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Legal Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts

Legal studies bachelor's degree in Minnesota
 

A legal studies major sets you on a path to the courtroom as a lawyer or paralegal, or a career in any field that requires an ability to navigate the legal system.

You’ll learn from scholars and legal practitioners, and you will:

  • Gain the critical thinking skills to analyze legal problems, and investigative skills to conduct legal research
  • Hone in on an area of interest, including applications of forensic psychology in law or investigating how legal systems affect systemic power structures, equity, and civil rights.

With hands-on learning and individual mentorship, you'll graduate ready to succeed in a courtroom, executive suite, or capitol building.

 

Three students walking on campus
Travis Matthews
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Learn how to think critically in the classroom and courtroom

The study of law is vast and complex, with niche areas of focus, and understanding it all can be challenging.

Travis Matthews '24, former Hamline Undergraduate Student Congress  (HUSC) and legal studies major, shares how Hamline's legal studies program helped shape his critical thinking and enabled him to pursue areas of law he was passionate about.

Legal studies program details

Student Research
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Internships
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Career Paths
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Grad School
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Opportunities for student research

Hamline legal studies majors participate in research with faculty as early as their first year, something usually reserved for graduate students at other institutions. 

The list of possible research projects is as varied as your interests. Picture yourself:

  • Presenting your research proposal to the Minnesota Supreme Court about improving access to affordable housing
  • Studying trends in immigration law that will affect new Americans
  • Untangling corporate law to advise entrepreneurs on how to make their businesses succeed

Learn more about undergraduate research at Hamline 

Internships for legal studies majors

We make sure you leave Hamline with work experience in the field of legal studies on your resume. The opportunities are boundless: Whether you're exploring a career in employment law, private practice, government, or other fields, we have internship opportunities for you.

Examples of past internships include:

  • Minnesota Alliance on Crime, public policy and victims’ rights intern
  • Governor’s Office of Minnesota, public engagement intern
  • HOME Line, tenant advocate
  • Robins Kaplan, LLP, paralegal

Explore career paths for legal studies majors

Our innovative courses and one-on-one faculty mentoring will give you the tools to succeed in a variety of jobs, such as:

  • Litigation support specialist
  • Administrative compliance specialist
  • Judicial administration assistant
  • Violence and assault program advocate

And you can explore careers in many different fields, such as:

  • Law firms and corporate legal offices
  • Public interest law
  • Court administration
  • Judiciary support
  • Human resources

Take your studies further with graduate school

Our graduates have gone on to graduate and law schools across the country in the pursuit of master’s degrees, PhDs, and JDs.

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Ellie Clark '24, Political Science and Legal Studies major at Hamline

One of the most valuable experiences has been being able to earn my paralegal license alongside my bachelor’s degree.

Ellie Clark ‘24, legal studies, political science; of Oakdale, MN

Take your next step today

Interested in legal studies? We’d love to send you information, including more on academics and student life at Hamline.