University of Massachusetts Amherst

What you'll study

The Non-Professional Legal Studies programme combines coursework in substantive law, legal theory and research methods with opportunities for applied learning. Core topics typically include constitutional law, criminal law, torts, contracts, administrative law, civil procedure and legal ethics. Students also study interdisciplinary areas such as law and society, regulatory policy, employment and labour law, family law and business law.

Programme structure normally mixes mandatory core modules, elective options and a capstone experience. Typical modules and subjects you can expect are:

• Legal Research and Writing – developing case analysis, statutory interpretation and legal communication skills.
• Constitutional Law – fundamentals of governmental powers, civil rights and judicial review.
• Criminal Law and Procedure – substantive offences, defences and procedural protections.
• Civil Law Subjects – contracts, torts and remedies.
• Administrative and Regulatory Law – rulemaking, agency enforcement and administrative adjudication.
• Law & Society / Legal Theory – socio-legal perspectives and normative debates about law’s functions.
• Research Methods for Legal Studies – qualitative and quantitative methods for policy and legal research.
• Electives and Seminars – specialised topics such as environmental law, health law, immigration, intellectual property and corporate governance.
• Capstone or Internship – many students complete a practicum, internship with courts, government agencies or NGOs, or a senior seminar/project synthesising learning.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate Legal Studies programme is through the University of Massachusetts Amherst undergraduate admissions process. Typical expectations include completion of an accredited secondary-school qualification with a competitive academic record. Recommended preparation includes strong performance in English, social studies and writing-intensive courses.

Additional admissions considerations may include your personal statement, academic recommendations and extracurricular experience. Standardised tests (SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on university policy; check current admissions guidance for details. Transfer applicants are considered on the basis of college-level coursework and GPA, with specific transfer credit policies applied.

International applicants must present an approved secondary credential and demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or university-approved alternatives. Mature applicants and those with relevant work experience are assessed on their overall readiness for degree-level study.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Non-Professional Legal Studies degree do not qualify as lawyers, but they are sought after for roles that value legal literacy, analysis and compliance knowledge. Common career paths include:

• Paralegal and legal assistant positions in private firms, corporate legal departments and public agencies.
• Compliance and regulatory affairs roles in finance, healthcare, education and industry.
• Policy analyst, legislative aide or researcher in government, think tanks and advocacy organisations.
• Human resources, dispute resolution and risk-management positions that draw on employment and labour law knowledge.
• Careers in probation, victim services, court administration and community legal organisations.
• Further study opportunities including JD programmes, master’s degrees in law, public policy, public administration or criminology, and professional qualifications in related fields.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers this programme within a large, research-active campus that emphasises interdisciplinary teaching and experiential learning. Students benefit from faculty whose expertise spans political science, sociology, economics and legal scholarship, allowing a broad perspective on law in social and policy contexts.

UMass Amherst’s location and broad alumni and partnership networks create numerous internship and practicum opportunities with state government, regional courts, non-profit organisations and private employers. Smaller seminar classes and research opportunities enable close faculty mentoring, while career services and on-campus centres support skills development for internships, job placement and applications for graduate or professional schools.

Overall, the programme is suited to students seeking a rigorous, flexible foundation in legal studies with strong links to policy, public service and applied careers where legal knowledge is an asset.