Program Overview
The law and society major at the University of Kansas examines how law works in practice — across public administration, courts, the nonprofit sector, policy, policing, and the justice system. Rather than focusing only on courtroom procedure or legal doctrine, the program explores how legal history, legal policy, and law-like action in non-governmental settings shape managerial processes, democratic governance, and the lives of ordinary people.
Administered by the School of Public Affairs and Administration within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the law and society degree takes an interdisciplinary approach that draws from political science, sociology, public policy, criminal justice, and related fields. Students learn to analyze how law shapes institutions and communities — and how social values, public debate, and historical change in turn shape the development of law.
Many prospective students ask what is law and society? In academic terms, it is the study of how law functions as a social institution. Rather than viewing law solely as statutes and court decisions, the field examines how legal rules emerge from social conditions and how they influence behavior, governance, and social justice. The law and society major allows students to explore these connections through research, case studies, and policy analysis.
Students pursuing a law and society degree at KU can choose between the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of General Studies pathway. Both options provide a strong foundation in the study of legal systems and public policy, while allowing students to tailor their academic experience based on their interests and career goals. Coursework encourages students to examine key topics such as civil rights, public policy, legal institutions, and the impact of law on social inequality.
A defining feature of the law and society major is its emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. Students learn how to interpret legal and policy documents, evaluate competing viewpoints, and apply theoretical perspectives to real-world legal issues. By examining case studies and policy debates, students develop the ability to assess how law in society shapes outcomes across areas such as education, criminal justice, public administration, and civil liberties.
In addition to classroom learning, students in the law and society major are encouraged to engage with legal and policy issues through experiential learning opportunities. Internships, research projects, and community engagement activities help students connect academic theory with practical experience. These opportunities allow students to observe how laws and policies are implemented and how they influence communities at local, national, and global levels.
Understanding “What is law and society?” also involves examining how legal institutions evolve over time. Students analyze how legislation, court rulings, and policy reforms respond to social change and public debate. By studying historical and contemporary legal developments, students gain a broader perspective on the role of law in shaping democratic governance and public policy.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Law & Society, BA/BGSKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor’s in Law and Society is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Bachelor’s in Law and Society Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the law and society major develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyze legal systems within social and political contexts. Students completing the law and society degree will be able to:
- Explain the role of law in society and evaluate how legal institutions shape social, political, and economic systems.
- Analyze legal issues using interdisciplinary perspectives drawn from social science research.
- Interpret legal documents, court decisions, and policy frameworks related to the law and society major field of study.
- Apply research methods to investigate questions about legal systems and social change.
- Communicate effectively about legal and policy issues through written, analytical, and presentation-based work.
- Evaluate how historical and contemporary events influence the development of law in society.
These learning outcomes help prepare students for graduate study, law school, and professional pathways connected to law and society major jobs.
What Careers are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Law and Society?
Students who complete the law and society major gain analytical and research skills that apply to many professional fields. Graduates often pursue opportunities in government, nonprofit organizations, law-related professions, and public service careers.
Some graduates continue their education in law school or graduate programs related to public policy, criminal justice, or social sciences. Others begin their careers in roles that involve policy research, community advocacy, or administrative leadership. Examples of potential law and society major jobs include:
- Legal assistant or paralegal
- Policy analyst
- Legislative aide
- Community advocate
- Government program coordinator
- Compliance specialist
- Nonprofit program manager
- Research analyst
According to labor market data available through Lightcast, many careers connected to law in society emphasize strong research, analytical, and communication skills. The law and society degree provides a strong foundation for these professions while also preparing students for continued academic study.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition rates for the degree in Law and Societys vary based on residency status and enrollment pathway. The University of Kansas offers scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to support students financially. For more information, visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the law and society major must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR 2.0 GPA and 21+ ACT
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferrable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Students in the law and society major benefit from an academic environment that emphasizes collaboration, discussion, and applied learning. Courses encourage students to engage with real-world issues and examine how law in society influences public institutions and communities.
Experiential learning opportunities help students connect classroom concepts with practical experience. Internships with government agencies, legal organizations, or nonprofit groups provide exposure to the kinds of professional settings where law and society major jobs are often found.
Student organizations, research projects, and campus events also allow students pursuing the law and society degree to explore legal and policy topics outside the classroom. These experiences help students build professional networks while developing the skills necessary for careers related to law in society.
Bachelor’s in Law and Society Sample Courses
Course offerings in the law and society major introduce students to the interdisciplinary study of legal systems and social institutions. While course availability may vary, students pursuing the law and society degree may encounter topics such as:
- Methods in Law and Society
- The Pursuit of Rights: Law, Democracy & Power
- Theoretical Foundations of Law & Society
- Legal Aspects of Business
- Environmental Law
- Psychology and the Law
Through these courses, students deepen their understanding of what is law and society? while developing analytical skills that support a wide range of academic and professional pathways. For a comprehensive list of courses and detailed descriptions, please review the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Law and Society Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.