The interdisciplinary Legal Studies Program explores how laws are made and enforced, the philosophical and moral questions behind them, and how laws impact our daily lives. Our program was one of the first undergraduate law and justice programs in the country and remains among the largest programs of its kind within the University of California system. Our major provides in-depth perspectives on legal issues and frameworks in the US and around the world, and offers a broad academic platform for careers or advanced studies in various fields.
Academics
Legal studies major
A Bachelor of Arts degree in legal studies prepares students for future careers as attorneys, nonprofit directors, policymakers, educators, social workers, and more. The program’s interdisciplinary nature and hands-on learning opportunities help students delve deep into issues they’re passionate about while building a well-rounded and versatile academic foundation.
Legal studies minor
Adding a minor in legal studies helps students build interdisciplinary understanding of legal topics to complement their learning in other majors. Our minor offers students a great deal of flexibility in selecting their courses, including from our many cross-listed and pre-approved upper division elective courses that span departments and divisions.
Faculty
Our core and affiliated faculty include award-winning scholars and award-winning teachers. Some of them were first-generation college graduates; some also hold multiple advanced degrees. They all bring their rich experiences to their research and teaching.
Our lecturers also add another layer of valuable expertise to our program. They include current and former government officials and leaders of local non-governmental organizations.
Research
Legal Studies Program faculty are working to shed new light on the development, theory, application, and impacts of law in the United States and around the world.
Faculty and lecturers affiliated with our program have authored a number of award-winning books and journal publications that both challenge and advance legal thinking across the depth and breadth of the field. Our research often explores topics related to legal theory, the interconnections between law and society, American political development, and comparative, global, and international law.
