Why study Interdisciplinary : Law and Society?

Law is an integral part of all facets of our society. The Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies: Law and Society major helps students meet the demand for leaders who have a solid understanding of law, the institutions where law is created, and how law intersects with our societies, cultures, economies, and politics.  The degree program analyzes how law informs and is shaped by political, societal, and cultural processes. This program is hosted in the School of Public and International Affairs and in partnership with UC College of Law. While Political Science and Law are at the center of the program, expertise and specialization come from many other disciplines, including (but not limited to):

• Sociology
• Environmental Studies
• History
• Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
• Business
• English
• Journalism
• Philosophy

This multidisciplinary approach allows you to customize your degree not only by selecting one of many pathways for degree completion but also through the consideration of a double major. This degree is a relevant pathway to Law school. 

Law and Society majors develop strong research and analytical skills by studying the dynamics of law in domestic and international contexts. For further information visit the School of Public and International Affairs webpage.

During your sophomore year, this major will allow you to opt into a co-op track. The optional co-op track provides an opportunity for you to engage in compensated, career-oriented experiences and reflect upon and integrate those experiences as a part of your undergraduate degree. Engaging in multiple meaningful career-related experiences prior to graduation provides you with an opportunity to develop transferable skills and gain a competitive edge as you prepare for life after graduation. Please visit UC’s Co-op information for further details.

Career Possibilities

Like students who graduate with other social science and liberal arts majors, graduates with a degree in the Law and Society major are prepared for many different career options. The interdisciplinary nature of this unique degree means students acquire many different transferable skills needed by employers, such as critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork. While many majors use their degree to prepare for law school and eventual legal careers, other students establish careers in:

• criminal justice
• state, local and federal government
• private sector
• non-governmental sector
• party politics
• education
• journalism and public relations

Majors also pursue graduate degrees in public policy, public administration, political science, or related fields, becoming consultants, lobbyists, leaders in private and public corporations, non-profit managers, local government leaders, researchers, and educators.

Major Maps

• Guide: Interdisciplinary: Law & Society (Spring 2024)

Advising

The College of Arts and Sciences provides advising to all A&S students to advance each individual student’s educational goals and plans.  Further A&S information can be found here.

For further information, please contact the SPIA program director, whose name and information appear on this page.

The School of Public and International Affairs faculty provide advising about course content, specific program requirements, professional opportunities, and post-baccalaureate education.  Faculty advisors and office hours are provided on the SPIA website.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

College of Arts and Sciences

Students in UC's College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Co-op

Students in this program can participate in the optional co-op track and gain valuable work experience while they are still in school. To fulfill the requirements of this track, students are prepared to participate in a competitive search process to complete at least two co-op experiences. Participation in the co-op track will be noted on students’ transcripts. Built with maximum flexibility, the optional co-op allows students to combine academic coursework with FULL or PART time paid work experience (co-op). Co-op for Law and Society does not extend students' graduation timeline and it can help them explore, revise, and define their professional goals. 

Admission Requirements

Please visit the Undergraduate Admissions page for more information.

International students should visit the Undergraduate Admissions for International Students page for more information.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

For any inquiries please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.

International Student Requirements

International students should visit the Undergraduate Admissions for International Students page for more information. 

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the university.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

Accreditation