Legal Pathways: Investigating Law, Justice, and Public Service
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Program
Summary
How do laws shape society, protect individual rights, influence public policy, and address some of the most complex challenges facing our communities? This engaging course introduces students to the foundations of law, justice, government, and public service while exploring the academic pathways, fields of study, and career opportunities that prepare professionals to make an impact in the legal and civic spheres. Through the lens of UW–Madison's diverse academic offerings, students will gain insight into how legal systems function and how professionals use the law to solve problems, advocate for change, and serve the public. Designed as an introduction to legal studies, this course combines career exploration with hands-on learning to help students understand the role of law in everyday life. Through case studies, mock trials, debates, simulations, legal research activities, and discussions of landmark legal cases, students will examine the principles that underpin the American legal system, including constitutional law, civil rights, criminal justice, public policy, ethics, and the rule of law. Students will analyze how laws are created, interpreted, and applied while developing critical thinking, communication, argumentation, and problem-solving skills. As students explore legal pathways at UW–Madison, they will gain exposure to a wide range of undergraduate fields of study that can lead to careers in law, government, and public service. These may include Political Science, Legal Studies, History, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Communication Arts, International Studies, Public Policy, Journalism, Philosophy, and related disciplines. Students will learn how these academic fields contribute to legal education and develop the analytical, research, and communication skills valued in the legal profession. Throughout the course, students will investigate the broad range of careers connected to law and public service, including attorneys, judges, legislators, policy analysts, lobbyists, mediators, compliance officers, public administrators, government officials, law enforcement professionals, and nonprofit advocates. By connecting legal theory to real-world applications and contemporary issues, students will gain a deeper understanding of the many ways legal professionals influence society and advance justice. By the end of the course, students will have developed a strong foundation in legal studies, gained exposure to UW–Madison academic pathways and law-related careers, and acquired practical experience applying legal reasoning and analysis to real-world questions. Whether interested in law school, government, public service, policy, advocacy, or civic leadership, students will leave with a clearer understanding of the educational and professional opportunities available within the world of law and justice.
Student profile
No prior background in legal studies is required. Students should be prepared to engage actively in discussions, debates, case-study analysis, legal simulations, mock trials, and collaborative activities while exploring how laws, institutions, and public servants address complex societal challenges. This course is well suited for students who are interested in learning how this subject connects to future educational and professional possibilities. Students will explore related fields of study, academic pathways, and career opportunities.
All students will need a laptop, tablet, or similar device to use for coursework in this class. We ask students to bring their own device or request to use one of the program's devices.
Important dates
Application deadlines
Application opens: Jan. 12, 2027
Deadline: Apply by May 1, 2027
Tuition deadlines
The first half of tuition is due by May 15. The second half of tuition is due by June 1.
