A J.S.D., or Doctor of Juridical Science, is, in effect, legal education’s counterpart to the Ph.D. Those who have already earned an advanced law degree and wish to do intensive, in-depth work in a specific topic in International Legal Studies or International Water Resources Law, normally over a period of several years, should apply to one of the J.S.D. programs.
JSD - International Water Resources Law
A student is eligible for graduation upon the successful completion of the following requirements:
- Completion of 12 units and a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 during the residency period.
- Successful presentation of the dissertation proposal.
- Earning at least 8 units through enrollment as a JSD candidate.
- Successful defense of the dissertation.
JSD - International Legal Studies
A student is eligible for graduation upon successful completion of the following requirements:
- Completion of 12 units and a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 during the residency period.
- Successful presentation of the dissertation proposal.
- Earning at least 8 units through enrollment as a JSD candidate.
- Successful defense of the dissertation.
Full-Time and Part-Time Status
During the residency period:
- Full Time: 4 or more units per semester and 2 or more units per summer
- Half Time: 2 to 3 units per semester and 1 unit per summer
During the candidacy period:
- Full Time: 2 or more units per semester and 2 or more units per summer
- Half Time: 1 unit per semester and 1 unit per summer
Questions?
Contact the Graduate & International Programs Office
Email |916.739.7019
Faculty Directory
Jill Baxter, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., University of Utah, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Kathleen Benton, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Dan Bernstein, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., State University of New York at Buffalo, J.D., McGeorge School of Law
Aaron Brieno, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Chapman University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Arielle Brown, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Howard University, J.D., University of San Francisco, School of Law
Melissa Brown, Clinical Professor of Law, B.A., California State University, Chico, J.D., Loyola of Los Angeles
Cathy Christian, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., UC Berkeley, J.D., Golden Gate University School of Law
Tom Cinti, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., University of Scranton, M.S., Harvard School of Public Health, J.D., Rutgers School of Law
Ederlina Co, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, B.A., University of California, Berkeley
Michael Colatrella Jr., Dean, Professor of Law, B.A., Rutgers University, J.D., Seton Hall University, LL.M., New York University
Carmen-Nicole Cox, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Fisk University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Daniel Croxall, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.A., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, M.A., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Omar Dajani, Professor of Law, Co-Director, McGeorge Global Center for Business and Development, Co-Director, International Certificate of Concentration, B.A., Northwestern University, J.D., Yale Law School
Steve Duvernay, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., Notre Dame Law School
Kathleen Friedrich, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Santa Clara University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Franklin Gevurtz, Distinguished Professor of Law, B.S., University of California, Los Angeles, J.D., University of California, Berkeley
Jessica Gosney, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., UC Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Jennifer Harder, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, Faculty Director for Online Learning, B.A., University of California, Davis, J.D., University of California, Davis, School of Law
Lindsay Harrington, Assistant Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.A., University of California, Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Keith Hill, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., California State University, Sacramento, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Ronie Hochbaum, Assistant Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.S., Cornell University, J.D., Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Paul Howard, Head of Faculty Services and International Research, B.A., California State University, Northridge, J.D., Loyola Law School, M.L.S., Indiana University
Leslie Gielow Jacobs, Director, Capital Center for Law & Policy, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Professor of Law, B.A., Wesleyan University, J.D., University of Michigan
Warren Jones, Professor of Law Emeritus, B.A., California State University, San Jose, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Charles Kaye-Essien, Associate Professor of Public Policy, B.S., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, M.A., Ruhr University, M.P.A., University of Western Cape, Ph.D., University of Louisville
J. Clark Kelso, Professor of Law, B.A., University of Illinois, J.D., Columbia University
Robin Klomparens, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A./B.S., University of Florida, J.D., University of Miami, LL.M., University of Miami
Stephen Kroes, Adjunct Professor of Public Policy, B.S., Brigham Young University, M.P.A., University of Southern California
Clemence Kucera, Assistant Dean for the Graduate, Online and International Programs, LLB, Paris II, Pantheon-Assas Education, LL.M., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Nicole Kuenzi, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Tulane University, J.D., Yale Law School
Harjot Lasher, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State University Stanislaus, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Simon LeBleu, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.S., California State University, Sacramento, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, LL.M., University of San Francisco School of Law
Lawrence Levine, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Professor of Law, B.A., Allegheny College, J.D., University of California, Hastings
Alyssa Mack, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Williams College, J.D. New York University
Andrew Majeske, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., John Carroll University, Ph.D., University of California Davis, J.D., Loyola University of Chicago, M.A., Duquesne University
Michael Malloy, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Law, B.A., Georgetown University, J.D., University of Pennsylvania, Ph.D., Georgetown University
Amber Maltbie, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Mills College, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Christine Manolakas, Professor of Law, Director, Tax and Business Certificates of Concentration, B.A., University of Southern California, J.D., Loyola University, Los Angeles, LL.M. (Taxation) New York University
Stephen McCaffrey, Carol Olson Endowed Professor of International Law, 2018 Distinguished Elisabeth Haub Award Environmental Law and Diplomacy Laureate, 2017 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate, B.A., University of Colorado, J.D., University of California, Berkeley, Dr. iur., University of Cologne, Germany
Christopher Micheli, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Michael Mireles, Professor of Law, Director, Intellectual Property Certificate of Concentration, B.S., University of Maryland, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, LL.M. (Intellectual Property Law) George Washington University Law School
Robert Miyashiro, Adjunct Professor of Public Policy, B.A., Harvard University, M.P.P., University of California, Berkeley
Francis J. Mootz III, Professor of Law, B.A., History, University of Notre Dame, J.D., Duke University School of Law, A.M., Philosophy, Duke University Graduate School
Mary-Beth Moylan, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.A., Oberlin College, J.D., Case Western Reserve University
Erin O'Neal, Visiting Professor of Law, Director, Capital Lawyering Concentration, B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, J.D., Stanford Law School
Blake Nordahl, Clinical Professor of Law, Supervising Attorney, Immigration Clinic, B.A., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., University of California, Davis, School of Law
Katie Nystrom, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Marcie Paolinelli, Director of Public Policy Programs, Professor of Public Administration, B.A., University of California, Davis, M.P.A., D.P.A., University of Southern California
Jeffrey Proske, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Experiential Learning, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.A., University of Kansas, J.D., Boston University
Romy Rahmanian, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, J.D., Southwestern Law School
Reza Rezvani, Assistant Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.S. Binghamton University, J.D., Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
Jake Rios, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Stanford University, J.D., University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law
Tara Rojas, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., St. Mary's College of California, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Rachael Salcido, Professor of Law, Director, Environmental Certificate of Concentration, B.A., J.D., University of California, Davis
Richard Schickele, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Whitman College, M.A., George Washington University, J.D., University of California, Berkeley
Monica Sharum, Head of Library Technology & Instructional Support, B.S., University of Wyoming, J.D., University of Wyoming, M.L.S., Indiana University
Erich Shiners, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California State University, Davis, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Michael Hunter Schwartz, Professor of Law, A.B., University of California, Berkeley, J.D., UC Hastings College of the Law
Keith Smith, Associate Professor, Political Science and affiliate faculty in Public Policy Programs, B.A., Pepperdine University, M.P.M., University of Maryland, M.A., University of California Berkeley, Ph.D., University of California Berkeley
Laura Enderton Speed, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., San Jose State University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Jennifer Spore, Adjunct Professor Public Policy, M.P.A., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Ph.D., University of California, Davis
Hon. Myrlys Stockdale-Coleman, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Howard University, J.D., Lincoln Law School, Sacramento
Dena Stone, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., California Polytechnic State University, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Ray Tamaddon, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., Bowdoin College, J.D., Boston University, School of Law
Edward Telfeyan, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, Director, Moot Court Program, Co-Director of the Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, B.A., Gettysburg College, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Stephanie Thompson, Professor of Law, Legal Practice, B.A., University of California, Davis, J.D., Georgetown University Law Center
Colleen Truden, Lecturer in Law, Director, Externship Program, B.A., Taylor University, J.D., Valparaiso University School of Law, L.L.M., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Michael Vitiello, Distinguished Professor of Law, B.A., Swarthmore College, J.D., University of Pennsylvania
Glenn Wichinsky, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of Miami, J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Jason Willis, Clinical Professor of Public Administration, Director of the Transformational Change Partnership, B.A., Catholic University of America, M.A., Teachers College Columbia University
James Wirrell, Associate Dean for Library Services, B.A., Simon Fraser University, M.C.S., Regent College, LL.B., University of British Columbia, J.D., M.S.L.I.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jarrod Wong, Professor of Law, Co-Director, McGeorge Global Center for Business and Development, Director, International Certificate of Concentration, B.A., Cambridge University, LL.M., University of Chicago, J.D., University of California, Berkeley
Claudia Wrazel, Adjunct Professor of Law, B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, J.D., Gould School of Law, USC
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and understand key concepts in substantive law, legal theory, and procedure in international law context;
- Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to perform competent legal analysis, reasoning, and problem solving of a particular matter;
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct international legal research;
- Demonstrate written communication skills.
Residency Period (For Both JSD Programs)
Students are expected to be in residence at McGeorge for at least two semesters, though they may extend their residency by up to two semesters in order to take additional courses and/or if they need additional time to prepare their Dissertation Proposal. The principal purpose of Residency is the preparation of the Dissertation Proposal, in consultation with the student’s adviser.
Students are required to take the following courses during their residency:
- Fall Semester: Writing for Publication; Directed Research.
- Spring Semester: Writing for Publication; Directed Research.
- Public International Law (a requirement that may be waived by the Assistant Dean or Director of International Programs if the student has successfully completed the course elsewhere or if it lacks relevance to their proposed research topic).
- Electives, as discussed and approved by the Faculty Supervisor.
By the conclusion of the Fall Semester of their residency, JSD students must submit a draft of their research question and literature review to their faculty adviser and Writing for Publication professor.
At the conclusion of their residency, and in order to become JSD candidates, students must submit their Dissertation Proposal to their faculty adviser for approval and give an oral Presentation to a panel comprised of three faculty members. The Dissertation Proposal should include:
a concise statement of the research question; and
a literature review (revised based on feedback received from faculty adviser(s)); and
a précis of the anticipated dissertation; and
a bibliography.
The Dissertation Proposal should be at least 3500 words in length and should include citations in appropriate format.
If, in the judgment of a student’s faculty adviser, the Dissertation Proposal indicates that the student has the capacity to write a Dissertation that is of publishable quality and that makes a contribution to the literature, the student will be invited to present his or her Dissertation Proposal. The student’s Presentation should be around 30 minutes in length and should include visual aids (such as PowerPoint slides). The faculty panel and audience members will have 30 minutes to ask questions, make comments, and offer suggestions. Following the presentation, unless the faculty panel determines that more work on the proposal is required, the student will be admitted to candidacy, assuming the students has completed the course work and received the GPA necessary as described above. The next step in the doctoral process.
Candidacy Period (For Both Programs)
JSD candidates may take up to 3 years to submit their Dissertation, though the period of candidacy may be extended if the student receives written permission from the Director of International Programs and his or her faculty adviser. During the course of writing the Dissertation, candidates are expected to remain in regular touch with their adviser(s). They are also expected to submit preliminary drafts for feedback prior to submitting a final draft. The Dissertation is expected to be “book-length” — i.e., around 200 pages (55,000 words). If, in the judgment of a candidate’s faculty adviser, the Dissertation is of publishable quality and makes a contribution to the literature, the candidate will be invited to defend it before a Dissertation Committee comprised of three faculty members selected by the faculty adviser in consultation with the candidate and ideally chaired by an outside expert in the field. The Dissertation defense, including questions, comments and suggestions by the Committee, normally lasts one hour. At the conclusion of the defense the Dissertation Committee retires to consider whether to approve of the Dissertation. The JSD degree will be awarded to the candidate if the Dissertation Committee concludes that the Dissertation is of publishable quality and makes a contribution to the literature. The Dissertation Committee may condition its approval of the Dissertation upon specified modifications.
