CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This programme combines core legal subjects with practical skills courses and electives that explore law in social, political and economic context. Typical modules include:

• Introduction to Legal Studies: overview of legal systems, sources of law and legal reasoning.
• Legal Research and Writing: practical training in legal research methods, case briefing and drafting memoranda.
• Constitutional Law: structure of government, civil liberties and constitutional interpretation.
• Criminal Law and Procedure: substantive criminal offences and the criminal justice process.
• Contracts and Torts: fundamentals of private law governing agreements and civil wrongs.
• Civil Procedure: jurisdiction, pleadings, discovery and trial procedure in civil cases.
• Administrative and Regulatory Law: the role of agencies, rulemaking and administrative adjudication.
• Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility: ethical obligations for lawyers and those working in legal environments.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options: subjects such as immigration law, family law, employment law, human rights, business law, and criminology.
• Internship/Practicum: placement opportunities with law firms, non-profit legal services, government agencies or court systems to gain workplace experience.
• Capstone or Senior Project: a research project, policy analysis or applied practicum that integrates legal knowledge and professional skills.

The curriculum emphasises critical thinking, written and oral communication, and applied research. Students may tailor their studies through electives and internships to focus on areas such as public interest law, corporate compliance, or criminal justice support roles.

Entry requirements

Admission is to the CUNY undergraduate system and specific requirements can vary by college; generally applicants need a high school diploma or recognised equivalent and an academic record demonstrating readiness for university-level study. Typical expectations include:

• Completed secondary education with satisfactory grades; colleges may consider GPA, course rigor and recommendations.
• Evidence of competence in English reading and writing; some colleges may require placement tests or proof of proficiency for non-native speakers.
• Transfer applicants are considered with college transcripts and may receive credit for comparable coursework; community college graduates with an associate degree often have articulation pathways.
• Some colleges within CUNY permit or recommend submission of personal statements, résumés, or examples of written work, particularly for programmes with a practicum component.
• There are no professional licencing prerequisites for this non‑professional degree, but students aiming for law school should plan additional preparatory coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Non-Professional Legal Studies commonly enter occupations that require legal knowledge and strong analytical and communication skills. Typical career paths include:

• Paralegal or legal assistant roles in law firms, corporate legal departments and government offices.
• Court clerk, case manager or support positions in judicial and administrative agencies.
• Compliance and regulatory support positions in finance, healthcare, education and other regulated industries.
• Roles in public interest organisations, advocacy groups and non-profit legal services.
• Careers in human resources, dispute resolution, and risk management where understanding of law and policy is advantageous.
• Further study: graduates may proceed to professional programmes such as law school, graduate degrees in public policy, criminal justice, or specialised master’s programmes.

Employers value the programme’s emphasis on research, writing and applied experience; internships and practicum placements often help students build professional networks in New York City and beyond.

Why study at CUNY (The City University of New York)

Studying a legal studies degree within the CUNY system gives students access to a large, diverse urban public university network across New York City. Benefits include strong links to local courts, government agencies, non-profits and law firms that support internships and practical learning.

• Location: proximity to municipal, state and federal courts, regulatory bodies and a broad legal and corporate sector provides rich placement and employment opportunities.
• Faculty and practitioner connections: many instructors combine academic backgrounds with practical legal experience, offering applied perspectives.
• Affordability and transfer pathways: CUNY’s public structure and established articulation agreements with community colleges support cost-effective progression to a bachelor’s degree.
• Student support and extracurriculars: legal clinics, moot court, student legal organisations and career services help develop professional skills and job readiness.
• Diverse student body: CUNY’s campuses serve a wide range of populations, offering perspectives valuable for careers in public service, immigration law, civil rights and community-focused practice.

Overall, CUNY provides a practical, city‑based environment to study legal concepts and gain the workplace experience needed for a range of legal‑adjacent careers or further professional study.