Mission Statement

Offering a comprehensive approach, the Department of Legal Studies provides for the interdisciplinary study of the law and related fields at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The objectives of the Department are:

To offer the Paralegal and Pre-Law Programs for students interested in the legal field;
To provide students with appropriate advisement and information;
To promote Montclair State's involvement with law schools, the organized bar and the general public through initiatives such as conferences, research studies and student internships.
At the undergraduate level the Department of Legal Studies affords Montclair State students the possibilities of an applied career in law as a paralegal or Pre-Law preparation for a career as an attorney. Both the Paralegal and Pre-Law Programs are minors which may be combined with many diverse majors on campus. At the graduate level, the Master of Arts in Legal Studies offers a program of study for students seeking advanced preparation in legal studies with optional concentrations in Dispute Resolution and in Law Office Management and Technology. It provides academic opportunities leading to career enhancement for legal professionals. The degree offerings are on the cuttting edge of specialty areas such as alternative dispute resolution, law office management, legal technology, trademark law, ethics and professional responsibility. Legal Studies provides graduate instructions through a broad range of topics which develop the student's critical understanding of law. Graduate offerings in Legal Studies are designed:
To advance the study of law within the context of an interdisciplinary liberal arts education;
To provide a more advanced level of knowledge in order to enhance professional development;
To prepare for the technologically sophisticated legal environment of the twenty-first century;
To develop theoretical and practical knowledge of advocacy and dispute resolution;
To enhance advanced legal research and writing abilities;
To develop analytical and critical thinking skills essential to the legal field.
In contrast to the Master of Arts in Legal Studies, the post-baccalaureate Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is an appropriate course of study for entry level preparation. Students may elect to pursue the post-baccalaureate certificate and also the Master of Arts degree. Contact the Department of Legal Studies for further information.
Dr. Norma Connolly

Revised January 2000