The Legal Studies concentration focuses on society's responses to criminal behavior. Specifically, this concentration explores the origins of law from a variety of disciplines and it looks at the criminal justice system (police, courts and corrections) as the legally appointed agencies to deal with crime and the criminal. This concentration also explores the processes (political and social) by which the label "criminal" is applied to human behavior.

A Legal Studies graduate must, in addition to possessing a good foundation of general knowledge and oral-written communication skills, be interested in people. Most careers in this area involve face-to-face contact which makes oral communication, listening and situation evaluation important. At the same time, careers in this area often involve writing reports and case notes.

Legal Studies students have entry-level career opportunities in a large number of social science, human service and criminal justice related programs. These include adult/juvenile probation and parole, public/private detention or confinement facilities and community based programs such as community service. In addition, this degree is a good choice for students seeking a career in the field of law or law enforcement, as well as for those going on for a graduate degree.

Students in this concentration are well-prepared to pursue graduate education in programs directly related to the law as well as others. The broad liberal arts foundation of the Sociology major, combined with the specific focus of the Legal Studies concentration provides a strong base of knowledge with which to commence graduate studies in a variety of fields. Examples of graduate programs include Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice.

2009-2010 Checksheets