Legal Studies

Our courses expose students to the political,  sociological, philosophical, economic, and communicative elements of law. Students learn legal concepts, legal analysis, legal language, and how legal institutions function within larger contexts.

Interested in law, the criminal justice system, or more broadly in issues of justice?

Law school trains you for the law, but Ithaca College can prepare you to make the most of your law school work; it can also prepare you for a range of other opportunities connected to the law. Law schools are interested in excellent students in any major, and many students who major in history, politics, English, philosophy, and other disciplines excel in law schools. (See the pre-law advice from the American Bar Association: law schools are not looking for a particular major)

Legal studies is likewise an excellent choice, offering an interdisciplinary breadth of preparation for careers in law, business, politics, the non-profit sector, the criminal justice system, international human rights, social advocacy, community organizing,  and graduate programs in many of the social sciences and humanities. 

More than a narrow foundation in the law, our major and minor allow students to explore a variety of disciplinary perspectives on justice, crime, and more.

Mock trial provides students (from any major) with an opportunity to argue legal cases in a simulated courtroom setting.

Pre-law advising provides preparation and advice for students (from any major) interested in attending law school.

The legal studies minor provides grounding in legal thought, analysis, and institutions that is useful to majors in fields such as journalism, business, politics, economics, sociology, communications, psychology, and more.