LEGAL STUDIES DEGREE PROGR AM DETAILS The need for professionals with legal training in a variety of career fields is growing – in healthcare, business, entertainment, the nonprofit sector, government and more. Belmont’s Legal Studies program will help you understand the legal system and how to assist others as they navigate unfamiliar processes. Whether your interest is in pursuing social justice, shaping public policy, exploring the inner workings of government, or preparing for graduate or law school, Belmont’s Legal Studies program has two options for you to complete the major: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies: This pathway allows you to complete the legal studies major with a minor in four years. Many students choosing this option are preparing for work in law-related fields, graduate work outside of law school, or want a more traditional 4-year undergraduate experience before entering law school. 3+ 3 Program: This pathway offers an accelerated path to law school, allowing qualified legal studies majors to complete their first year of law school at Belmont’s College of Law during their fourth undergraduate year. You save time and money, completing both your bachelor’s in Legal Studies and Juris Doctor (J.D.) in six years
STUDENT BENEFITS Enhance Your Knowledge: Through this highly interdisciplinary major, you’ll learn legal writing, gain an understanding of the philosophy of law, research issues regarding real-world problems.
GRADUATE PROFILE:
Erin Grimm “I chose the Legal Studies/3+3 pathway because not only would it prepare me for law school with the right classes, but it provided me with a fast track that I was trying
Expand Your Opportunities: Delve deeper into specialty areas such as international
to create for myself. I am
law, music industry contract law, criminal justice, poverty and justice, communication law,
very happy with the Legal
entertainment law, copyright law, or eco-justice and faith. Complete your degree in legal
Studies/3+3 program and the
studies, preparing yourself for career opportunities in a vast array of legal environments.
way it has set me up to be successful in law school. I felt
CAREER IMPACT As a graduate of the program, you’ll be prepared for a variety of career options that engage with the law, both inside and outside of the legal profession. With this degree you’ll be equipped to pursue law school or other law-related graduate programs. You’ll also be prepared to work as a paralegal, human rights advocate, insurance claims adjuster, legislative assistant, human resources compliance officer, political advisor or in real estate or law enforcement.
confident starting law school knowing that I already had some exposure to the material we were going to learn the first year. Saving a full year of school and tuition is also a huge bonus.”