Bachelor of Professional Studies in Social Justice & Legal Studies

Prepare for Meaningful Work in an Exciting Field

Explore the legal system using a range of disciplines, including economics, philosophy, theology and history. Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared to work at law firms, corporate legal departments, social justice advocacy groups and more. Those seeking to work as paralegals can take courses in areas like civil litigation or real estate law in preparation for certification exams.

A Program Designed with You in Mind

��Ĺ�� is the right place to relaunch your academic journey. We understand the unique needs of today’s busy adult learners, and we value the experience you bring. We’re prepared to help you clear obstacles and balance academic demands, full-time work and family responsibilities.

Never taken an online course before? Don’t worry. Our Adult Learning Seminar will help you navigate and enjoy the online learning experience. You’ll receive all the tools and skills you need to succeed in your studies and earn your degree.

Program Overview

Start the BPS program at your convenience with six start dates per year
Online courses offered year-round
Choose from traditional or accelerated pathways
Learn efficiently in accelerated 8-week online courses, allowing you to complete the program in about 20 months

Tailor your degree to your career goals by choosing 21 hours of social science courses
Transfer prior college credits toward your ��Ĺ�� degree
Earn college credit for learning experiences beyond the classroom

The Social Justice & Legal Studies program complimented my background as a paralegal and helped me develop the skills to become an advocate for my community. I learned to review and develop contracts, analyze data and work with integrity.”

Jazmin Lopez

��Ĺ�� Graduate

What You’ll Learn

Through the Social Justice & Legal Studies major, you’ll gain a broad understanding of how laws are created, interpreted and applied, as well as how they shape communities and social systems. Our curriculum covers criminal justice, public administration, economics, philosophy, social policy and more. You’ll graduate with the tools and qualifications to analyze legal issues from multiple perspectives and advocate for equitable outcomes, preparing you for work or further education in law, social work, public policy and more.

Your Education at Your Pace

At ��Ĺ��, our BPS programs are built with embedded micro-certificates that equip you with marketable credentials at each stage of your journey. Each micro-certificate can be completed with 2 to 4 classes. This integrated structure ensures that you’ll be able to pause and continue your education as your personal and professional needs evolve without having to repeat classes.

Foundations of Criminal Justice Administration

This micro-certificate prepares you with essential knowledge of criminal law and procedure, public administration and justice.

Applied Legal Foundations

Learn practical applications of law in relation to religion, philosophy, economics and contracts.

Civic Policy

Explore the basics of civic policy with a focus on social policy and public administration.

Labor Relations & the Public Sector

This micro-certificate equips you with essential advocacy and negotiation skills, with a focus on union relations and administrative law.

Transform Your Future

��Ĺ��’s Bachelor of Professional Studies program empowered Larry Spears to pursue a new career helping historically disadvantaged communities

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Let’s Finish What You Started—Together

Finishing your degree is a transformative achievement. At ��Ĺ��, we take pride in partnering with you, and we are fully invested in your success. You will be assigned a dedicated advisor who will check in with you regularly to ensure nothing stands in the way of achieving your goals. You’ll have access to tutoring, research and writing assistance, and more. Our  Office of Career Programs and Employer Relations can connect you with job opportunities. And whether you study in person or online, you will feel connected and welcomed. Our curriculum—which includes an emphasis on ethics, global citizenship, and communication—will ensure you’re ready for anything.

Having professors with experience as lawyers, mediators—they do what they teach—was so valuable. As I was finishing my bachelor’s, they let me concurrently start my master’s program. ��Ĺ�� prepared me for exactly what I’m doing now.”

Lisa Badger

��Ĺ�� Graduate

Prepare for a Career. And a Lifetime of Impact.

At ��Ĺ��, you’ll find multiple pathways to your goals. You’ll be ready for a wide range of jobs in human services, as well as further study in graduate or professional school. Our adult and continuing studies programs are a natural bridge to some of our most high-impact master's degrees, such as our MA in Trauma Informed Leadership or MS in Information Management programs. High-achieving undergraduates can also apply to take select graduate courses even before finishing your baccalaureate degree—so you can complete your master’s degree faster and save on tuition.

Take the Next Step

How to Apply

Career Opportunities

Our graduates are ready to advance in a wide range of professional settings, including:

Law Firms
Corporate Legal Departments
Law Enforcement Agencies
Government Agencies
Social Justice Advocacy Groups

Real Estate Offices
Insurance Companies
Banks
Nonprofit Organizations

For more information,
please contact:

Office of Undergraduate Admission

domadmis@dom.edu

(708) 524-6800