Ph.D. in Law and Economics
Vanderbilt Law School's Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics is unlike any other. Dual-degree students pursue a J.D. and a Ph.D. concurrently in a fully integrated curriculum that combines economic theory and methodology with the study of law. The program is designed so that students complete both degrees in just
Vanderbilt Law School’s Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics is unlike any other. Dual-degree students pursue a J.D. and a Ph.D. concurrently in a fully integrated curriculum that combines economic theory and methodology with the study of law.
Vanderbilt Law School's Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics is unlike any other. Dual-degree students pursue a J.D. and a Ph.D. concurrently in a fully integrated curriculum that combines economic theory and methodology with the study of law. The program is designed so that students complete both degrees in just 6 years. Admitted students receive afull funding package, including tuition for both degrees and a competitive annual stipend, for each year of study.
Program students pursue policy-relevant research within three primary research fields: behavioral law and economics, labor markets and human resources, and risk and environmental regulation.
Program graduates hold tenured and tenure-track academic positions in areas such as law, economics, and policy, as well as positions in government, industry, legal practice, and consulting.
The Law & Economics Seminar Series brings scholars from around the world to Vanderbilt to present research spanning a variety of fields. The program also hosts the biennial Frontiers in Law and Economics conference.
Executive Summary
Vanderbilt Law School's Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics offers a unique, fully integrated curriculum that combines economic theory and methodology with the study of law, allowing dual-degree students to complete both a J.D. and a Ph.D. in just 6 years. The program is designed to produce graduates who can pursue policy-relevant research and hold academic and professional positions in law, economics, and policy. With full funding packages and a competitive annual stipend, the program attracts top talent and provides a comprehensive education in law and economics.
Key Points
- ▸ Dual-degree program combining J.D. and Ph.D. in Law and Economics
- ▸ Fully integrated curriculum with economic theory and methodology
- ▸ Program completion in 6 years with full funding package
Merits
Interdisciplinary Approach
The program's integration of law and economics provides a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of these two fields, preparing graduates for a wide range of academic and professional opportunities.
Full Funding Package
The program's full funding package, including tuition and a competitive annual stipend, allows students to focus on their studies without financial burden.
Demerits
Limited Specialization
The program's focus on three primary research fields may limit students' ability to specialize in other areas of law and economics.
Intensity of Program
The program's 6-year completion timeline and fully integrated curriculum may be demanding for some students, potentially limiting their ability to pursue other interests or opportunities.
Expert Commentary
Vanderbilt Law School's Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics represents a significant innovation in legal education, one that has the potential to produce graduates who are uniquely equipped to navigate the complex intersections of law and economics. By combining a J.D. and a Ph.D. in a fully integrated curriculum, the program provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for a wide range of academic and professional opportunities. The program's focus on policy-relevant research and its commitment to full funding packages also demonstrate a strong commitment to producing graduates who can make a meaningful contribution to the fields of law, economics, and policy.
Recommendations
- ✓ Law schools and universities should consider developing similar interdisciplinary programs that combine law and economics, or other fields, to provide students with a more comprehensive education.
- ✓ The program's focus on policy-relevant research should be replicated in other fields, such as business and public policy, to produce graduates who can apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
