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.

The ABCs of Resilience with Ginny Chandler: UMass Dignity and Respect in Action, The Podcast

Published on September 13, 2021

Dr. Genevieve “Ginny” Chandler’s research and work focuses on resilience, which she defines as “recognizing your internal and external supports to manage stress.” She joins UMass Dignity and Respect in Action to talk about her concept of resilience and how …

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
Send Email
Read more

Why you should apply to SBS in DC

Published on September 9, 2021

This past summer, I had the privilege of participating in the 2021 “SBS in DC” program, completing a Communications and Policy Internship at the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.

Before flying down to D.C. and beginning my internship, I had …

By Irina Costache
Irina Costache Program Fellow
Send Email
Read more

14 Great Jobs for College Students That Give You “Real World” Skills

Published on August 23, 2021

There’s a lot going on during your undergraduate years—and not all of it is directly tied to your future career. But at least part of going to college is about getting the skills you need to land your first job …

Read more

Sidebar

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 >
View All People

Featured Resources

View More

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…
Learn More
View All Classes

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…
Learn More
View All Courses

Research Opportunities

View More

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.