Major Mondays: Legal Studies
Major: The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Legal Studies is available both to first-year and transfer applicants. Legal Studies students graduate with a strong foundation in critical thinking and the legal system, which will help them use legal concepts to solve real-world issues on a local, national, and international scale. Given that Legal Studies is a new program, the Gould School of Law is welcoming its first class of students this Fall 2023!
Overview: The Legal Studies major is a great choice for anyone interested in the intersection of law and the legal system with other academic disciplines, such as economics, business, health care, and the social sciences. This program encourages students to explore, as it was created for students to gain knowledge on the importance of law in contemporary society. The internationally renowned faculty teach a wide range of subjects, which you can check out here.
Curriculum: There are four tracks students can choose – Regulatory State, Public Law, Private Law, and General Legal Studies. Each track is designed to give students a strong foundation and understanding of how laws are implemented and created in these key areas, and to guide students in choosing their major-related electives. The specialized courses are listed here.
Students participate in experiential learning opportunities, such as an internship or Capstone project. These experiences give students the space to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real life problems in the field, and get a peek at what their careers may look like after graduation.
Student Opportunities: The Gould School of Law hosts a number of organizations for undergraduate students studying and interested in Legal Studies, such as Southern California Moot Court, USC Society of Women in Law, and Trojan Review. Through these organizations, students get to interact with others who have similar interests or experiences related to their major, as well as build their resume, network, and explore the legal landscape.
Want to Learn More? Interested in majoring in Legal Studies? Please check out the program’s website, where you can read more about the courses offered, see a sample course plan, learn about the tracks within the major, and get a taste of the career outcomes for Legal Studies students.
Written by: Lina Goggins-Rendon, Assistant Director of Admissions & Advising - USC Gould School of Law