Law
If you enjoy analyzing arguments, like to think critically, and are interested in things like justice, social order and rights, this major might be for you. As a law major, you can get the lifelong benefits of studying the law (including some fascinating career opportunities) without the commitment of going to law school. It’s the perfect major for students who are interested in how law impacts our lives, but don’t necessarily want to be an attorney.
What will I learn?
As a law student, you'll gain practical knowledge of the law and how it's applied in a variety of contexts. There are only a few required courses, which means most of your time will be spent in elective classes. If you're thinking about running a start-up one day, maybe you’ll study intellectual property and business law. Or perhaps you’ll take classes in criminal law and juries if you’d like to work for a law firm. At UB, our undergrads have studied the law as it relates to sports, social media, reproductive rights, racism, climate change and countless other relevant topics.
Law vs. Legal Studies
- Law teaches you how the law impacts other fields—from banking to the arts and entertainment—so you can apply it in your career.
- Legal studies takes a broader look at the role of law in society, including social and philosophical aspects.
If you are definitely interested in going to law school, you may want to consider a combined JD degree.
What can I do with a law degree?
As a law graduate, you can work for an attorney, perhaps consulting on trials, managing all of the electronic documents associated with a case or helping them craft presentations for juries. Or, since nearly every organization deals with legal issues, you may decide to work for a business, nonprofit or government agency.
As a law graduate, you might consider jobs in:
- Human resources: employment, labor and contract law.
- Banking and finance: tax law, corporate law and related issues.
- Creative endeavors: contract law and intellectual property.
- Government issues: compliance and donstitutional law.
Of course, if you decide you want to go to law school, this program will prepare you very well.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $72,030.00 | $34.63 | |
| Legal Support Workers, All Other | $54,460.00 | $26.18 |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.