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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Law BA
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 Return to: Majors and Combined Degrees
If you enjoy analyzing arguments, like to think critically, and are interested in things like justice, social order and rights, this major might be for you. As a law major, you can get the lifelong benefits of studying the law (including some fascinating career opportunities) without the commitment of going to law school. It’s the perfect major for students who are interested in how law impacts our lives, but don’t necessarily want to be an attorney.
Visit the Law 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 School of Law page for contact information, a brief overview of the school and the curricular options.
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Admission Requirements
- Minimum overall and UB GPA of 2.000.
- Minimum grade of C (2.000) required in any Law BA core courses already taken (LAW 101; LAW 201; LAW 202; and LAW 301 or LAW 302).
Current UB students seeking admission to the Law BA should submit the Major/Minor Change Request Form.
Three Intermediate Law courses (9 credits)
Two Advanced Law Seminars (6 credits minimum)
One Critical Reasoning Methods course (3-4 credits)
One Problems and Issues course (3 credits)
One Systems and Contexts course (3 credits)
Two Subject Focus courses* (6 credits)
Select two Subject Focus courses from the following list OR* one course from Subject Focus and one course from Critical Reasoning Methods, Problems and Issues or Systems and Contexts:
Notes
* LAW 495 can only count once towards the major or minor.
The Law BA does not restrict coursework shared with other major, minor, or general education requirements. However, a single course cannot count towards more than one requirement within the Law BA, with the exception of LAW 402: Special Topics (if the sections cover different subjects).
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.
Academic Requirements
- Minimum Law BA GPA of 2.000. This includes all courses used by the major.
- Each Law BA core course (LAW 101; LAW 201; LAW 202; and LAW 301 or LAW 302) must be completed with a minimum grade of C (2.000).
Academic Review Policy
Students’ Academic Progress Reviewed by Academic Advisor(s) in January and June.
Law BA GPA at or Above 2.000 and Earned C or Above in Law BA Core Course(s) - Student in Good Standing in Law BA
Academic Warning
First Semester with Law BA GPA Below 2.000 and/or Earned Below C in Law BA Core Course(s) - Student Placed on Academic Warning in Law BA
Student has two semesters, including subsequent winter or summer, to improve their Law BA GPA and/or grade(s) in Law BA Core Courses to the minimum standards of the Law BA.
Academic Notice
Second, Subsequent Semester with Law BA GPA Below 2.000 and/or Earned Below C in Law BA Core Course(s) - Student Placed on Academic Notice in Law BA
Student has one semester, including subsequent winter or summer, to improve their Law BA GPA and/or grade(s) in Law BA Core Courses to the minimum standards of the Law BA.
Dismissal from Major
Third, Subsequent Semester with Law BA GPA Below 2.000 and/or Earned Below C in Law BA Core Course(s) - Student Dismissed from Law BA
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
Spring Semester
- Intermediate Law Course Credits: 3
- Scientific Literacy and Inquiry 2 Credits: 3
- Pathway Credits: 3
- Problems & Issues (select from 300/400 level) Credits: 3
- Elective Credits: 2
Total Credits: 14
YEAR 3
Fall Semester
- Systems and Contexts (select from 300/400 level) Credits: 3
- Intermediate Law Course Credits: 3
- Pathway Credits: 3
- Communication Literacy 2 Credits: 3
- Pathway Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15
Spring Semester
YEAR 4
Fall Semester
- Advanced Law Seminar Credits: 3
- Subject Focus Elective from list F Credits: 3
- Liberal Arts Elective (300/400 level) Credits: 3
- Liberal Arts Elective (300/400 level) Credits: 3
- Liberal Arts Elective (300/400 level) Credits: 3
Total Credits: 15
Spring Semester
- Subject Focus Elective from list F Credits: 3
- Liberal Arts Elective (300-400 level) Credits: 3
- Liberal Arts Elective (300-400 level) Credits: 3
- Liberal Arts Elective (300-400 level) Credits: 3
- Liberal Arts Elective (300-400 level) Credits: 1
Total Credits: 13
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 120
Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:
- Describe the structure and operation of the United States legal system, and its relationship to social and economic institutions.
- Recognize different conceptions of justice and of the social functions of law, and how to apply them in resolving disputes.
- Identify, define and explain fundamental concepts in public and private law.
- Conduct legal research to locate and assess both primary and secondary legal sources.
- Read, understand and interpret legal texts.
- Engage in legal reasoning, drawing on legal authority, doctrine and evidence.
- Communicate analysis and argument to diverse audiences, both in writing and orally.
- Recognize and be prepared to address cultural diversity in legal and policy settings.
(HEGIS: 49.03 HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCI, CIP: 45.0101 Social Sciences, General)
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Return to: Majors and Combined Degrees
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