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Legal Studies / Government and Politics, Bachelor of Science / Master of Arts

In order to fully understand the practice of law, you also need to understand the political structures that affect how legislation is created and interpreted. The combined B.S./M.A. program in Legal Studies and Government and Politics will provide you with comprehensive understanding of the American legal system and the governmental framework affecting every aspect of legal practice. The accelerated nature of the program will allow you to complete both degrees in just five years of full-time study.

The B.S./M.A. program in Legal Studies and Government and Politics allows qualified students to simultaneously work toward the completion of a B.S. degree in Legal Studies and an M.A. degree in Government and Politics. While still working toward your undergraduate Legal Studies degree, you’ll enroll in four approved graduate courses in Government and Politics. These courses will still apply to your bachelor’s degree if for any reason you do not wish to continue at the master’s level after four years.

Information about the bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies can be found here.  Information about the master’s degree in Government and Politics can be found here.  Legal studies majors interested in pursuing this combined degree should speak to their CCPS advising dean—ideally in their sophomore year.  The list of CCPS advising deans is here.

Dean Contacts

St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Graduate Division
[email protected]

Collins College of Professional Studies, Undergraduate Division
718-990-6414

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Degree Type
BS/MA
Area of Interest
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours

Admission

Please see the requirement chart for the academic progression criteria in this dual degree program.

Career Outcomes

In the combined B.S./M.A. program in Legal Studies and Government and Politics, you’ll learn the political policies and governmental structures that affect how law is written, interpreted, and put into practice. You’ll also develop in-depth knowledge of the American legal system and how to research, document, and present legal issues. Your sophisticated understanding of both the legal and political systems will make you a desirable candidate for careers related to public policy, public administration, law, social justice, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and lobbying and special interest groups.

The Legal Studies Program is an American Bar Association-approved Paralegal Education Program.  Legal assistants and paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

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