College of Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society
Our Law and Society major explores the interplay between the various areas of the law, American society, and judicial system. If you are interested in developing the skills needed to join legal professions or attend law school, then this major is for you.
Program Details
- Official Degree Name
- Bachelor of Arts
- Format
-
In Class-Day
- Credit Hours
- 120
- Program Start
- Fall Semester
- Application Deadline
- Apply Anytime
- Average Time to Degree
- 4 Years
Why Get Your Degree at DeSales University?
At DeSales, we will guide you through your academic and professional careers. As a law and society student, you will be led by experienced advisors. Our program uses a multidisciplinary approach that promotes key skills such as writing, legal research, oral argumentation, and critical thinking within various areas of the law. These include criminal, constitutional, business, family, and environmental law. You can also earn credit through internships to apply and strengthen what you learned in your classes. Whether you aim for law school, a government career, or becoming an informed jurist, our law and society major will help you achieve your goals.
Program Highlights
Professional Development Opportunities
- Practicing what you learn outside of the classroom is crucial. With close guidance from your advisor, you can complete a law-related internship and earn credit towards your graduation requirements.
Active Campus Culture
- There is never a shortage of things to do on campus. All law and society students are encouraged to participate in the St. Thomas More Pre-Law Society, the university’s pre-law club that hosts law-related events. Additionally, students may compete for the mock trial team, which can be taken as a 3-credit semester course.
Proven Outcomes
- A degree holds as much value as the accomplishments one can derive from it. DeSales graduates have gone on to receive law degrees from many esteemed law schools, such as Dickinson, Georgetown, Harvard, Notre Dame, Stanford, and Villanova.
What Will You Study?
The law and society major requires you to complete 48 credit hours of curriculum courses, in addition to the university’s standard academic requirements.
To earn your Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society, you’ll take core classes like:
- Criminal Law
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Procedure
- The Legal Environment of Business
- Environmental Policy and Law
- White Collar Crime
- Family Values and the Law
- Law in America
Program Tracks & Pathways
Swipe below to discover more!
BS to JD
Learn MoreJuris Doctor’s
3+3 Partnership Program with Duquesne University School of Law
Take advantage of DeSales’ 3+3 Partnership Program with Duquesne University School of Law, which lets you get your Juris Doctor (JD) after only six years of higher education. You will spend the first three years at DeSales completing your general education requirements and required courses for the Law and Society major. Then, your final three years will be at Duquesne. You will complete the remaining credits for your bachelor’s degree while taking law school classes.
Courses You Will Take Include:
Law and Society Minor
Learn MoreMinor
Law and Society
Enhance your major with a Law and Society minor! The minor will introduce you to the American legal system and build skills in legal research, critical thinking, and analytical writing. It prepares you for a range of careers in government, public policy, business, and beyond. If you are interested in pursuing law school after graduation, declaring a Law and Society minor helps you to explore your legal interests and develop crucial skills for success.
Required Courses
Outcomes & Careers
Recognizing that St. Francis DeSales was a lawyer, the Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society offers an excellent liberal arts education for those interested in the role of law in American society. Additionally, it fosters the writing, speaking, research, and analytical reasoning skills necessary for successfully pursuing a career in law. Upon completion of a Law and Society major, you will:
- Appreciate the American legal system, its history, and its impact on American society
- Understand our legal system, including terminology, concepts, policy considerations, and the structure of court systems
- Posses excellent communication skills, particularly in the areas of oral advocacy and public speaking
- Show proficiency in conducting legal research and analytical reasoning
- Become familiar with legal research tools including Westlaw
DeSales alumni have gone on to receive law degrees from Dickinson, Georgetown, Harvard, Notre Dame, Stanford, and Villanova among many other institutions and to practice law across the country.
Application Checklist
- Official High School Transcript
- Completed Guidance Counselor Form
- Completed Teacher Recommendation Form
- Optional Standardized Test Scores
- No Application Fees
Program FAQs
While this major is especially helpful if you want to become a paralegal or lawyer, there are many other careers you can pursue with a law and society degree. Some of these careers include:
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Legal Researcher
- Legislative Assistant
- Lobbyist
- Journalist
- Judge
- Mediator/Arbitrator
- Policy Analyst
- Private Investigator
- Professor
Start anytime, whenever you're ready to take the next step in your career.
No, law school does not require students to major in a particular area. However, some majors better prepare students for the rigorous workload of law school. Law and society students develop a strong foundation in critical thinking, legal research, analytical skills, and writing— essential for success in law school and a future legal career.
Office of Admissions
Contact
-
610-282-1100 x1277 -
admiss@desales.edu -
Dooling Hall
