Academic Programs

Undergraduate Degree in Legal Studies

The Legal Studies program provides students with a broad understanding of basic principles of the law, and the role and function of the legal system. In addition to preparing students for law-related careers, the program provides a solid foundation for law school. While no specific major is required for admission to law school, a degree in Legal Studies presents students with an unparalleled opportunity for law school preparation. All Legal Studies faculty are graduates of ABA approved law schools, and practice/have practiced the law. Legal Studies students are encouraged to work closely with their program advisor in planning their degree completion and career goals. Satisfactory completion of the program requirements leads to the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Legal Studies. The difference between the two degree types is that the B.A. requires two semesters of college-level foreign language; the B.S. requires two years of high school foreign language. In addition, both degree types are respected the same. Both the B.A. and the B.S. can be completed entirely online.

Undergraduate Minor in Legal Studies

The Legal Studies minor is well suited for students seeking to understand the universal role of law in society. This minor is available for all undergraduate students. Students who pursue the Legal Studies minor will find this knowledge in nearly every aspect of their professional careers.

Undergraduate Certificate in Individual Liberties

In partnership with the Department of Political Science, the Individual Liberties Certificate provides students with an understanding of the substantive and procedural aspects of criminal law, as well as an in-depth knowledge of individual liberties and rights as they relate to citizen-government relations. This Certificate is appropriate for any student planning to attend law school, planning to seek employment in a law office, public sector, criminal justice agency, and the like.

*This certificate is available only for students with a 2019-2020 catalog year (i.e. admitted summer 2019 & onward).

Undergraduate Certificate in Litigation and Advocacy

In partnership with the Nicholson School of Communication and Media, the Litigation and Advocacy Certificate provides students with the practical working understanding of legal advocacy as well as public speaking skills that are equally relevant in the courtroom and the workplace. Students will be better versed in critical thinking argumentation and the relationships between legal and social advocacy. The knowledge and skills they will develop in gathering evidence developing arguments and understanding diverse populations will help them become more marketable, both as potential law students as well as communication professionals.

*This certificate is available only for students with a 2018-2019 catalog year (i.e. admitted summer 2018 & onward).

The Undergraduate Certificate in Litigation and Advocacy may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF Online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

Undergraduate Certificate in Spanish for the Legal World

This Certificate is offered through the College of Arts and Humanities, in partnership with the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. The Spanish for the Legal World Certificate prepares students to expand and bridge their knowledge across the different areas of Spanish and the key concepts of the legal world, thus facilitating an easy transition to the workforce upon completion of this certificate.

Undergraduate Certificate in Urban Real Estate and Development

This Certificate is a joint partnership between the Department of Legal Studies, the College of Business, and the School of Public Administration. Students will be provided with an interdisciplinary focus on real estate, development, and law in an urban setting. Students will be enhanced with marketable skills to understand the law, financing, and societal aspirations in urban development. This certificate will attract students interested in business, law, real estate, banking, government and private firms.

*This certificate is available only for students with a 2019-2020 catalog year (i.e. admitted summer 2019 & onward).