ChooseWhy Choose This Program?

Why Study Legal Studies at Goucher?


Legal studies classes provide students interested in a career in law an opportunity to acquire the wide range of intellectual skills essential for academic success in law school. The goal of legal studies is not to train lawyers but to help students develop the highly sophisticated writing, analytical, and critical skills that law schools demand. 

LearnWhat Will You Learn?

What Will You Learn?


Students in legal studies classes complete the interdisciplinary program of 20 credits, which they satisfy while fulfilling the requirements of a traditional liberal arts major. By requiring students to take courses outside of their own field of study, the legal studies minor exposes them to academic methodology and critical approaches not inherent to their own disciplines, strengthens their writing and analytical skills, and broadens the base of their academic experience in preparation for law school or other legally related careers. In addition, students are exposed to both the for-profit and not-for-profit legal environment.  Learn More

DoWhat Will You Do?

What Will You Do?


The legal studies minor is designed to introduce students to different ways of thinking about the law and the legal field. Each student takes two core courses, PLS 204: Law and Society and PLS 250: Legal Writing and Advocacy in the Courts, both of which are taught by adjunct professors who are professionals in the legal field. The legal studies minor is a good fit for students who are considering going to law school and pursuing a career in legal studies.

Course Curriculum

Faculty

Program Contact
Nina Kasniunas, Department Chair

Affiliate Faculty
Mark Hiller

Elisa Koehler

Daniel Marcus

Matthew McConville

April Oettinger

Opportunities & Internships

Internships


Internships help students explore possibilities, apply classroom learning, and gain experience. Explore internships and credit options.

Student Employment


Student employment connects students to both on and off-campus opportunities. The Career Education Office provides resources and support to students with or without Federal Work Study to find jobs, submit applications, and learn more about the job search process. Students have access to Handshake — a website for job postings, events, resumes/cover letters, and career management.

Major & Career Exploration


Exploring career options, choosing a major, and making career decisions is a multi-step process in which all students are encouraged to engage early and often. Goucher students have a variety of resources available through the Majors and Career page to assist them in this process.

Job Search


A Goucher education prepares students for today’s job market and beyond. Students can explore job opportunities and access job search resources through the CEO Job Search page.

Graduate & Professional School


Students access resources for searching and applying to graduate and professional school through the CEO Graduate and Professional School page, through faculty and staff members, or utilizing their own resources, network and tools.

Johns Hopkins Carey Business School 4+1 BA/MS Program


Goucher College and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School are offering Goucher students a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program. This 4+1 program combines a bachelor’s degree from Goucher with a master of science degree from Johns Hopkins in business analytics and risk management, information systems, health care management, finance, or marketing. Students can apply during their junior year. GRE or GMAT tests have been waived but applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better and have passed some quantitative reasoning courses with a grade of B or better.