Law, Science and Technology Stanford University

Overview

The Law, Science and Technology programme at Stanford University offers an intensive academic experience for legal professionals seeking to master the intersection of law and innovation. This advanced degree focuses on the legal frameworks governing cyberspace, health sciences, and high-technology start-up environments.

Students must complete between 35 and 45 credit units during their nine-month residency to satisfy the graduation requirements. The curriculum is highly personalised, allowing each individual to develop a bespoke course of study under the guidance of the programme director to meet specific professional goals.

The academic journey begins with a mandatory intensive course in American Law, which introduces internationally trained students to U.S. judicial opinions and legal institutions.

Why Law, Science and Technology at Stanford University?

This programme leverages its prime location in the heart of Silicon Valley to provide students with unparalleled access to the cutting edge of the global tech economy. Participants benefit from a close-knit community that integrates renowned faculty experts with practitioners from the world's leading technology firms.

The institution hosts several specialised research hubs, including the Center for Internet and Society and the Center for Law and the Biosciences. These centres offer a neutral forum for scholars and policy makers to explore emerging issues in electronic commerce, privacy, and scientific inquiry.

Students are encouraged to participate in multidisciplinary laboratories like CodeX, which focuses on legal informatics. The programme also maintains strong ties with other university departments, including the Schools of Engineering and Medicine, to foster a truly interdisciplinary learning environment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 25818 per semester
• National fee: USD 25818 per semester
• Local fee: USD 24825 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum includes a mandatory weekly colloquium featuring guest speakers and faculty research presentations. Modules may include:

• American Law
• Law, Science, and Technology Colloquium
• Technology as a Business Asset
• Venture Capital
• Antitrust
• Business of Intellectual Property
• Entertainment Law
• Intellectual Property and Antitrust Law
• Trademarks and Unfair Competition Law
• Copyright
• Patents
• International Intellectual Property Law
• International Trade: WTO
• Intellectual Property
• Communications Law
• Cyberlaw Clinic
• Law and Virtual Worlds
• Law of Open Source
• Biotechnology Law and Policy
• Bioethics
• FDA's Regulation of Health Care
• Genetics and Law
• Health Law and Policy
• Biosciences

Careers with Law, Science and Technology

Graduates are prepared for high-level roles within the private sector, particularly in venture capital, intellectual property litigation, and technology start-ups. The programme equips international lawyers with the skills necessary to navigate the legal complexities of the global information economy.

Many alumni pursue careers as legal advisors for biotechnology firms, e-commerce platforms, and international trade organisations. The rigorous training in interdisciplinary analysis also supports paths in academia and public policy, focusing on the regulation of emerging technologies and health sciences.