Contact Information

JSD Degree Program

Assistant Dean Edward Harris
565 W. Adams St., Room 320B
Chicago, IL 60661
jsd@kentlaw.iit.edu
(312) 906-5012

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J.S.D. Program Application Guidelines

A complete J.S.D. application will include:

  • a J.S.D. application
  • a résumé
  • two letters of recommendation
  • relevant academic transcripts
  • in cases where English in not the candidate's first language, a TOEFL score of 100 (Internet) or an IELTS score of 7.5
  • a writing sample that is originally written in English (translations of works originally written in another language do not qualify) along with a signed statement that it is the work of the candidate
  • a dissertation proposal in English and in the range of 1,500 to 2,500 words (five to ten double-spaced pages), with a meaningful working title; and a two-page bibliography that lists relevant works that proved significant in the formulation of the applicant's thinking about his or her project

NOTE: Due to immigration matters, the deadline for completed applications for the fall semester is March 15. Completed applications must include all supporting documents, including those sent in electronic (e.g. résumé/CV) and hard-copy (e.g. academic transcripts) formats.

The substance of the proposal should:

  • include a clear statement of the problem being addressed
  • demonstrate the originality of the research project
  • show how the project fits into the existing literature
  • indicate the importance of the project within the applicant's larger field of study
  • acknowledge whatever problems or difficulties the applicant foresees in formulating and completing the project

Application materials should be emailed to Professor Ed Harris at jsd@kentlaw.iit.edu or mailed to:

Office of International Law and Policy
Chicago-Kent College of Law
Illinois Institute of Technology
565 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60661-3691