Program Overview

Introduction to the Legal Studies Program

The Legal Studies program at the University of Waterloo is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its impact on society. This program is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in law, government, business, or the non-profit sector.

Program Overview

The Legal Studies program is offered as a Bachelor of Arts degree, with the option to pursue a co-op or regular system of study. The program is designed to provide students with a broad perspective on the law, including its historical, philosophical, and social contexts. Students will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of the law, including:

• The impact of law on society
• The origins of legal systems
• The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Issues such as crime, deviance, punishment, and restorative justice

Program Structure

The Legal Studies program is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of law, as well as the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest. The program consists of:

• 40% of classes in Legal Studies
• Remaining classes in electives from over 100 subject areas

First-Year Courses

In the first year, students will take a combination of core courses, including:

• LS 101 – Introduction to Legal Studies
• SOC 101 – Introduction to Sociology
• ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
• Prospective major #2
• Elective

Sample Upper-Year Courses

In the upper years, students can choose from a variety of courses, including:

• LS 201 – Women and the Law
• LS 273 – Children’s Rights in Canada
• LS 227 – Criminology
• LS 326 – Punishment and Society
• LS 461 – Transnational Organized Crime

Co-op Program

The co-op program in Legal Studies provides students with the opportunity to gain relevant paid work experience in law firms, government offices, business, technology companies, and more. The co-op program is designed to:

• Alternate between school terms and paid co-op work terms
• Provide students with the opportunity to explore new career areas and types of employers
• Integrate classroom learning with real-world experience

Sample Co-op Job Titles

Some sample co-op job titles include:

• Legal assistant
• Law clerk
• Business analyst
• Legal office assistant
• Project administrator
• Marketing associate

Admissions

Admission to the Legal Studies program requires:

• Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)
• Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Legal Studies program can pursue a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Law firms
• Human resources
• Management
• Legal departments of companies and businesses
• Security services
• Retail
• Education

Some recent graduates have gone on to work as:

• Legal Administrative Assistant — McCarthy Tetrault
• Economist — Ministry of Finance, Ontario
• Analyst — Canadian Armed Forces
• Human Resource Specialist — Qvella
• Business Development Representative — Rothmans
• Project Manager — Manulife Financial
• Accommodations Consultant — Prica Global

Faculty and Research

The Faculty of Arts at the University of Waterloo is home to a diverse range of researchers and scholars who are dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of Legal Studies. The faculty is committed to providing students with a rich and engaging learning environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.

Conclusion

The Legal Studies program at the University of Waterloo provides students with a comprehensive education in the principles of law and its impact on society. With a strong focus on experiential learning, research, and community engagement, this program is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in law, government, business, or the non-profit sector.