Program Overview

Legal Studies Program

The legal studies program at UMass Amherst is the oldest undergraduate law and society major in the country and the only one offered at a public university in New England. The major offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of law and society within a liberal arts framework.

Program Overview

Students explore the many ways in which law relates to other disciplines pertinent to an understanding of society. Most legal studies classes are limited to 25 students, allowing for regular interaction with faculty on honors theses, internships, and undergraduate research projects. Through these experiences, students refine their critical thinking, conflict resolution, and communication skills.

Benefits and Opportunities

The program offers a robust internship program, including a popular judicial internship, and sustains a strong tradition in undergraduate Capstone honors research and writing. While many students pursue law school, others go into careers in mediation, court administration, government, law enforcement, public interest, business, and more.

Faculty and Research

The faculty are internationally recognized researchers with expertise in areas like human trafficking, judicial decision making, immigration, legal policymaking, alternative dispute resolution, the right to privacy, transitional justice, and more. Students have the opportunity to work closely with top faculty to explore the intricacies of law in American, foreign, and international contexts.

Tuition Reduction

The legal studies program is part of the New England Regional Student Program (NERSP), which may provide a tuition reduction for undergraduates from six New England states enrolled in legal studies programs.

Degree Options

• Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
• Legal Studies Letter of Specialization

Research Areas

Faculty research areas include:

• Human trafficking
• Judicial decision making
• Immigration
• Legal policymaking
• Alternative dispute resolution
• The right to privacy
• Transitional justice
• And more

News and Highlights

Recent research and news highlights include:

• Grants supporting undergraduate research experiences
• Faculty discussions on SCOTUS rulings and presidential elections
• Interviews on the benefits of Massachusetts drug courts

Program Location

The UMass Amherst Legal Studies program is now part of the SBS School of Public Policy, a growing school that is home to public policy and affairs programs, as well as the Data Analytics and Computational Social Sciences program.