Ole Miss Law Major: Is It Right For You?

can i major in law at ole miss

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, offers a Bachelor of Science in Law Studies. This degree serves as a foundation for students who plan to attend law school. Students can also choose to focus on a specific emphasis, pick Law Studies as a minor, or take the fast track into a graduate degree. Ole Miss also offers a 3+3 Accelerated Law Program, which allows students to complete their first year of law school during their fourth year of undergraduate studies. The University of Mississippi School of Law has an application deadline of April 1 and a full-time program application fee of $40.

Characteristics Values
Name of the course Bachelor of Science in Law Studies
Course type Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees
Application deadline April 1
Application fee $40
Tuition fee $19,680 (in-state), $41,960 (out-of-state)
Student-faculty ratio 10.8:1
Graduation requirements 90 required credit hours, with no more than 4 Z-graded credit hours from co-curricular activities
Course content Legal ethics, professional responsibility, legal writing, elements of crimes, criminal justice system, criminal trial practice, legal research, and more
Career opportunities Paralegal, jury consultant, legal secretary, probation officer, correctional treatment specialist
School ranking #121 out of 195 in Best Law Schools in America

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Bachelor of Science in Law Studies

The University of Mississippi offers a Bachelor of Science in Law Studies for students who plan to attend law school. The degree serves as a foundation for students who want to pursue a career in the legal profession, particularly as paralegals. The program is designed to provide students with the experiences, knowledge, and skills necessary for careers as paralegals.

The Law Studies Degree is offered by the Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. Students in the law studies major are allowed to take Math 120 to fulfill the College Algebra math requirement and CJ 202 to fulfill their statistics requirement. Additionally, an extra 3 hours are required in Pol 101. The B.S. in law studies degree requires 30 semester hours of LA courses, including LA 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, 204, 205, 303, 304, and 305. A minimum grade-point average of 2.5 must be maintained on all law studies coursework.

The Bachelor of Science in Law Studies program introduces students to the study of legal ethics, examining the concepts of "ethics" and "being ethical." Students will learn about the rules of professional responsibility that apply to paralegals and lawyers and will study ethical issues in a real-world context. They will be required to learn legal vocabulary and develop critical and analytical thinking skills. The program also covers the use of finding tools such as digests, encyclopedias, and annotated law reports, as well as Shepardizing. Students will learn legal writing, including letters and memoranda, and will study the elements of crimes, the criminal justice system, and criminal trial practice.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Law Studies program at Ole Miss can satisfy their fourth-year requirements by successfully completing first-year law school classes at the University of Mississippi School of Law. To be admitted to this special program, students must meet the School of Law's requirements, which are based on the previous year's data on grade-point averages and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores. If a student chooses this emphasis but does not meet the requirements, they must switch to one of the other emphases. While a minor is not required for this emphasis, students are encouraged to develop a minor-like concentration to ensure they have options if they need to switch to another emphasis.

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Law Studies Degree as a foundation for law school

The University of Mississippi offers a Bachelor of Science in Law Studies, which serves as a foundation for students who plan to attend law school. The Law Studies degree is not just a bachelor's degree; it is a comprehensive program that offers students a range of options to suit their interests and career goals.

Students can choose to focus on a specific emphasis, such as the paralegal emphasis, which is designed for those pursuing a career in the legal profession or a related field. This emphasis provides students with the necessary experiences, knowledge, and skills to become paralegals. The Law Studies degree also allows students to pick Law Studies as a minor or even accelerate their path into a graduate degree.

The curriculum for the Law Studies degree covers a broad range of topics to ensure students gain a strong foundation in all aspects of the law. Students will study legal ethics, professional responsibility, and learn the legal vocabulary used in ethics. They will develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for understanding and evaluating legal arguments. Additionally, students will be trained in legal research, writing legal memoranda, and using computers and law libraries as research tools.

The Law Studies degree at Ole Miss also offers a unique opportunity for students to satisfy their fourth-year requirements by completing first-year law school classes at the University of Mississippi School of Law. This provides a seamless transition into law school and gives students a head start in their legal education.

Overall, the Law Studies degree at The University of Mississippi is an excellent choice for students seeking a solid foundation for law school. It provides a well-rounded education, covering various legal topics and skills, while also offering flexibility and specialized options to cater to individual career goals.

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Law School Graduation Requirements

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) offers a Bachelor of Science in Law Studies, which serves as a foundation for students who plan to attend law school. The university also offers a 3+3 Accelerated Law program for students who want to fast-track their graduate degree.

Ole Miss's School of Law has specific graduation requirements that must be met. Students must complete 90 credit hours, with no more than 4 Z-graded credit hours coming from co-curricular activities. An exception is made for the Editor-in-Chief of the Mississippi Law Journal, who can count 5 Z-graded hours toward the total.

In addition, students must complete certain required courses, including:

  • Law 503 Civil Procedure I (4 credits, one semester during the first year)
  • Law 514 & 515 Legal Research and Writing I & II (6 credits, two semesters during the first year)
  • Law 504 Property (4 credits, one semester during the first year)
  • Law 507 Constitutional Law I (4 credits, one semester during the first year)
  • Law 568 Criminal Law (3 credits, one semester during the first year)
  • Law TBD Professional Identity (1 credit, two semesters during the first year)
  • Law 590 Contract Drafting and Negotiation (3 credits, winter intersession during the first year)
  • Law 603 Legal Profession (3 credits, one semester during the second or third year)
  • Law 600 Evidence (3 credits, one semester during the second or third year)
  • 6 hours of Skills, 6 hours of Drafting, and 1 Writing course (2-3 Law graded credits)

Students who finish their 1L year with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.8 must also complete Law 595: Writing for the Bar Exam and meet the requirements of the Law School's Academic Success and Bar Preparation Policy. To graduate in May, students must file an Intent to Graduate Form in the preceding fall semester, while those seeking to graduate in December must file the form in the preceding spring semester.

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Application process for Ole Miss Law School

The University of Mississippi School of Law offers a Bachelor of Science in Law Studies, which serves as a foundation for students who plan to attend law school. The Law Studies Majors programme prepares students for the fast-paced and rapidly growing paralegal career field. Students can choose to focus on a specific emphasis, pick Law Studies as a minor, or take the fast track into a graduate degree.

The application process for the University of Mississippi School of Law is as follows:

  • The application process is competitive, so applicants are encouraged to submit all materials well in advance of the listed deadlines.
  • Applicants who intend to practice law should be aware of the character, fitness, and other qualifications required for admission to the bar in all states. It is recommended that applicants review the character and fitness requirements of the jurisdiction(s) where they intend to practice law. If uncertain, applicants can refer to the Standard NCBE Character and Fitness Application by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
  • All applications must be made through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) at www.lsac.org. LSAC provides six opportunities each year for applicants to take the LSAT, and it is advised to take the LSAT no later than December before the desired term of entry.
  • The application fee is $40, payable by Visa or MasterCard. If you receive an LSAT fee waiver from LSAC, the University of Mississippi School of Law will also waive the application fee.
  • Letters of recommendation should be submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. The University strongly discourages recommendation letters from friends and family, and such letters do not substitute for academic letters of recommendation.
  • The personal statement should include authentic and genuine information about the applicant, such as their interest in the University of Mississippi School of Law and why it is a good fit for them. Alternatively, applicants can describe a challenge or setback they have faced and how they confronted it.
  • Students must meet the School of Law's requirements for admittance, which are based on the previous year's data on grade-point averages and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores for admitted students.
  • Graduation requirements include completing 90 credit hours, with no more than 4 Z-graded credit hours coming from co-curricular activities. Students must also complete required courses such as Civil Procedure I, Legal Research and Writing I & II, Property Law, and Constitutional Law I in their first year.
  • Students who finish their 1L year with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.8 must complete Law 595: Writing for the Bar Exam and meet the requirements of the Law School's Academic Success and Bar Preparation Policy.
  • To graduate in May, students must file the Intent to Graduate Form in the preceding fall semester, and for December graduation, the form must be filed in the preceding spring semester.

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Career prospects for Law graduates

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) offers a Bachelor of Science in Law Studies, which serves as a foundation for students who plan to attend law school. The program prepares students for careers as paralegals, honing the skills and attributes employers seek. Students can also choose to focus on a specific emphasis, pick Law Studies as a minor, or fast-track into a graduate degree.

Ole Miss also offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is a requirement for practicing law in the US. The school provides a comprehensive list of graduation requirements and academic requirements in its Law School Catalog.

Graduates with a law degree can pursue various career paths, both within and beyond the legal profession. Here are some career prospects for law graduates:

Legal Profession

A law degree is typically associated with careers as solicitors, barristers, or lawyers. To practice law, additional requirements beyond the degree are necessary, such as passing the bar exam and meeting character and fitness criteria. Some graduates may also choose to pursue further education, such as a Master's in Law (LLM) to specialize in a particular area of law.

Paralegal Careers

Paralegals are legal professionals who provide essential support to lawyers and play a crucial role in the legal field. The Law Studies degree at Ole Miss specifically prepares students for this fast-paced and rapidly growing career field.

Government and Policy Roles

Understanding the law is advantageous for careers in government and policy-making. Federal, state, and local governments operate within a legal framework, so knowledge of legislation, policymaking, regulatory enforcement, and compliance is valuable. Law graduates can pursue roles in public administration, diplomacy, international relations, and other areas where law and government intersect.

Emerging Technology Policy

Law school graduates can also explore opportunities in emerging technology policy. While this path may involve some non-traditional career choices, a legal education can provide a strong foundation for understanding and shaping technology-related policies.

Other Options

Law graduates can also explore careers beyond the legal and government sectors. Many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject. Law degrees can lead to careers in accountancy, HR, marketing, business, and other fields that value the analytical and critical thinking skills developed through legal studies.

Overall, law graduates have a diverse range of career prospects, both within the legal field and beyond. The skills and knowledge gained through a law degree can be applied to various sectors, providing a strong foundation for a wide array of professional paths.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can major in law at Ole Miss. The University of Mississippi School of Law offers a Bachelor of Science in Law Studies.

The Law Studies Degree at Ole Miss serves as a foundation for students who plan to attend law school. The degree prepares students for a career as a paralegal. Students can also choose to focus on a specific emphasis, pick Law Studies as a minor, or take the fast track into a graduate degree.

As a Law Studies major at Ole Miss, you will study legal ethics, professional responsibility, and legal writing. You will also learn how to use the law library, perform legal research, and use computers as research tools.

The graduation requirements for the Ole Miss School of Law include completing 90 credit hours, with no more than 4 Z-graded credit hours coming from co-curricular activities. Students must also complete certain required courses, such as Civil Procedure I, Legal Research and Writing I & II, Property Law, and Constitutional Law I.

The application deadline for the University of Mississippi School of Law is April 1, and the application fee is $40. The application and scholarship process is competitive, so applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well in advance.

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