BA Legal Studies

Understand the role of law in society. At UMass Amherst, legal studies is an education about law, whereas law school is education in law. Students in the legal studies program have the opportunity to specialize in international law, conflict resolution, constitutional law, data analytics for politics, policy, or law and social justice. The opportunity is also available to conduct hands-on, one-on-one research with leading faculty, which can be an invaluable asset in their future career search. Graduates of the legal studies program go on to law school, and also to careers in government and nonprofit agencies, as mental health advocates, legislative aides, mediators, and teachers.

Understand the role of law in society. At UMass Amherst, legal studies is an education about law, whereas law school is education in law. Students in the legal studies program have the opportunity to specialize in international law, conflict resolution, constitutional law, data analytics for politics, policy, or law and social justice. The opportunity is also available to conduct hands-on, one-on-one research with leading faculty, which can be an invaluable asset in their future career search. Graduates of the legal studies program go on to law school, and also to careers in government and nonprofit agencies, as mental health advocates, legislative aides, mediators, and teachers.