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.
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. CGS online offerings are marked with (Web) or (Hybrid) on the program website. See our General Education program page for the remaining requirements.
Important: Changes to LEGLST Courses
Beginning Spring 2022 (2224), Legal Studies and Administration of Justice courses have been renumbered and retitled with LCJS as their subject code. These courses count the same as their former LEGLST or ADMJ equivalent for Legal Studies majors and minors.
- Core Requirements: (6 credits)
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The following courses are required:
Format: F2F and WebNote: Replaced by LCJS 1580, effective Spring 2022Format: HybridNote: Replaced by LCJS 1300, effective Spring 2022Note: Cross-listed with PS 1213 - Legal Studies Electives: (18 credits)
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Choose six electives from the following list:
Format: F2F and WebNote: Replaced by LCJS 1430, effective Spring 2022Note: Replaced by LCJS 1582, effective Spring 2022Note: Replaced by LCJS 0200x, effective Spring 2022Format: F2F and WebNote: Replaced by LCJS 1200, effective Spring 2022Format: F2F and WebNote: Replaced by LCJS 1210, effective Spring 2022Note: Replaced by LCJS 1584, effective Spring 2022Note: Replaced by LCJS 1340, effective Spring 2022Format: F2F and WebNote: Replaced by LCJS 1510, effective Spring 2022Note: Replaced by LCJS 1583, effective Spring 2022Or: GEOL 1312 - ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND POLICYNote: Replaced by LCJS 1586, effective Spring 2022Note: Replaced by LCJS 1581, effective Spring 2022Note: Replaced by LCJS 1320, effective Spring 2022Note: Replaced by LCJS 1330, effective Spring 2022Format: WebNote: Replaced by LCJS 1620, effective Spring 2022Format: HybridNote: Replaced by LCJS 1900, effective Spring 2022Note: Replaced by LCJS 1599, effective Spring 2022 - Outside Electives: (6 credits)
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The final degree requirement is completion of six credits (two courses) from a list of approved electives outside of legal studies. The following represents approved courses from various departments:
Note Title Change as of Fall 2021: ADMJ 0100 INTRODUCTION TO LAW, CRIMINAL JUSTICE & SOCIETYNote: Replaced by LCJS 0100, effective Spring 2022Format: F2F and WebNote: Replaced by LCJS 1400, effective Spring 2022Format: F2F and WebNote: Replaced by LCJS 1310, effective Spring 2022Format: F2F and WebNote: Replaced by LCJS 1521, effective Spring 2022Format: F2F and WebNote: Replaced by LCJS 1590, effective Spring 2022Note: University Honors College (UHC)Format: WebFormat: Hybrid, available as of Fall 2021- Pitt Prison Education Project (PPEP) Course Codes and Topics Vary
Program Planning Checklist
Use the Legal Studies BA checklist (PDF) to plan and track your progress in the major.
Internships
Real-world legal system experience will enhance your CGS experience. As part of the program, you’ll have the option to complete an internship with a local agency or facility. Learn more about internships »
Global Experiences / Study Abroad
We encourage CGS students to consider an international experience to gain a global perspective on law. The Global Seminar on Wrongful Conviction in London explores wrongful conviction cases within the fields of human rights, law and journalism in a comprehensive and immersive way. Explore study abroad opportunities »
Need Advising for This Program
Requirements are subject to change. Check with a CGS academic advisor before registering.