The College of General Studies' Bachelor in Legal Studies was ranked number one in an article titled “The 25 Best Bachelor in Legal Studies Degree Programs” by TheBestSchools.org.
The organization selected Pitt’s program based on several weighted factors, such as academic excellence, course offerings, faculty strengths, and reputation (including reputation for online degree programs).
A broad understanding of the American legal system—and how it impacts individuals and society—is an important foundation for many careers, from social services to insurance to law enforcement.
The interdisciplinary legal studies major at the College of General Studies prepares you for a variety of law-related careers, as well as provides groundwork for graduate study or law school. We offer a diverse array of courses, and you’ll have the flexibility to choose electives in the areas of law that interest you, from First Amendment rights to the criminal justice system.
A legal studies minor is also available.
Requirements
Students must earn a minimum of 120 credits for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in legal studies. Of this total, 30 credits make up the major, which is satisfied by taking courses to complete the core requirements, legal studies electives, and outside electives.See our General Education program page for the remaining requirements.
Flexible Format
Many CGS programs offer a blend of face-to-face and flexible online class formats, all designed to meet our students' needs and schedule constraints.
Online courses are marked with (Web) or (Hybrid). Courses offered in both face-to-face and online formats are marked with (F2F and Web) or (F2F and Hybrid). Courses with no indicator are offered face-to-face only.
Visit CGS Courses to learn more about our flexible offerings and how to search for classes in the course catalog.
Core Requirements: (6 credits)
| Catalog Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEGLST 0080 | Introduction to Legal Studies (F2F and Web) | 3 |
| LEGLST 1210 / PS 1213 | Law and Politics (Hybrid, available as of Fall 2021) | 3 |
Legal Studies Electives: (18 credits)
| Catalog Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ADMJ 1225 | The Juvenile Justice Process (F2F and Web) | 3 |
| LEGLST 0020 | Public Law and Moral Reasoning | 3 |
| LEGLST 0200 | Race, Class, Gender, and the Law (available as of Fall 2021) | 3 |
| LEGLST 1140 | Introduction to Criminal Law (cross-listed with ADMJ 1400) (F2F and Web) | 3 |
| LEGLST 1141 | Introduction to Criminal Procedure (cross-listed with ADMJ 1410) (F2F and Web) | 3 |
| LEGLST 1150 | Lawyers and the Legal Profession | 3 |
| LEGLST 1152 | Legal Issues in Public Service | 3 |
| LEGLST 1155 | Law and Social Change | 3 |
| LEGLST 1230 | Psychology and the Law (F2F and Web) | 3 |
| LEGLST 1260 | Law, Literature, and Cinema | 3 |
| LEGLST 1315 | Sex, Law, and Marriage | 3 |
| LEGLST 1318 | Separation, Divorce, and Custody | 3 |
| LEGLST 1320 | Law and Environment | 3 |
| LEGLST 1325 | Consumer Law | 3 |
| LEGLST 1326 | Globalization and Law | 3 |
| LEGLST 1327 | International Law | 3 |
| LEGLST 1340 | Introduction to Civil Rights | 3 |
| LEGLST 1355 | Emerging Issues in Legal and Social Policy | 3 |
| LEGLST 1410 | Introduction to Legal Research (Web) | 3 |
| LEGLST 1430 | Trial Advocacy 1 (Honors) | 3 |
| LEGLST 1435 | Trial Advocacy 2 (Honors) | 3 |
| ADMJ 1900 | Pre-Service Internship (Hybrid) | 1 to 6 |
| LEGLST 1901 | Independent Study | 1 to 6 |
Outside Electives: (6 credits)
The final degree requirement is completion of six (6) credits (two courses) from a list of approved electives outside of legal studies. The following represents approved courses from various departments:
| Catalog Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ADMJ 0100 | Society and the Law | 3 |
| ADMJ 0500 | Introduction to Administration of Justice (F2F and Web) | 3 |
| ADMJ 1220 | Deviance and the Law (F2F and Web) | 3 |
| ADMJ 1238 | Cybersecurity, the Law, and Money Laundering (F2F and Web) | 3 |
| ADMJ 1450 | Critical Issues in Criminal Justice (F2F and Web) | 3 |
| ADMJ 1495 | Comparative Justice in Ireland (study abroad) | 3 |
| COMMRC 1114 | Freedom of Speech and the Press | 3 |
| ENGCMP 0410 | Writing in the Legal Professions | 3 |
| HIST 1062 | Human Rights in World History | 3 |
| HIST 1190 | Medieval Government and Society | 3 |
| HIST 1191 | English Origins of American Law | 3 |
| PS 1201 | Constitution and Civil Liberties | 3 |
| PS 1202 | American Constitutional Law | 3 |
| PS 1211 | The Legislative Process | 3 |
| PS 1261 | American Public Policy | 3 |
| PS 1614 | Theory of Justice (Honors) | 3 |
| PS 1675 | Politics of Human Rights | 3 |
| PSY 0182 | Law and Social Psychology | 3 |
| PUBSRV 1305 | Health, Law, and Ethics (Web) | 3 |
| PUBSRV 1455 | Law, Ethics, and Public Policy in Mass Media (Hybrid, available as of Fall 2021) | 3 |
| SOC 0471 | Deviance and Social Control | 3 |
| URBNST 0400 | Crime, Punishment, Justice, Reintegration | 3 |
| URBNST 1612 | Social Justice in the City | 3 |
| Any Pitt Prison Education Project (PPEP) course | Codes and Topics Vary | 3 |
Please Note: Requirements are subject to change. Check with an academic advisor before registering.