Legal Studies

The Legal Studies minor offers students a unique opportunity to explore the legal system and the role of law in society from an interdisciplinary perspective. This minor is designed for students who are interested in learning about the law, the various facets of the legal system, the role of law in society, and how law shapes and is shaped by historical, political, economic, and social forces.

The Legal Studies minor offers students:

a law-centered curriculum for students in majors across disciplines
an understanding and appreciation for an interdisciplinary approach toward understanding the law
a curriculum that establishes a framework for understanding and engaging society as an educated and responsible citizen
a solid foundation for students who will be pursuing careers and graduate study in law and law related fields

Students in the minor will achieve the following learning outcomes:

Identify and understand key concepts and terminology relevant to the law
Demonstrate analytical and critical-thinking skills appropriate to the study of the law, its institutions, and legal issues
Analyze the law, its institutions, and legal problems from an interdisciplinary perspective, such as their social, economic, and theoretical influences and impacts

For a full list of requirements, visit the Legal Studies Tracking Sheet.

A minor must be completed at the time of the degree and will be so noted in the student’s transcript.

A student cannot be readmitted to the University to complete only a minor. To declare a Legal Studies minor, a student must be a degree candidate who has earned at least 24 credits, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a minimum 2.5 grade point average in the major.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Enrollment in the 3+3 joint degree program with UMass Law offers an accelerated pathway to an undergraduate and law degree, enabling qualifying students to substitute the first year of law school for the final year of their undergraduate program, thereby earning both a bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and a Juris Doctor from UMass Law in six rather than seven years.

Student success

Efe Oboh-Idahosa '23: Interning for the U.S. Senate

Political science major completes highly coveted internship in M.A. Senator Elizabeth Warren's office.

UMassD advantages

3+3 Law degree: UMass Law’s accelerated program allows you to receive both an undergraduate degree and a law degree in 6 rather than 7 years. In your fourth year, you would matriculate at UMass Law as a first-year law student.