Judge the impact of the legal system (no gavels required)
Law touches virtually every aspect of society. That makes a degree in Legal Studies great preparation for a career in government, business, the non-profit sector, law enforcement, and (of course!) law itself.
At Waterloo, you’ll enjoy small classes led by highly respected researchers, giving you lots of opportunity for discussion, and you'll also have the opportunity to gain work experience through co-op.
Over the course of your Legal Studies undergraduate degree, you’ll explore the impact of law on society, the origins of legal systems, how the Charter of Rights and Freedoms creates change, and issues such as crime, deviance, punishment, and restorative justice.
You’ll graduate with skills in research, problem solving, critical thinking, and communication, along with an in-depth understanding of law and legal systems.
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Get serious work experience. Choose the co-op system of study and apply your knowledge in law firms, government offices, business, technology companies, and more.
Study law from every angle. Gain a broad perspective on the law by studying political science, history, sociology, philosophy, and peace and conflict studies.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample co-op job titles
- Legal assistant
- Law clerk
- Business analyst
- Legal office assistant
- Project administrator
- Marketing associate
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
If you choose to do Legal Studies through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
or after second year (which can be May to August 2027), if you choose Honours Arts
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
What can you do with a degree in Legal Studies?
Graduates with a Legal Studies degree often find careers working in law firms, human resources, management, legal departments of companies and businesses, security services, retail, and education to name a variety.
Recent graduates
- Legal Administrative Assistant — McCarthy Tetrault
- Economist — Ministry of Finance, Ontario
- Analyst — Canadian Armed Forces
- Human Resource Specialist — Qvella
- Business Development Representative — Rothmans
- Project Manager — Manulife Financial
- Accommodations Consultant — Prica Global
Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.
Hear from some recent graduates
Alexandra Horwood (BA '10) talks about how she applies what she learned from the Legal Studies program to real life. Listen to this podcast to find out how you can apply your Legal Studies degree.
Admissions
Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Legal Studies as your major at the end of first year.
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)
Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
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