Applicants to the SJD program must identify the field or fields in which they intend to concentrate their research. The fields are intended to ensure that the student acquires in-depth knowledge in a variety of areas related to the dissertation topic, and thus develops mature and reflective perspectives on that topic. Students admitted to the SJD program must earn a minimum of 8 units and spend at least two semesters in residency. Each student's program of study must be approved by the committee on advanced international legal studies in consultation with the dissertation supervisor. Each SJD student will work closely with the dissertation supervisor during the residency period. At the end of the second semester in residence, the student must present a selected bibliography, a detailed outline, and a draft chapter of the dissertation, as well as pass a qualifying oral examination. Students who successfully complete these tasks will be advanced to candidacy. The SJD candidate is expected to work closely with the members of the dissertation committee during the candidacy period and must present a final dissertation in publishable form no later than four years after advancing to candidacy.

A complete SJD program application consists of the following: Completed and signed Application Form; Research Statement; Resume or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.); Writing Sample Character and Fitness Addendum (if applicable); Letters of Recommendation; Law School Transcripts (translated if not in English); Interview (if applicable); and Non-US applicants must submit additional documents Applicants who received their degrees outside the United States must satisfy the Admissions Committee of the proficiency of their English language abilities. An official TOEFL score report sent directly from the Education Testing Service (ETS) to the appropriate program at GGU Law satisfies this requirement.