University at Buffalo (UB)
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.
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.
If you are definitely interested in going to law school, you may want to consider a combined JD degree.
Want to roll up your sleeves and get real-world experience? Check out these opportunities at UB:
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:
Of course, if you decide you want to go to law school, this program will prepare you very well.
As the only law school in the SUNY system, UB attracts nationally recognized faculty who are committed to training the next generation of law students.
In addition to their legal expertise, many of our faculty have degrees in related subjects such as sociology, history and anthropology, so they can provide additional insight and context for applying the law. Their specialties have covered everything from tax policy and collective bargaining to gender issues and election law.
Our faculty have also earned many high-profile awards, including SUNY Distinguished Professor, UB’s Teaching Innovation Award and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Here, dozens of our faculty are practicing attorneys and judges who can share their real-world experience—and networking opportunities.