S.J.D. or Doctor of Juridical Sciences in Health Law and Policy Program for Attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions About the S.J.D. Program

  • Application Deadline
  • Applicant Evaluation
  • Careers for S.J.D. Graduates
  • Number of Students in S.J.D. Program
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid   
  • Timetable for S.J.D. Program
  • Tuition for S.J.D. Program

    What is the application deadline?
    Applications are accepted each year from October 1st until July 1st for classes that start in the fall semester. Early applications are advised.

    How are the applicants evaluated?
    Applicants must hold a primary degree in law (J.D. or LL.B.), a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in health law or a related field, or a master's in health administration or public health. (Individuals who possess significant practice experience may be exempt from the master's degree requirement.)

    What kinds of careers can I expect to explore with this degree?
    While the S.J.D. degree is reserved primarily for those who wish to work in academia or research, it can be used as background in other areas of health law as well.  

    How many students are in the class?
    Loyola admits only 1-3 students into the S.J.D. program annually. We keep our enrollments deliberately small to ensure a high degree of faculty-student interaction and individualized attention while preparing the dissertation. We draw students from around the nation and the world.

    How long does it take to get the degree?
    Classes for the S.J.D. begin in Fall semester of each year.  The S.J.D. is designed to be completed in two academic years, including one year of mandatory residence at Loyola. The degree must be completed in no more than 4 years.

    How much does it cost?
    Tuition is based on a per-credit hour fee for 10 required credits, plus an additional flat fee for the dissertation during the second year. Click here for a complete schedule of tuition and fees for the current school year.

    Are scholarships and financial aid available to S.J.D. Students?
    While Loyola currently offers no scholarships for doctoral students, financial aid is available for those who qualify. Click here for information about financial aid at Loyola.

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