The minor in legal studies program at UNC Asheville helps students understand the nature of law and its role and functions from different disciplinary perspectives.

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Why Pursue a Minor in Legal Studies at UNC Asheville?

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Interdisciplinary by Nature

As part of the legal studies minor program, students take courses that look at law through the lenses of philosophy, psychology, and sociology while also examining the nature of case law through courses in constitutional law or individual rights and civil liberties. Through 18 credit hours from at least three different disciplines, with no more than nine coming from any one discipline, students explore their interests in a structured academic setting, delving into topics such as ethics, civil rights, and criminal justice.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Students can delve deeper into their interests, broaden their understanding, and explore new perspectives by engaging with their peers in student clubs and organizations. Networking within one of our over 70 clubs can provide valuable connections and insights into potential career paths, internships, and opportunities for further education. Many organizations on campus empower students to develop leadership and organizational skills, abilities employers highly value.

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Build a Robust Skill Set

In today’s society, understanding the legal system is valuable not only for those pursuing careers directly related to law but also for informed citizenship. Our legal studies courses often require students to analyze complex issues, think critically, and argue persuasively. These skills are transferable to many professions and can be advantageous in roles that require problem-solving and analytical thinking.

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Conduct Original Research

Undergraduate research offers valuable benefits to our students, including opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences that deepen their understanding of the field. Through UNC Asheville’s Undergraduate Research Program (URP), students can apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world problems. They can present their original research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research or seek publication — professional experiences that look great on a résumé or graduate school application.

Undergraduate Research

Want to Prepare for Law School?

Even though the legal studies minor is not intended as a pre-law program or as a preparation for law school, UNC Asheville offers other courses to help you reach your goal.

If you are interested in a pre-law course of study, please contact the Pre-Law Program Coordinator.

Outside the Classroom

Your education knows no bounds at UNC Asheville. We emphasize hands-on, engaged learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. You can put your legal knowledge into practice through research projects, student clubs and organizations, study abroad, and community engagement.

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Study Abroad

Want to gain a global perspective and broaden your understanding of global law and policy? Consider one of our many study abroad experiences in Europe, Asia, Central or South America, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Africa. 

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Community Engagement

The Key Center for Community Engaged Learning serves as a central hub for local involvement, fostering connections between students, staff, faculty, and the wider community to tackle societal issues through transformative relationships.

We encourage students and other members of the UNC Asheville community to engage in various initiatives, from one-time projects to academic service-learning courses. Our goal is to support individuals as they cultivate meaningful relationships on campus and across Western North Carolina, the nation, and globally.

Faculty

Committed to providing students with a rigorous and engaging educational experience, UNC Asheville faculty guide legal studies minors through interdisciplinary collaboration and critical inquiry. Our faculty foster an inclusive learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore complex legal issues and challenge assumptions as they develop the analytical skills necessary for success in their future professions.

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Sonia Kapur, Ph.D.

Interim Chair of Interdisciplinary, International Studies; Sara and Joseph Breman Professor

Office: 207 Zeis Hall
Phone: (828) 250-3943
Email: skapur@unca.edu
Amanda Wray, Ph.D.

Amanda Wray, Ph.D.

Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Office: 213 Karpen Hall
Phone: (828) 251-6412
Email: awray1@unca.edu
Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.

Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary; International Studies and Humanities; HUM 214 Coordinator; CTL Faculty Fellow, 2021-24

Office: 214 Zeis Hall
Phone: (828) 251-3952
Email: rgusain@unca.edu
Trey Adcock, Ph.D.

Trey Adcock, Ph.D.

ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ, Cherokee Nation; Associate Professor, Director of American Indian & Indigenous Studies; International Studies

Office: 214 Zeis Hall
Phone: (828) 251-6961
Email: ladcock1@unca.edu
Laura Bond, M.F.A.

Laura Bond, M.F.A.

Professor of Drama & Interdisciplinary Studies

Office: 120 Whitesides Hall
Phone: (828) 232-2992
Email: lbond@unca.edu
Anne Jansen, Ph.D.

Anne Jansen, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary, International Studies and English; Director of US Ethnic Studies; Diversity Intensive Committee Chair

Office: 212 Karpen Hall
Phone: (828) 251-6582
Email: ajansen@unca.edu
Jinhua Li, Ph.D.

Jinhua Li, Ph.D.

Professor of Chinese Studies & Language, and International, Interdisciplinary Studies; Faculty-Led Global Studies Program Coordinator

Office: 213 zeis Hall
Phone: (828) 232-5135
Email: jli@unca.edu

Surain Subramaniam, Ph.D.

Professor of International & Asian Studies

Office: 213 Zeis Hall
Phone: (828) 232-2409
Email: surain@unca.edu

Emily Herzog

Administrative Assistant

Office: 205 Zeis Hall
Email: eherzog@unca.edu

Legal Studies Careers & Outcomes

A minor in legal studies can broaden career opportunities in various fields. While students demonstrate a wide range of highly transferable skills, the program is particularly beneficial for careers in public policy, government, law enforcement, advocacy, human resources, and business — industries that highly value the knowledge of legal principles and regulations.

Many of our students also pursue graduate study in law, business, or other fields at local and national institutions.

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Explore the Intersection of Law and Society in UNC Asheville’s Legal Studies Minor

The interdisciplinary approach of the minor in legal studies program equips you with a comprehensive understanding of legal theory, ethics, and practices and prepares you to navigate the challenges of the modern legal landscape. 

Whether you aspire to pursue a career in law, advocate for social change, or simply seek a more nuanced understanding of the legal world, UNC Asheville’s minor program offers a dynamic and enriching experience.

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Interdisciplinary Studies
Phone: 828.250.3955
Email: interdisciplinary@unca.edu