If you love research, fact-finding and bringing the truth to light, a degree in legal studies from UWF may be for you. We will prepare you for law school or a law-related position and connect you with local law firms and law schools to help further your career after graduation.

Why Pursue Legal Studies at UWF?

Our program is ranked as a Top 10 Legal Studies program nationwide both by CollegeChoice.net and by Affordable Schools.

In addition to preparing you for law-related careers, our program provides a foundation for law school or other graduate education. All of our full-time faculty members are attorneys who are graduates of ABA-approved law schools and available for law school advising.

We offer small class sizes and highly qualified faculty. You will have ample opportunities to conduct research and take part in internships.

What You Will Learn

The legal studies program focuses on the skills you need to succeed in law school. We focus on learning through doing, using real-world simulations and exercises.

You will learn how to "think like a lawyer" and dissect cases and statutes. The skills you learn will prepare you for the rigors of the first year of law school or for success as a paralegal.

We will share the mechanics of practicing law and the basics of civil litigation and criminal law practice. You will learn research skills, ethical awareness and, above all, persuasive writing and oral advocacy.

We sponsor several law-themed initiatives designed to give you first-hand experience in practicing law, including an organized mock trial team and in-class contract simulations and oral arguments. We offer numerous annual events, including a Careers in the Law Panel, where local judges, attorneys and paralegals speak on their respective careers, and a Law School Forum, where representatives from up to 30 law schools come to campus to talk to students.

UWF programs offered at the Pensacola campus or UWF Emerald Coast may require online courses. Discuss the program requirements and planning with your academic advisor.