Prospective Students

We know picking a major can be challenging. You want to know about courses, faculty, special opportunities for students, and post-graduation options, among other things. We've tried to compile information to answer many of your questions on this page, but if we've missed something, let us know! Visit us on the 2nd floor of Thompson Hall, email us at advising@legal.umass.edu, or give us a call at (413) 545-2438. 

Legal Studies at UMass Amherst

Our distinguished and energetic faculty are engaged in research on topics that explore today’s most pressing political questions from a global perspective. Want to learn what they are up to or learn more about your classmates and graduate teaching assistants? Read some of our recent news stories. Better yet, like us on Facebook, and we'll send the announcements right to your news feed!

Our course offerings reflect the breadth of faculty expertise. In addition to traditional introductory courses, we offer multi-disciplinary classes like Governance & Politics in the Middle East; Technology, Power, and Governance; Massachusetts Politics; and many others. Introductory courses are usually large, but we’ve capped upper-level courses at 25 students so you will enjoy small, discussion-based classes while reaping all the benefits of studying at a large research university.

We know that financial aid plays a big role in your decision to pursue a bachelor's degree. In addition to aid from the University, we are proud to offer additional scholarships to our majors -- and grateful that many of these scholarships are funded by alums with great ties to UMass.

Want to know what you can do with a legal studies degree? Well, the possibilities are endless [pdf]. Check out some of our alumni profiles and read our class notes to see where political science degrees have taken some of our alumni!

Resources

Legal Studies At a Glance [pdf]

Prospective Students Brochure [pdf]

Job Options [pdf]