Academics

Jurisprudence, Law and Society

BA • Major

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Thinking about law school or a career in politics? Learn how the law functions, improve your critical-thinking skills, and prepare for your post-graduation professional career by majoring in Jurisprudence, Law and Society.

The interdisciplinary BA in Jurisprudence, Law and Society provides a solid foundation for students aspiring to law school and other graduate study, as well as for work in many other careers that require analytic, conceptual and communications skills. The major represents the meeting of law, theories of justice, humanistic studies and social issues.

Through this program, you will have the opportunity to acquire the fundamental knowledge essential to understanding legal institutions and processes. You will develop intellectual skills necessary to evaluate policies, practices and philosophies within the context of nation and legal systems.

The capstone experience of the major is a rigorous Senior Research Seminar. This two-part, year-long course involves intensive research and writing in a seminar setting. You will prepare a scholarly, interdisciplinary, law-related, research paper, developed in consultation with a faculty advisor and designed to enhance your understanding of the field. Many law schools find the Senior Seminar particularly advantageous in student preparation. See the curriculum.

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Program Admission Criteria

Admission into the BA in Jurisprudence, Law and Society program is selective. In addition to the general criteria for admission to Montclair State University, all students must apply to and be admitted into the Jurisprudence, Law and Society major. For entry into the program students must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Be in the top 20% of your high school graduating class.
  • Have an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 at the completion of a minimum of 24 credits at Montclair State University or transfer institution.
  • Have an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 in your first three courses in the Jurisprudence major.

Career Opportunities

  • Lawyer
  • Judge
  • Politician
  • Public Policy Maker
  • Legal Policy Analyst
  • Lobbyist
  • Researcher
  • Policy Coordinator

Combined Programs

A Combined Degree program enables undergraduate students to enroll in graduate courses in their senior year, which can be counted toward the completion of both their bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements. The ability to take these “swing courses” allows students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shortened period of time, typically within five years.

BA in Jurisprudence, Law and Society/MA in Law and Governance

This dual degree is an accelerated program for undergraduate students with a major in either Political Science or Jurisprudence, Law and Society and are interested in the combined BA/MA program can take four master’s-level courses within the MA in Law and Governance program during their senior year.

See the curriculum.

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