Legal Studies

Welcome to the Legal Studies Program at UMass! We are the oldest undergraduate law and society major in the country and the only one offered at a public university in New England. Students majoring in Legal Studies are exposed to a wide array of courses that focus on the interrelationship between law, politics, and society in American, foreign, and international contexts. Our faculty are some of the best teachers and researchers in the nation and are experts on areas like human trafficking, judicial decision making, immigration, legal policymaking, alternative dispute resolution, the right to privacy, transitional justice, and many others.

Undergraduate program options include a Bachelor’s degree and letters of specialization.

Scholarship Spotlight: Internship Opportunity in Legal Studies

Published on February 22, 2022

John W. Lederle Endowed Student Internship Fund in Public and Non-Profit Service Scholarship is for selected undergraduate or graduate students who would benefit from practical internship experience with local, state, and national government or non-profit agencies. First generation college students, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, …

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
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Legal Studies Scholarships & Awards are OPEN!

Published on February 15, 2022

Our spring scholarship cycle is open and there are multiple opportunities that support high-impact learning like research or internships. There are also opportunities to help with financial need and to recognize academic achievement.

Most applications close on March 25th so …

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
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The Washington Center (DC) Internship Program: Info Session & Drop-In

Published on February 7, 2022

The Washington Center (DC) Internship Program will be on-campus Wednesday, February 9th.

An informational session will be held from 12:15pm – 1pm in Goodell 615 (in person).

Drop-in visits are welcome between 10am-12 noon or 2pm-4 pm in Goodell 508.

Learn …

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
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Featured Alumni

Melissa James’10 Journalism, Legal Studies

Alumni
  • Boston, MA
  • Founder & CEO The Tech-Connection
Meet Melissa >

Annaly Monteiro-Serena’19, Legal Studies

Alumni
  • Boston, MA
  • AmeriCorps Legal Advocate Cambridge & Somerville Legal Services
Meet Annaly >

Gil Kim’23, Legal Studies

Alumni
  • English Teacher EPIK (English Program in Korea)
Meet Gil >

Gabriella Galluzzo’23 Legal Studies

Alumni
  • New York
  • Paralegal Slater Slater Schulman LLP
Meet Gabriella >
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Featured Resources

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Skill-Building With Linkedin Learning Classes

See below for skill-building classes – visit LinkedIn Learning for more.

Learning Data Science: Understanding the Basics

Taught by Doug Rose
Many of the people who work on data science teams won’t be data scientists. They’ll be the managers and associates…
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Relevant Courses

SBS College to Careers – SOCBEHAV 250

SOCBEHAV 250: College to Careers This class is all about YOU. • One credit, highly-participatory course • Learn about yourself…
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Research Opportunities

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Explore Outcomes

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2023 was 80%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Starting Salary
  • Job Titles
  • Employment Locations
  • Top Universities
  • Degree Types
  • Fields of Study

First Destination

SBS graduates pursue a range of plans after graduation, including employment, continuing education, and volunteering/service, among others.  This graph depicts what recent SBS graduates tell us they are doing within six months after graduation.