What you will study
As the backbone of UCM’s Pre-Law pathway, the Legal Studies minor provides a diverse
education if you’re planning to attend law school, conduct international business
or become a media legal correspondent, as examples. You’ll take courses in criminal
law, business law and the judicial process. Then, you can choose electives focused
in your areas of interest, such as:
- Employment law
- Human rights
- Capital punishment
- Trial advocacy
- Constitutional law
Due to this minor’s interdisciplinary nature, your courses are taught by experts in
their respective disciplines. Many hold Juris Doctor degrees and have real-world experience,
which allows them to guide you to the best curriculum for your career goals.
Unique learning opportunities in legal studies
Take advantage of the hands-on learning opportunities offered at the University of
Central Missouri. Expand your legal studies outside the classroom with these opportunities
and resources:
- Internships: Choose to complete a legal internship for real-world experience that demonstrates
specialized skills and enhances your resume. UCM has placed students with prosecuting
attorney, public defender and victim advocate offices as well as with Legal Aid of
Western Missouri.
- UCM Mock Trial: Learn and practice trial advocacy while building your communication skills and confidence
as part of UCM Mock Trial. You’ll meet students from various disciplines while you
compete — and rank — in invitational, regional and national tournaments.
- Student associations: Join one or more of UCM’s 185+ student organizations for networking opportunities.
Consider the Pre-Law Student Association to also build on your legal knowledge. You’ll
participate in meetings, “field trips” to law schools, guest speaker events and LSAT
preparation.
- Missouri Western District Court of Appeals: Since 2000, the Missouri Western District Court of Appeals has held oral arguments
at UCM. Students, faculty, and local high schools sit in to hear the proceedings,
and participate in exclusive Q & A and networking opportunities with the judges.
What can you do with a minor in Legal Studies from UCM?
Like many UCM graduates, you may use the knowledge and skills gained from the Legal
Studies minor to succeed in law school. You can join the ranks of UCM alumni who hold
these prestigious positions, among others:
- Circuit judge
- Appellate judge
- Private attorney at law
- Military judge advocate general
If you’re completing one of UCM’s Business Administration degrees, the Legal Studies minor will qualify you for compliance-related positions. It can
also help you maintain legal practices in the fields of accounting or finance or navigate
the legal system in social work — demonstrating this minor’s value for a variety of
fields.
Take advantage of UCM’s partnership with Missouri law schools
While the Legal Studies minor isn’t a direct pathway to law school, it works to prepare
you for that next step should you desire pre-law education. We partner with the University
of Missouri — Columbia and the University of Missouri — Kansas City to help ensure
your acceptance and seamless transfer to their schools of law. Follow our 3+3 program to complete your undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor degree requirements in a total
of six years.
Understand your opportunities with a Legal Studies minor
With the varied UCM faculty leading your courses, you’ll have access to experts in
their respective fields who can share their experiences as they relate to your career
goals. Use the interactive tool below to further understand the potential of a career
related to your legal studies.
Financial assistance options for your Legal Studies minor
Your understanding of varied legal aspects and expanded research, writing and communication
skills gained with UCM’s Legal Studies minor will enhance your value to employers,
no matter your major. Ensure your ability to get this quality education when you explore
the means we offer to help finance your undergraduate studies — including loans, grants, work-study opportunities and scholarships.
Explore the scholarships available to Legal Studies students
UCM, in addition to our generous alumni and other supporters, offers various scholarships
to assist our students. One opportunity available to Legal Studies minors includes
the Robert I. Jaquith Law Scholarship. Awarded each year to an outstanding UCM student
who has been accepted to law school, this scholarship is named after the first lawyer
to teach in the program — in 1969.
You may qualify for other scholarships depending on your undergraduate major. Use
the UCM Scholarship Finder to search for opportunities.
Meet David R.
BA Political Science and BA International Studies ’16, with Legal Studies Minor and
Spanish Minor
“Choosing UCM for my undergraduate studies remains the greatest contribution to my
success as a Mizzou Law student. My UCM coursework helped me thrive inside Mizzou’s
classrooms, and participation in UCM Mock Trial and Debate equipped me with invaluable
skills for my career. UCM’s Pre-Law pathway is why I would ‘Choose Red’ again.”
Learn From Legal Experts
Faculty with real-world experience
UCM faculty for our Legal Studies minor are experts in the areas of political science, criminal justice and criminology and business law. Most hold Juris Doctor degrees and experience in their respective fields — one
even worked for a private law firm and as a municipal court judge. Get their unique
perspectives and professional guidance as you plan your law-related career.
Meet Dr. Benecia Carmack
Criminal Justice and Criminology associate professor
Dr. Carmack, who holds a Juris Doctor degree, served as a municipal judge for over
16 years. Today, when not leading Criminal Justice and Criminology courses and advising
UCM’s pre-law students, she often trains police academy cadets on suppression hearings
and evidence matters. Get her unique perspective as you plan your future.
Read Dr. Carmack’s Bio
Meet Dr. James Staab
American Politics and Law professor
An award-winning faculty member, Dr. Staab has taught at UCM since 1998 and advises
our Pre-Law students. Dr. Staab holds a Juris Doctor degree and specializes in public
law — civil rights, judicial politics and criminal procedure, among other aspects.
Experience his passion for these topics and grow from his expertise as you prepare
for a legal career.
Read Dr. Staab’s Bio
Meet Dr. Steven Popejoy
Business Law professor
Dr. Popejoy holds an MBA from the University of Central Missouri and a Juris Doctor
degree from the University of Missouri — Kansas City. A nationally recognized case
writer, he won the Society for Case Research’s national Best Case Award in 2009 and
has published extensively on right-to-work laws in the United States. Gain a business
law foundation using his know-how.
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