The Ph.D. programs in Legal Studies and International Law are highly specialized ones. The aim of these programs is to develop the candidate's skills in a specific field of Law and to increase his/her capacity to make research that will contribute to the existing theory and knowledge. For general information, please see "Theses and Dissertations. General Guidelines for Graduate Studies".

All requirements for the Ph.D. must be met approximately in three to four years.

During the first year, student must choose an advisor according to his/her and faculty research interests. The Ph.D. student's outline is prepared according to his/her educational background and characteristic features of the dissertation and must be approved by the Dissertation Committee consisting of Ph.D. Candidate's adviser and four other experts. Two of the latter must be external experts.

Ph.D. candidates are required to present a dissertation of approximately 120 -150 pages, consisting of research, analysis and collaborating data. The Ph.D. dissertation is usually worth 10-12 credits but in some exceptional cases the number of credits for a Ph.D. dissertation may be increased.

The candidate with a Master Degree admitted to the Ph.D. program is required to take at least 7 additional courses (32 to 60 credits) including a dissertation, although more credits and courses may be required to satisfy the particular aims of the student and the student's advisor. A student must complete the Major Requirements with a G.P.A. of 80 or above. Some Ph.D. majors allow a student to earn no more than 6 credits by teaching appropriate courses.

Students defend their dissertation at a final oral examination that is open to the public.
School of Law offers internship for Ph.D. candidates in various organizations, such as, state institutions responsible for legal regulation, law-enforcement organizations, legal consulting companies, etc.

Internship provides students with experience in professional environment, acquiring practical skills and experience, giving them the opportunity to adapt their academic knowledge to professional life, and to increase their chances of getting a better job upon graduation. In addition, the internee must fulfill specific academic requirements, written and oral, directly related to the work experience. Internship is worth 6 credits. Students are assessed and credits awarded on the basis of:

• Researching and writing a paper on their internship in the form of a substantial paper;

• At the end of the internship, the internee will present an oral report and discussion of the paper to the Dissertation Committee.
  

Every doctoral student must show competence in a foreign language and have necessary computer skills.

The application file should include:

• Admission application form

• Official transcripts from all institutions attended

• Statement of intent

• Letters of recommendation