University of Kansas

What you'll study

This PhD emphasises advanced study of law as an object of scholarly inquiry rather than preparation for the bar. Core work combines legal theory and history with social-science methods to examine how law interacts with political, social and economic institutions. Typical components include coursework, research seminars, qualifying examinations and a supervised dissertation.

• Core topics: jurisprudence and legal theory, law and society, constitutional law from a scholarly perspective, legal history, comparative legal institutions.
• Methods: quantitative methods for legal and political research, qualitative methods (case study, ethnography, interviews), archival research techniques, and empirical design for legal scholarship.
• Electives and concentration areas: access to elective modules in areas such as civil rights, criminal justice, administrative law and policy, health law and policy, legal history, race and law, and comparative law depending on faculty strengths and departmental offerings.
• Research seminars: advanced seminars focused on current debates in legal scholarship, professionalisation of scholars through presentation workshops and peer-led critique sessions.
• Dissertation: an original piece of research that makes a substantive scholarly contribution to the study of law; students work with a supervisory committee to develop and defend a proposal, produce the dissertation, and defend it in a viva/defence.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to gain teaching experience by lecturing or leading seminars at undergraduate level, plus training in grant-writing, academic publishing and public engagement.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree or equivalent advanced degree in law, political science, sociology, history, philosophy or a closely related field, with a strong academic record. Exceptional candidates with a strong bachelor’s background and substantial research experience may also be considered.

• Academic transcripts: evidence of previous graduate or upper-level undergraduate coursework relevant to legal studies or social science research.
• Research preparation: a demonstrable record of research ability—this can include a master’s thesis, published papers, or substantial research projects.
• Application materials: statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with the programme, a writing sample (ideally research-based), curriculum vitae, and at least three academic letters of recommendation.
• Language requirements: applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English-language proficiency criteria; standard test scores or institutional equivalents are required where applicable.
• Standardised tests: submission of GRE or other test scores may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; check departmental guidance for current expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Non-Professional Legal Studies typically pursue careers that centre on research, teaching and analysis rather than legal practice. Common career paths include:

• Academic positions in law schools (in non-professional legal studies programmes), political science, sociology, history or interdisciplinary departments;
• Research roles in universities, independent research institutes and think tanks focusing on law, public policy, human rights or criminal justice;
• Policy analysis and advisory roles in government agencies, international organisations and NGOs where expertise in the social dimensions of law is required;
• Professional research or analytic roles in advocacy organisations, foundations and consultancies working on legal reform, civil liberties and social policy.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers an interdisciplinary environment with established connections between the School of Law and social-science and humanities departments, enabling candidates to tailor training to their research questions. Students benefit from faculty whose work spans empirical legal studies, legal history, constitutional studies and socio-legal approaches, and from access to specialised library collections and archival resources.

Doctoral candidates also have opportunities to develop teaching and mentorship skills through departmental teaching assignments and to engage with broader research centres on campus. The programme emphasises close supervision, collaborative workshop culture and preparation for the diverse professional paths open to graduates of legal-studies doctoral programmes.