Legal Studies

Program Director:
Donna Decker Morris
Associate Professor
J.D., Yale University

Introduction

From the principles in the U.S. Constitution to the regulation of the food we eat, law governs our soci­ety. With the impact of globalization as well as new forms of dispute resolution, legal policy will increasingly shape our future. Legal stud­ies is a unique and exciting undergraduate degree program designed to prepare graduates to be part of that future - and to help shape it.

Students select a program of study depending on interests and career goals.  Pre-law students planning to go to law school or students interested in graduate school in other areas choose either the public affairs or dispute resolution bachelor's degree concentrations.  Students interested in careers as paralegals choose one of the American Bar Association-approved options: the bachelor's degree concentration in paralegal studies, the associate's degree in legal studies, or the paralegal certificate program. 

Unique Features

• Interdisciplinary program prepares students for graduate school, law school, or for law-related careers.
• Flexible program allows students to combine legal studies with other specialized programs such as criminal justice, business, accounting, political science, psychology, or global studies.
• A two-semester internship in the final year of study combines classroom learning with on-the-job experience, enhancing employment opportunities. 
• An international track allows students to study for a semester abroad to satisfy concentration requirements.
• Outstanding faculty teaching in areas of expertise.