Program Overview

Learn to Make a Case

Law governs our society, from the sublime principles in the U.S. Constitution through the regulations that govern the food we eat and the water we drink. But with laws, also come disputes.

Today, there are forms of dispute resolution that didn’t exist years ago. To further complicate things, globalization is blurring the lines between national and international law. Legal policy is going to shape the future. The goal of our legal studies programs is to prepare you for every success in it.

Make the program uniquely yours.
Your program is flexible and interdisciplinary.

•     You can combine your legal studies with programs in other areas such as criminal justice, business, accounting, political science, psychology, or global studies.
•     A two-semester internship in your final year lets you back up your classroom learning with on-the-job experience, which opens up more employment doors for you.
•     Want to see the world? An international track lets you study for a semester abroad to satisfy concentration requirements.

The legal studies major provides students with an understanding of fundamental principles of law and analyzes the role and function of the American legal system within a societal and political context. The interdisciplinary course of study develops critical thinking and writing skills and prepares students for law-related careers, law school, or graduate school. Three concentration options allow students to focus on particular career aspirations and interests.

The legal studies international track provides an opportunity for students to study abroad for a semester, expanding their experience and knowledge of global legal and policy issues, while directly furthering requirements for their bachelor's degree. In partnership with universities in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Australia, legal studies students with a minimum 3.0 GPA may study abroad in either the spring semester of their sophomore year or fall semester of their junior year.

A two-semester internship in the final year of study combines classroom learning with on-the-job experience, enhancing employment opportunities after graduation. Placements are geared to the student's area of concentration.

Students earning a B.S. degree in legal studies must complete at least 124 credits, including the University Core Curriculum, major requirements, concentration requirements, and free electives.

Paralegal Studies
This concentration is designed to prepare students for careers as paralegals in private law firms, government agencies, or corporations. A paralegal performs specifically delegated substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney who is responsible for the paralegal’s work. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Graduates may also pursue careers in law-related areas of the insurance industry, banking and securities, businesses, non-profit agencies, or in federal, state, or local governments. Concentration electives allow students to focus on areas such as investigations, criminal law, general civil law, or law and financial issues. As part of a high-quality liberal arts education, the concentration also enables students to pursue broad career opportunities or graduate school. Development of critical thinking, research, and writing abilities is emphasized, along with practical paralegal skills.