Get the knowledge and skills you need to enter a variety of law-related careers.
The Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies program provides coursework that builds your legal skills and knowledge. You will take legal studies courses as well as relevant courses from criminal justice; history; and policy, politics and international affairs. This 33-credit program offers a highly flexible and transfer-friendly curriculum that can be adapted to students’ individual interests.
With your bachelor’s degree, you will be well-prepared for a variety of law-related career options in:
- legal support
- court administration
- law-related nonprofits
- government contractor jobs
- other positions that require experience with law, regulations, and legal and administrative processes.
This program is also well-suited for students who plan to pursue law school or graduate school.
As part of your coursework, you have the option to participate in a variety of unique law-related internships, including the Court Navigator Program. This internship program—developed by UBalt in cooperation with the District Court of Maryland—allows student interns to directly assist unrepresented litigants in court with their legal cases (to the extent permitted by law).
Some sample Legal Studies courses include:
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American Legal History
A general survey of the development of American law from colonial times to the present. Emphasizes the importance of social change and political conflict in legal development. Topics include the reception of English law in the colonies, the establishment of the federal court system and the struggle to modernize American law in the 19th and 20th centuries. Coursework involves the analysis of original legal documents and materials.
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Criminal Law
An examination of the general and specific parts of the substantive criminal law in the United States, its development within historical an societal contexts, and its representation in statutory and case law. Consideration is given to problems of application and interpretation of the written law.
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Legal Foundations
In-depth exploration of the organization of the American legal system. Examines how law is organized as a field of knowledge and practice and how it functions as an instrument of government and arena of dispute resolution. Also considers the context of law and law's effectiveness in promoting justice and social policies.
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Public Policy Analysis
Students will gain a foundation in policy analysis -the process of creating, critically assessing and communicating information to determine which of various policy alternatives will best achieve agiven goal(s) within the American policy arena. Students will understand the policy process and analysis by: Defining, assessing, and describing public problems; Identifying policy goals and criteria to assess possible strategies; Crafting appropriate policy options by borrowing, adapting, and creating; Analyzing and predicting the effects of alternative policy options; and Communicating policy advice in written and oral presentations.
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The Trial Process
The procedural, evidentiary and strategic aspects of litigation. Introduces the basics of pleadings, discovery, motion practice, rules of evidence and trial techniques. Covers how court cases are initiated, prepared and tried. Includes participation in a mock trial.
Shorten your path to your master's degree.
The University of Baltimore offers an accelerated option that lets you take up to 9 graduate credits that "double count" toward both your B.A. in Legal Studies and the M.A. in Legal Studies—saving you time and money! Get a head start on your graduate degree while saving up to $9,000.
Contact Us
Justin Hollimon
program director
email: jhollimon@ubalt.edu | phone: 410.837. 4060
view Prof. Hollimon's faculty profile
Deidre Ferron
academic adviser
email: dferron@ubalt.edu | phone: 410.837.5023
Kelly Venable
academic adviser
email: kvenable@ubalt.edu | phone: 410.837.1929
For more information about undergraduate admission, please contact the Office of Admission at admission@ubalt.edu or 1.877.ApplyUB.