education and practice innovation.

Programme structure typically comprises an initial stage of taught seminars and method modules, followed by comprehensive or qualifying examinations and progression to independent dissertation research under the supervision of faculty. Students are expected to produce a substantial doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to legal scholarship or professional practice. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration exist across the university, including with business, public administration and technology-focused units.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant advanced degree such as a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or a related master’s degree with a strong academic record. Typical application materials include:

• Official transcripts from prior degree programmes demonstrating strong academic performance.
• A research proposal outlining the intended doctoral research questions, methodology and scholarly context.
• A current curriculum vitae detailing professional and academic experience.
• Writing sample (such as a law review article, master's thesis chapter or professional research paper) showing research and writing ability.
• References, usually two or three academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential.

International applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by a recognised test unless exempt. Successful applicants generally show evidence of research potential, relevant professional experience, and a clear fit with faculty supervision areas. Prospective students may be invited to interview with faculty before admission.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD pursue a range of academic and professional pathways. Common career destinations include:

• Tenure-track or full-time academic positions in law schools and multidisciplinary departments, teaching and conducting scholarship.
• Research roles in think-tanks, policy institutes, non-governmental organisations and international organisations where deep legal research skills inform policy development.
• Senior positions in government agencies, regulatory bodies and public-sector legal teams focusing on complex regulatory and policy issues.
• Leadership roles in legal education and professional training, including curriculum development and clinical programme direction.
• Senior in-house counsel, compliance and legal consultancy roles that require advanced analytical and research capabilities.

The programme’s emphasis on original research, methodological rigour and professional relevance equips graduates to contribute to law reform, public policy debates and the advancement of legal knowledge.

Why study at Pace University

Pace University’s programme benefits from its location in the New York metropolitan area and its association with the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, providing proximity to state and federal courts, international organisations and an extensive network of legal practitioners. Students have access to substantive clinical programmes, externships and practicum experiences that connect research to practice.

Faculty supervision is drawn from scholars with expertise across doctrinal, empirical and interdisciplinary approaches to law, and the university supports collaborative work with other schools and centres. Small cohort sizes encourage close mentorship, and research resources — including specialised law library collections and research support services — help doctoral candidates develop and disseminate their work. The programme is suited to those seeking a deeply research-intensive doctorate with clear pathways into academia, policy and leadership in legal professions.