Legal Studies

Legal Studies

Even if we don’t always realize it, law has profound effects on our daily lives. Given its wide reach and vast potential impacts, it’s important for those who study the law to have a deep understanding of the field, guided by hands-on learning experiences and knowledgeable instructors who have worked in these related fields. The legal studies major at UW-Superior is unique among programs in the UW System and unrivaled in its scope and breadth throughout the Midwest. As a legal studies student here, you’ll expand your horizons and gain deep knowledge about law and how it’s changing locally, nationally and globally.

If law school is in your future plans, this major provides outstanding preparation and personal guidance from faculty to prepare you for admittance to law school and to set you up for long-term success in a variety of fields..

*A criminal justice concentration is also available within the legal studies major.

Internships

Students are encouraged to take advantage of internship opportunities in places such as district attorney or public defenders’ offices, community nonprofits, and law enforcement and corrections agencies.

Admission to Law School

UW-Superior graduates have had an impressive record of gaining admission to law school. Ninety-five percent of our graduates who enter law school complete their degree.

Student Organizations

Join the Pre-Law Society, Alpha Phi Sigma or the National Criminal Justice Honors Society to grow your experience and connections.

What You’ll Learn

The focus of the program is to study the historical and contemporary development of law and its impact and relationship to political decision-making, moral philosophy, evolving theories and concepts of equity, equality, and justice and social and community norms. The impact of law and legal process on citizens has increased markedly in recent years. If citizens are to protect, maintain and advance democratic ideals, civic life and participation, they require greater knowledge of the role of law, as well as its goals, methods, successes and failures. Coupled with this must be an understanding of the benefits and limitations of evolving methods or alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice.

Through a major or minor in legal studies at UW-Superior, you will:

• Gain insight and skills to begin your career or prepare for law school
• Gain a general framework of knowledge, ideas and thought regarding the American legal system
• Be able to conduct legal research and write legal text

Program Outcomes/Career Opportunities

With a degree in legal studies from UW-Superior, you can continue on to law school to become a lawyer or pursue a career as a:

• Victim’s advocate
• Correctional counselor
• Probation officer
• Social worker
• Court administrator
• Court clerk
• FBI agent
• Government relations director
• Investigator
• Legal consultant
• Lobbyist

Prepare for Law and Beyond

The pre-law pathway at UW-Superior helps students build the skills and academic foundation needed for law school and law-related careers, complementing nearly any major so students can pursue their interests while preparing for the next step. Students receive individualized advising and develop essential skills in critical thinking, writing and analysis, with no specific major required for law school. Instead, students choose programs aligned with their goals—commonly including  business administration, criminal justice, economics, English, history, legal studies, psychology and writing—while advisors guide course selection to emphasize academic rigor, intellectual curiosity and clear communication valued by law schools.