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Nov 21, 2024
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Legal Studies BA
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What makes a law unjust? Which children are most at risk for becoming part of the juvenile justice system? What role has race played in the evolution of democracy? If these are the types of questions you like to ask (and answer), then legal studies might be the right program for you. This major is designed for students who prefer a broad, interdisciplinary approach to learning, and want the freedom to explore different topics throughout the social sciences.
Visit the Legal Studies academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.
Visit the Social Studies Interdisciplinary department page for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.
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Legal Studies Core (9 credits)
One Introductory Course (3 credits)
One Analytical Skills Course (3-4 credits)
One Advanced Course (3 credits)
Six Additional Advanced Courses (18 credits)
Students must take courses from at least two different departments in the Advanced Courses sections. PSC 301 /PSC 302 /PSC 303 may only be used once to satisfy an Advanced course requirement.
Two English Courses (6 credits)
Total Credits Required for Major: 42-43
Additional Degree Requirements Include:
- Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
- Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total
Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120
Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.
Notes
*Continuation in the major will be contingent on completing PSC 101 and HIS 161 or HIS 162 with a minimum grade of C in each
Academic Requirements
Students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.000 in the major. All courses taken by a student that are included in the Legal Studies curriculum will be used in calculation of the major GPA. For example, if a curriculum requires a student to select two courses from a particular section and the student completes three courses from that section, all three courses would be used to calculate a student’s major GPA. The Legal Studies major may not be combined with any other major to form a joint major. Students pursuing a double major may use a maximum of two advanced (300 or 400 level) courses towards both majors. For example a student completing a double major between Legal Studies and sociology may take only two advanced level sociology courses for completion of the Legal Studies major.
For students not continuously registered at UB or who are newly admitted transfer students, courses taken more than 10 years prior to the date of admission or readmission to the University may constitute no more than 20% of a major program in the Legal Studies major.
Transfer Credit Policy
At least 50 percent of coursework toward the major must be completed at UB. Courses taken more than 10 years prior to the date of admission to the University may constitute no more than 20% of a major program in the Legal Studies major.
Program Distinction
A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript. Curricular Plan
A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.
YEAR 1
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
YEAR 2
Fall Semester
- Analytical Skills Course Credits: 3
- Scientific Literacy 1 Credits: 3
- Pathway Credits: 3
- Pathway Credits: 3
- ENG 200/300/400 Level Elective Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15
Spring Semester
- ENG 300/400 level course Credits: 3
- Pathway Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
- Scientific Literacy 2 Credits: 3
- Scientific Lab Credits: 1
Total Credits: 16
YEAR 3
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
- Advanced Course Credits: 3
- Advanced Course Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15
YEAR 4
Fall Semester
- Advanced Course Credits: 3
- Advanced Course Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15
Spring Semester
- Advanced Course Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 3
Total Credits: 12
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 120
Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Legal Studies BA, students will:
- Understand the basic structures, functions, and principles of the American government and legal system.
- Describe fundamentals of the law and the legal system in the U.S. using historical, political, philosphical, and social perspectives.
- Explain the function of law in society; understand aspects of the role of law in regulating behavior, and the relation of law to politics, institutions, social structures, and social groups (e.g., race, gender, class).
- Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the US Constitution, the impact of the US Constitution on American law and life, the evolution of constitutional interpretation, and the role of the courts.
- Demonstrate understanding of the systems through which law is created, changed and administered; the institutions of the law and law as a social phenomenon: the law’s dynamic relationship with health, welfare, and the environment.
- Demonstrate writing and analytical skills associated with the evaluation of data and patterns of argument.
(HEGIS: 14.01 LAW- GENERAL, CIP: 22.0000 Legal Studies)
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