Overview

About the program

Research questions are best informed by a blended education that draws on the methodological and substantive traditions of communication, coupled with the doctrinal foundation, legal writing skills, and policy plus clinical training uniquely available through a legal education.

This Law and Communication program at Stanford University embodies the belief that many of the most pressing questions in both communication law and policy can be best answered by scholars who are able to draw on both traditions, and who would be situated to publish top scholarship, weigh in on policy debates, and potentially represent clients whose legal claims could benefit from the scholars’ expertise.

Programme Structure

Research topics include:

legal and normative First Amendment theories of speech and press
media and communications economy and policy issues
questions of the relationship between citizens and the state, especially regarding mass surveillance and big data
cultural and normative questions about the implications of the shift to the digital realm

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-05 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

135 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Communication Studies Legal Studies View 60 other PhDs in Legal Studies in United States

Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Stanford University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association, or an international equivalent.
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts (Academic Records)
Resume/CV
TOEFL score (if applicable)

Students interested in the joint degree program must apply and gain entrance separately to the School of Law and the Communication Ph.D. program, and, as an additional step, must secure permission from both academic units to pursue degrees in those units as part of a joint degree program.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

25440 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 12720 USD per semester during 60 months.
National

25440 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 12720 USD per semester during 60 months.
In-State

25440 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 12720 USD per semester during 60 months.

quarterly tuition
Stanford Law School tuition: $23,870 per quarter

Living costs for Stanford

1100 - 1600 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Law and Communication.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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