Pace University

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous doctrinal and theoretical study with comparative and interdisciplinary research methods. Early stages typically include coursework and seminars in jurisprudence, comparative law, international human rights law, gender and the law, and advanced research methods (qualitative, quantitative and doctrinal). Core themes covered by supervisors and optional modules commonly include gendered approaches to legal norms, migration and refugee law, international criminal law and sexual and reproductive rights, transnational family law, and comparative constitutional protections for gender equality.

After completing taught components and passing comprehensive examinations, students develop and defend a dissertation proposal and undertake sustained, original research leading to a doctoral thesis. The programme emphasises methodological pluralism, encouraging candidates to deploy comparative frameworks, feminist legal theory, socio‑legal fieldwork, archival and doctrinal analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches drawing on political science, sociology and area studies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong first degree and a postgraduate qualification in law or a related discipline (for example an LLM, JD, or a master’s in a social science or humanities subject) with evidence of research ability. A detailed research proposal outlining the intended doctoral project, a writing sample (such as a previous dissertation or a publishable article), curriculum vitae, and academic references are required. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an accepted English language qualification.

Successful candidates typically show clear research potential, familiarity with the literature in gender, international or comparative law, and a feasible plan for conducting sustained primary or comparative research. Admissions decisions take into account the fit between the applicant’s research topic and the availability of appropriate supervisory expertise.

Career prospects

• Academic careers: tenure‑track and teaching positions in law schools and interdisciplinary departments focusing on gender, human rights and comparative law.
• Research roles: positions in university research centres, think tanks and policy institutes conducting gendered or comparative legal research.
• International organisations and NGOs: legal and policy adviser roles with United Nations agencies, international NGOs and advocacy organisations working on gender equality, human rights, migration and transitional justice.
• Government and public policy: specialist posts drafting and evaluating legislation and policy related to gender, family law, equality law and international obligations.
• Legal practice and consultancy: specialist counsel or consultant roles in firms and boutiques advising on cross‑border human rights, family law and compliance with international standards.

Why study at Pace University

Pace’s law school offers an environment geared to applied and comparative legal research with the advantage of being located in the New York metropolitan area, which provides proximity to numerous international organisations, courts, and NGOs. The programme is structured to deliver close, faculty supervision and interdisciplinary collaboration across the university, enabling access to a broad range of methodological training and clinical experience. Small cohort sizes and personalised mentorship allow doctoral candidates to develop original, policy‑relevant research while benefiting from the law school’s library and research resources.

Students also gain practical exposure through clinics, externships and partnerships that complement academic work with real‑world legal practice and advocacy opportunities, preparing graduates for a range of scholarly and professional pathways in gender, international and comparative law.