The Legal Studies minor provides students with a broad conceptual framework of legal studies and an opportunity to explore the law in an interdisciplinary perspective. We offer law courses in a wide variety of topics to compliment your academic program of study.

UMass Lowell's minor in Legal Studies is designed for students across all department majors who are seeking to gain a greater understanding of the role of law in our society. The law is central to theories, concepts, rules, and research in all academic programs. The Legal Studies Minor Program is not just for students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in law or a law-related career. While many students with a Legal Studies minor attend law school following graduation or pursue a career in the law, the program also produces well-rounded, broadly educated adults that are prepared for the very complex and ever-changing world that we live in.

Professors of Legal Studies, in their advisory roles, will tailor the student's Legal Studies minor to complement the student's major.  For example, an Accounting major might take the following as his or her Legal Studies courses:  Introduction to Business Law, Corporate and Property Law, Law for the CPA and Pre-Law Student, The Legal Environment of Business, Business Planning, and Federal Income Tax Law.  

A Legal Studies minor consists of a minimum of 18 credits (6 courses) chosen from the Legal Studies courses (LGST), with at least six of the 18 credits at the 3000 level or higher. Please consult with a member of the Legal Studies faculty for written registration of minor approval. Legal Studies course instruction is offered during the day and evening. Courses are taught in a variety of formats including the more traditional lecture hall mode and online. Not all Legal Studies courses are taught every semester.

For the latest course requirements, course descriptions and more, please consult the Academic Catalog- Legal Studies Minor.

The UMass Lowell Legal Studies full and part-time faculty members either possess doctorates in law and have varied and extensive practical legal experiences. They bring their real-world expertise directly into the Legal Studies classroom. The Legal Studies faculty are members of the School of Criminology and Justice Studies, and they are renowned for scholarly pursuits including publication of textbooks, articles in academic law journals, and involvement in various legal conferences and organizations with activities throughout the world.

All Legal Studies full-time faculty members are available to advise and assist students in designing a pre-law course of study. Providing information on taking the LSAT examination, attending local law school forums, and applying to law schools is an integral part of the mission of the Legal Studies faculty.

Pre-Law Curriculum

There is no one particular undergraduate major, minor or course of study recommended by law schools. The faculty of the Legal Studies Program recommend that students select courses in the following broad areas:

  • Communication: reading, writing, speaking, persuasion
  • Foundations: economics, political science, management, history, philosophy
  • Creative arts: art, music
  • Law: legal studies, criminal justice

Earn J.D. in 6 Years

3 Plus 3 Program

UMASS Faculty

The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers a joint program with the University of Massachusetts School of Law, a fully accredited American Bar Association program located in Dartmouth, Mass. The joint program offers an opportunity for qualifying undergraduates to earn a bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor degree in six rather than seven years. Students interested in the program are encouraged to make their interest known to an advisor in their first year at UMass Lowell to ensure proper advisement in meeting the eligibility requirements for accelerated admission to the law school. 

Scales of justice, gavel and American flag

Skill Development

The Legal Studies Program focuses on developing and enhancing skills in critical thinking, issue perception, analysis, and the development of innovative and effective solutions. Written and oral communication and electronic legal research are also emphasized.
Lady Liberty and law books

Career Options

Career paths open to Legal Studies students include law school, criminal justice graduate school, business school, law enforcement, dispute resolution and mediation, contract negotiation, probation services, judicial administration, law office administration, compliance, management, paralegal positions, and others. 

Capital Building in Washington, D.C.

Student Opportunities

Under faculty tutelage, students may conduct advanced study of a topic in law. For example, an honors legal studies student assisted in researching and analyzing the impact of Title IX on college swimming programs. The student's final report was presented as written testimony before the President's Commission on Title IX in Washington, D.C.