University of Missouri-Kansas City

What you'll study

The Non-Professional Legal Studies degree delivers a broad grounding in legal concepts, legal institutions and analytical skills. Students take core courses that introduce them to the structure and function of law alongside electives that allow depth in areas of interest.

• Core subjects: introduction to law and the legal system, legal research and writing, legal reasoning and ethics, and legal history or theory.
• Substantive law courses: criminal law, contracts, torts, constitutional law, civil procedure and administrative law. These courses emphasise doctrinal understanding together with case analysis and statutory interpretation.
• Specialist electives: family law, business and commercial law, employment law, immigration law, intellectual property basics, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Skills and practical learning: courses in legal writing and advocacy, experiential workshops, simulation exercises, and an option to complete an internship or practicum with local courts, government agencies, non-profits or law firms.
• Capstone or senior seminar: a research project or seminar that integrates coursework and develops advanced analytical and communication skills.

The programme typically combines required departmental courses with electives drawn from across arts, social sciences and business to provide interdisciplinary context. Students can often tailor the degree to support pre-law preparation, public service, compliance, or business careers.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet the University of Missouri–Kansas City’s general undergraduate admission standards. Typical preparation includes strong coursework in English, social studies, and writing-intensive subjects. Admissions review considers academic record, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement; standardised test requirements follow the university’s current undergraduate policy.

Transfer students with college-level credits may be admitted with evaluation of prior coursework and transcripts. Mature or non-traditional students are welcome; relevant work or volunteer experience in legal, civic or community settings can strengthen an application. Prospective students aiming specifically for paralegal or legal assistant certification should consult programme advisors because this degree is non-professional and not designed to meet paralegal certification requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Non-Professional Legal Studies move into a wide range of roles that require legal literacy, critical thinking and communication skills. Common pathways include:

• Legal assistant or legal administrative roles in law firms and corporate legal departments (employers may prefer supplementary paralegal certification for some positions).
• Court clerk, legislative staffer, compliance officer, claims examiner, or positions in public agencies and non-profit organisations.
• Careers in human resources, risk management, insurance, and business operations where knowledge of law and regulation is valuable.
• Further study: many graduates use the programme as preparation for graduate degrees, including law school (JD), public policy, or related master’s programmes.

Internships and practicum placements supported by the university and local legal community help students build practical experience and professional networks in the Kansas City region and beyond.

Why study at University of Missouri–Kansas City

UMKC offers this programme in a city with an active legal community, providing ready access to courts, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and private firms for internships and hands-on learning. The university’s proximity to the UMKC School of Law and its broader campus resources enables cross-disciplinary opportunities, guest lectures from practising attorneys, and access to law-focused events and clinics.

Students benefit from faculty who combine academic teaching with applied experience, advising that supports pre-law and career planning, and connections to a regional network of employers. The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing students to combine legal studies with minors or majors in related fields such as political science, business, criminology, or sociology to match individual career goals.