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Legal Studies / Sociology, Bachelor of Science / Master of Arts

The B.S./M.A. program in Legal Studies and Sociology allows qualified students to simultaneously work toward the completion of a B.S. degree in Legal Studies and an M.A. degree in Sociology.

Law regulates our social lives and is concerned with the causes and consequences of human behavior.  Likewise, Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.  Sociologists study many of the contemporary issue that legal professionals work on, including: street crime and policing practices; disparities in income and family resources; poverty and unemployment; and problems of peace and war.  And, research conducted by sociologists is often used to test the effectiveness of laws and to advocate for changes in law. 

The B.S./M.A. program in Legal Studies and Sociology allows qualified students to simultaneously work toward the completion of a B.S. degree in Legal Studies and an M.A. degree in Sociology.  While still working toward your undergraduate Legal Studies degree, you’ll enroll in four approved graduate courses in Sociology. 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 Sociology 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]

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

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Degree Type
BS/MA
Area of Interest
Law, Policy & Government
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
120

Admission

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

Current St. John’s University undergraduates interested in applying to a combined degree program or pathway should consult the appropriate Director of Graduate Studies and their undergraduate academic Dean.

Career Outcomes

In the B.S./M.A. program in Legal Studies and Sociology, you learn how the American legal system works, as well as to collect, analyze, and interpret legal data. Your combined studies will allow you to conduct effective legal research and to understand not only the law itself, but its social and cultural implications. The knowledge and skills you gain through the program will allow you to advance in careers related to civil rights litigation, federal or state prosecution or defense, social justice, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

Interested in Law, Policy & Government, but not sure if Legal Studies / Sociology, Bachelor of Science / Master of Arts is right for you?

Explore opportunities at St. John's with our pathway generator.