Legal Studies

The legal studies major introduces students to the study of law and the American judicial system.  This program is highly recommended for students who plan to attend law school or pursue a law-related career.  Courses include:  Constitutional Law, Civil Liberties, Criminal Law, International Law, and more.  The legal studies major helps students develop their critical thinking, research, writing, and public speaking skills.  Legal studies graduates have attended some of the best law schools in the country, including:  Duke, Fordham, Villanova, Loyola Marymount, San Diego, West Virginia, Quinnipiac, Rutgers and Seton Hall.

Mission Statement

The Legal Studies Program is designed to provide students with a foundation in the study of law, the American judicial system, and international legal processes.  The Legal Studies faculty are committed to providing students with the critical thinking, research, writing, and public speaking skills necessary to succeed in law school, graduate school, or any law or government-related career.  The faculty are dedicated to excellence in teaching and strive to create a positive learning environment for every student.    

Legal Studies Major

Legal studies equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in law school or any law-related career.  Our courses emphasize critical reading, writing skills, verbal communication, and research proficiency.  Legal studies promotes the values of public service and social justice, while helping students build a strong foundation for a legal education. Students are exposed to important facets of the law and the legal profession, such as:  case law analysis, statutory construction, constitutional interpretation, and jurisprudence.

Legal Studies Minor

Legal studies equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in law school or any law-related career.  Our courses emphasize critical reading, writing skills, verbal communication, and research proficiency.  Legal studies promotes the values of public service and social justice, while helping students build a strong foundation for a legal education. Students are exposed to important facets of the law and the legal profession, including:  case law analysis, statutory construction, constitutional interpretation, and jurisprudence.  The Legal Studies Minor is an abbreviated version of the major. 

Forensic Studies Minor

Forensic Studies is an interdisciplinary minor encompassing five departments.  Students take courses in forensics, criminal justice, psychology, law, and the natural sciences.  This program integrates different theoretical perspectives regarding the identification and collection of evidence, laboratory analysis, criminal behavior, crime scene investigation, civil liberties, and constitutional law.     

Careers

The legal field offers immediate career paths, job security, and high earning potential.  Over the past ten years, employment opportunities in the legal field have grown substantially.  Legal studies graduates become lawyers, paralegals, courtroom administrators, legal assistants, law enforcement officers, social justice advocates, labor relations specialists, victim advocates, arbitrators, and mediators. 

View Program Requirements & Courses

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For more information, please contact Dr. Ryan J. Rebe, Director of Legal Studies, Department of Political Science, Legal, and Urban Studies.   

Dr. Ryan J. Rebe
410 Raubinger Hall
William Paterson University
300 Pompton Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone:  (973) 720-3424 
Email:  reber@wpunj.edu