The Law Research Degree (PhD) programme run by the School of Law accepts candidates for research work leading to a PhD. The central feature of PhD work is the close relationship between the doctoral candidate and his or her supervisor, in which they meet regularly and consult closely. This relationship is supported and strengthened in various ways.

The PhD program in Law and Social Change considers applications from candidates who are willing to undertake high-level research on any topic related to the several challenges that the law faces in the contemporary world – preferably with a view to the transnational dimension of such challenges.

The degree of Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is the highest post-graduate law degree offered by the Dedman School of Law. The S.J.D is primarily a research and writing degree (as opposed to a course-oriented degree such as the LL.M. degree) during which the S.J.D. candidate conducts extensive postgraduate-level legal research with a view toward submitting an acceptable doctoral dissertation of publishable quality within a five-year period. This program is intended for highly qualified candidates seeking a legal academic career or a high level, policy-oriented governmental or inter-governmental position.

The Doctor of Laws (SJD) Program is intended for individuals who have demonstrated superior scholarly potential and who are engaged in, or plan to pursue, careers in academia, government service, or the judiciary. In rendering admissions decisions, strong preference is given to the Law School's own LLM graduates, although external candidates' applications are welcome.

The Penn State Law S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) is intended for lawyers practising outside of the U.S. who seek advanced and specialized knowledge in a particular area of law.