Ph.D. in Asian and Comparative Law
Program Description and Eligibility
The University of Washington School of Law is unique among American law schools in offering a Ph.D. in Asian and Comparative Law. A Ph.D. from the University of Washington evidences peak achievement in the field of Asian and Comparative Law. Graduates of the program occupy key posts in political, economic and academic life throughout Asia, North America, Europe and Australia. They form an elite group of scholars and practitioners worldwide who have shaped the discipline and who have made significant contributions to the development of the legal system in their own countries.
We typically admit 2-5 Ph.D. candidates per year. Entry is very competitive and depends on both the candidate’s ability and our capacity to supervise the candidate’s proposed project.
Potential Ph.D. candidates are welcome. We will usually require an interview with the Asian Law Center Director as part of the application process and potential applicants should accordingly make contact with us at least 6 months before the admission deadline for that year to discuss the feasibility of their project. Contact the Graduate Program Administrator: gradlaw@u.washington.edu. Please do not contact individual faculty.
Entry to the Ph.D. program requires an LL.M. degree in law. Most of our Ph.D. candidates have completed an LL.M. degree in Asian and Comparative Law at the University of Washington School of Law. We do, however, welcome applications from candidates with equivalent academic standing and a demonstrated capacity for advanced research and writing.
An LL.M. degree is counted toward the credit necessary for the Ph.D. program. A Ph.D. requires a minimum of two years’ study, at least one year of which is coursework taken while in residence at the University of Washington.
Scholarship assistance for the Ph.D. program is limited; we are able to provide some financial assistance and some paid research positions for a small number of candidates. This is usually at the dissertation writing stage. Accordingly, candidates must budget sufficient funds to cover two years of study in the program.
Ph.D. candidates must complete 90 credits, 60 of which must be taken at the University of Washington in order to receive a doctoral degree. The 90 credits can include 30 credits taken as an LL.M. degree, either at the University of Washington or elsewhere.
To apply, go through the LL.M. application process and indicate your interest in the Ph.D. program.
